Keen to build a Zoroastrian shrine on a plot of land offered free of cost by the Vedanta Society of Portland, the Oregon Zoroastrian Organization has initiated a fundraising effort. "Our target is $ 17,000 (Rs 14,19,958) and so far we have gathered $ 7,000 (Rs 5,84,688). If we get to $ 10,000 (Rs 8,35,269), we can buy the wood and start the construction until we get the rest of the money,” president Rebecca DesPrez informed Parsiana.
While the site for the Zoroastrian shrine has yet to be finalized, it will stand amidst 289 acres of the Vedanta Retreat enveloped by lush rainforest, ancient redwood trees and emerald hills, nestled approximately 40 minutes west of Portland. The Retreat primarily serves the members of the Vedanta Society of Portland, an affiliated branch of the Ramakrishna Order of India, as also those from many other spiritual traditions and communities. "The Retreat’s mission is to provide a peaceful environment to pray, meditate, or carry out personal practices that move one closer to God. It is a sanctified place made holy by the sincere intentions of hundreds of pilgrims. People from every continent have come to visit and typically have left more fulfilled,” states the website vedanta-portland.org.
Above: proposed Zoroastrian shrine at the Vedanta Retreat (top)
In addition to shrines dedicated to Swami Vivekananda and his mentor Sri Ramakrishna, the map and brief video of the rustic property show the locations of shrines dedicated to other faiths including Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, Islam, Baha’ism. Spartan and shorn of any ornate embellishments, a varied juxtaposition of stone slabs and wooden beams serve as a canopied enclosure for the shrines of different religious denominations.. Some bear an image of the prophet or an icon or message to represent the faith. Amidst the verdant flora and avians at the Retreat are located the Peace Point, Unity Point, Truth Point and pathways named Jesus Way, Jehovah Way, Brahman Way…
"Yet, noticeably absent is a shrine dedicated to the ancient Zoroastrian faith. To address this gap, OZO…aims to provide representation for one of the world’s oldest religions. Volunteers will spearhead the design and construction of the shrine which will be crafted from durable cedar wood ensuring longevity. Esoteric symbolism central to the Zoroastrian religion will be intricately incorporated into the shrine’s design. Funds generated from this fundraising campaign will be allocated solely for the purchase of wood, equipment rental and fuel expenses. We need tractors and equipment to clear up the space and build the cement foundation for the shrine,” specified DesPrez. Further, OZO being located in Eugene which is 130 miles south of the Vedanta Retreat, the structure constructed by volunteers at the DesPrez wood shop will need to be transported by truck to the site. "If we can’t receive enough funding, our shrine will be a very small one and we will be given a small area to build it,” clarified DesPrez in response to queries from Parsiana. She is hoping though to inaugurate it with a jashan by inviting some priests from the North American Mobeds Council and performing the sudreh-pooshi of her husband Louis DesPrez.
The maintenance of the Zoroastrian shrine will be undertaken by the Vedanta Society that has declared their eco-friendly campus a noise free zone where vehicles, smoking, intoxicants are prohibited as are open flames, incense and candles. "Please take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footsteps,” states the Vedanta Society website.
When OZO joined the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of Northern America (FEZANA) as a corresponding member in 2021 they had five members. Currently their strength has risen to an "estimated 20.” In the last four years they have been active with the Oregon Interfaith Hub based in Eugene where DesPrez was a board member. "We had a table in the Pride Month in Eugene promoting Zarathushtra’s concepts of acceptance and freedom. We have taken part in various talks promoting the Zoroastrian faith. We had talks with Unitarian Universalist members, Osher Institute and we will have upcoming events with the Vedanta Retreat to promote and educate the public about the message of the Gathas. We have monthly Zoom meetings to educate and teach about Zoroastrianism,” added the president. The association geographically closest to them is the Zoroastrian Society of Washington State, although OZO has been working closely with the California Zoroastrian Center based in Los Angeles around 850 miles away, as DesPrez serves on their public relations committee and attends their monthly meetings.
Appealing to the global community to donate to their GoFundMe campaign at https://gofund.me/9db6918c or mail them a check at 760 A St. Unit 377, Springfield, Oregon 97477 or contact them for further enquiries at oregonzoroastrian@gmail.com, the OZO request states, "Your contribution, no matter the amount, will be deeply appreciated. We understand that you may have reservations about contributing, especially if you anticipate being unable to visit the shrine. However, we urge you to consider the timeless wisdom of Asho Zarathushtra: ‘Happiness comes to the person who gives happiness to others.’”