Young Zoroastrians
Just a few weeks ago, I was part of an expedition of young Zoroastrians, which travelled into the English countryside, looking for a different kind of holiday.
Our destination was the ASHA Centre, a place set against the rolling fields and quiet forests of Gloucestershire. Run by the noted human rights campaigner, Zerbanoo Gifford, along with a dedicated band of volunteers, ASHA promised a relaxing, yet thought-provoking haven from the stresses of daily life. It did not disappoint.
One of the most surprising aspects of our stay was the quality of the discussion groups on Zoroastrianism. Both Alex and Mark Gifford, Zarbanoo’s two sons, helped us to understand some of the academic viewpoints on how Zarthusthis has interacted with and influenced later faiths. At the same time, they also encouraged us to reflect on what makes our religion unique.
Alex and Adrian Locher, ASHA’s director, also took us through a drama and presentational workshop. Here we were introduced to voice-modulation and presentational techniques, which would help us to speak clearly and comfortably to an unfamiliar audience. Many people were fascinated by our introduction to the philosophy of the ‘four temperaments’, one of which is supposed to be dominant in each person. Through some very enjoyable role-play, we all learned a little more about our own personalities and those of our companions.
While at ASHA we were introduced to its beautiful grounds. The gardeners have developed a natural method of cultivation that requires almost no water. Instead, the bountiful harvest is attributed to a combination of natural fertilisers, coupled with an astrological calendar for planting. Apparently the technique has even worked well in climates where there is little rainfall. We were encouraged to wander the gardens collecting vegetable and fruit as a reminder of our trip. Aside from the gardens, there were also opportunities to explore the hidden paths of the forest and to take a dip in a natural spring used for centuries.
However, despite the unspoilt countryside, the accommodation was anything but rough. Each room was like a small cottage, with whitewashed walls and oak beams, but also modern facilities. Our stay included three delicious meals each day, made with fresh ingredients drawn from the garden.
ASHA aims to promote alliances between people of all faiths. Recently, it has hosted groups of Palestinian and Israeli youths. Under ASHA’s guidance these participants, who did not even speak the same language, quickly formed lasting friendships and were able to produce a play together. For my part, I felt that our time at ASHA encouraged me to interact with different people and not just with the people I knew already. In short, it actually seemed to be harder to stay silent, than to join in the fun.
My final thoughts on ASHA can be summed up by the question that seemed to be on everybody’s lips as we pulled out - ‘when are we going back’? Sooner, rather than later, I hope.
