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Ilm-e-Khshnoom - Traditional Zoroastrianism: Tenets of the Religion

Ilm-e-Khshnoom - Traditional Zoroastrianism: Tenets of the Religion

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to receive it, and more than he is capable <strong>of</strong> absorbing it. This is <strong>the</strong> law all Guru's and Ustads follow.<br />

Jehangir Chiniwalla proceeds:<br />

"Jehangir Vimadalal told Baheramshahji that we know that to put in writing this knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>Khshnoom</strong><br />

is a very huge task, and you Murabbi Saheb will have to undergo great exertions and give a lot <strong>of</strong> your<br />

time. Yet, we are eager to give our own humble contribution to help you in this task <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> service to <strong>the</strong><br />

Din and to take certain actions. We are prepared to provide you with <strong>the</strong> scholars and savants well versed<br />

in Avesta, Pahalvi, Pazend, Persian, Sanskrit, Gujerati, English, astrology, history, geography etc. etc.,<br />

and whatever o<strong>the</strong>r languages and subjects you may require, to help you in this heavy task. They will be<br />

<strong>of</strong> your choice and we are ready to bear all <strong>the</strong> expenses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project. Such scholars will sit with you<br />

and write out whatever <strong>Khshnoom</strong> you dictate. For that, we will arrange <strong>the</strong>m to be with you at your<br />

convenience. If you say that such scholars should be with you at night, we will arrange accordingly; if at<br />

daytime, whenever you say, <strong>the</strong>y will be at your service. We have girded our lions (Kamar kesali chae) to<br />

provide you whatever facilities you want. We are begging for Gyan Daan – alms <strong>of</strong> knowledge that you<br />

please leave such an au<strong>the</strong>ntic <strong>Khshnoom</strong> work behind you for <strong>the</strong> community."<br />

But no! There were all sings that <strong>the</strong> begging bowl would remain empty. All that Baheramshahji said was:<br />

"xj [kkgn [kksnk bYes{uweuks >jks ekjh<br />

g;krh ckn ogsrks jgs, vsoks laîsxks isnk<br />

iM;k fouk jgs'ks ufg vus rekjh ts<br />

mesn Ns rs ikj iM'ks.”<br />

"God willing <strong>the</strong> fountain <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ilm</strong>e Kshnoom will continue to flow after my existence (on earth); such<br />

circumstances will surely come up and your hope will come true."<br />

Jehangir Chiniwalla writes (ibid) that Vimadalal and Boyce continued to persuade Baheramshahji to agree<br />

to <strong>the</strong> project. They visited him for three continuous days. All throughout Jehangir Chiniwalla was present.<br />

During one visit, Vimadalal said with great hesitation, if you, sir, just agree to take up this task, we are ready,<br />

not as a price <strong>of</strong> such priceless work, but as a token <strong>of</strong> our gratification and appreciation, to place at your feet<br />

a gift <strong>of</strong> Rs.25000. Rs. 25000 in 1924! Equal to 2 crores <strong>of</strong> 2000! The two men must be desperate! It was<br />

Nuserwanji and his bro<strong>the</strong>r Rustomji Nanabhai Boyce who were willing to gift <strong>the</strong> princely amount and bear all<br />

<strong>the</strong> expenses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project!<br />

The loving refusal <strong>of</strong> Baheramshah did not budge. On <strong>the</strong> last day <strong>the</strong> two men expressed <strong>the</strong>ir sincere<br />

disappointment so intensely that Ustad saheb melted a little. He said to <strong>the</strong> effect that he had reasons to<br />

refuse <strong>the</strong> project but he would tell <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> next day certain secret, for <strong>the</strong> sake <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir mental<br />

appeasement. Nusserwanji Boyce spoke out "But sir we are going back tomorrow by <strong>the</strong> afternoon train."<br />

Baheramshahji said sure! sure! (Fra<strong>the</strong> Karo). (Was he relieved or what?) I will tell you about this later in<br />

Bombay. But Vimadalal, a tenacious solicitor that he was, said, no sir, no! we want go to Mumbai tomorrow.<br />

We will come here tomorrow and go to Mumbai after hearing from your auspicious mouth some good news.<br />

Baheramshahji went on saying that <strong>the</strong>y should return to Mumbai and he would tell <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong>re at length.<br />

But to Baheramshah's great surprise, on <strong>the</strong> next day <strong>the</strong> two were standing before him with smile on<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir faces and question in <strong>the</strong>ir eyes: "What is <strong>the</strong> secret, old man?" Baheramshah was moved at <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

sincerity and requested <strong>the</strong>m to accompany him to <strong>the</strong> inner room. Jehangir Chiniwalla was left behind<br />

guessing. The inner meeting went on for about 30 to 45 minutes.<br />

They came out. Jehangir Chiniwalla looked at <strong>the</strong>ir faces. They were serious, and seemed to have a<br />

feeling <strong>of</strong> great wonder too. There was almost no trace <strong>of</strong> happiness or joy. Whilst leaving, Vimadalal spoke<br />

some words to <strong>the</strong> effect that every thing <strong>of</strong> <strong>Khshnoom</strong> was wrapped in mysteries and secrets, and that <strong>the</strong>y<br />

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