Parsis, yoga and pranayama

Zoroastrian yoga – part 3 – the Padyab ritual

Roj Sarosh Mah Bahman, 1379 Yz.

The Kusti ritual begins with the ceremony of ‘Padyab’, literally, ‘putting water over’, that is, purifying the exposed parts of the body will pure well water. How is this done in the right manner? Take a copper Karasya filled with well water in the left hand. Praying “Khshnaothra Ahurahe Mazdao, Ashem Vohu 1” first gaze into the Karasya, making sure the eyes make visual contact with the water in the Karasya. Then wash the right hand first, from the elbow joint to the tip of the fingers, followed by the left hand in the same way (while washing the left hand, the Karasya would be held in the right hand). Then, taking some of the water in the cup of the hand and passing it into the mouth, the oral cavity should be cleaned by gargling three times, taking care not to swallow any water. Thereafter, clean the whole face, taking care to wipe the nape of the neck and the back of the ears. Next, wash the exposed feet (right first, followed by left) from the ankle to the toes in a downward motion, taking care to clean both the top as well as the sole of the feet. Finally wash the hand used to wash the feet. [Note: The sequence given above is for a male. For females, the order is always left first, followed by right.]

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July 1, 2010

Parsis, yoga and pranayama / What is prayer / Zarathushtrian facts / Zarathushtrian Yoga

An introduction to Zoroastrian Yoga – part 1

Roj Tir Mah Adar, 1379 Yz.

The earlier post on Parsis, yogic exercises, and pranayam introduced readers to the Zoroastrian concept of Dum, or spiritual breath and the divine truth that the number of a person’s breathes are predetermined in nature. It was shown that any attempt to elongate, prolong or extend the individual breath cycle causes spiritual regression for the Zoroastrian soul. This was one of the main reasons for the prohibition of pranayama or breath control or elongation which forms an intrinsic part of Hath yoga. The earlier article also introduced to readers the very important concept of Ushtan, or life breath. Every person draws in, along with the oxygen vital to his or her existence, a part of the breath of the Prophet of their respective religion. This Ushtan is what causes the ultra-physical and divine parts of his body to live and perform their necessary functions. The ceremony to connect the breath of a Zoroastrian to the breath of his Prophet Zarathushtra is the Navjote. The practice of pranayam or the chanting of mantras of religions other than his own causes lack of faith in a Zoroastrian and results in severe spiritual regression of the soul. It was clarified that the practice of doing yogic asanas for health or therapeutic purposes was allowed as long as it was not accompanied by the chanting of any alien mantra or words.

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April 28, 2010

Parsis, yoga and pranayama / Zarathushtrian facts

Parsis, yoga and pranayama

Roj Marespand Mah Meher, 1379 Yz.

Today’s fast paced and chemical-laden life has brought, in addition to the comforts and conveniences of the modern age, new and varied illnesses and disorders that plague most of us. Physical wellness and being fit is high up on most persons’ wish list. This desire for wellness and a disease free existence has spawned a large industry which thrives on people’s insecurities and is the main reason for the introduction of a number of methods and fads which aim to bring wellness and balance in the modern person’s hectic life, for a price of course.

While embracing holistic practices like Ayurveda and Yoga for maintaining physical wellness is undoubtedly beneficial, it’s important to acknowledge that there may still be instances where immediate medical attention is required. In such cases, having accessible and reliable urgent care centers becomes crucial. For instance, in the bustling neighborhood of Jackson Heights in NYC, individuals can rely on the dedicated services provided by urgent care Glenn Oaks, Queens. These centers understand the need for prompt medical care and offer a range of services to address various health concerns efficiently. By combining the wisdom of ancient sciences like Ayurveda and Yoga with the convenience and expertise of modern urgent care facilities, individuals can find a balanced approach to their overall well-being. So, whether it’s embracing holistic practices or seeking urgent care on 37th Ave in Jackson Heights, NYC, individuals have a range of options to cater to their diverse health needs.

Doctors advise that a daily regimen of some form of exercise or aerobic activity should be an integral part of our life. Keeping in mind the negative effects of modern medicine, the ancient science of Ayurveda, along with its adjunct Yoga, has enjoyed a surge and revival. Several Yoga Acharyas have received worldwide fame and respect for their ability to use this ancient science to cure our modern day illnesses. Even in the western world, Yoga is a hot item and numerous institutes and centres have sprung up to take advantage of this growing interest.

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March 15, 2010