Readers' Forum
The world beyond
Beyond this physical world with all its pleasures there is another mysterious cosmic spiritual world. We refer in our prayers to getiaan, minoan and tani ravani, the physical and spiritual worlds. There is ravani element referring to our soul, which is urvan in Avesta.
There are nine bodies in all, three of which are physical and six spiritual. The latter are not visible but play a most vital and vibrant part in our lives.
In the profile of the farohar, these nine bodies are represented on both wings. The farohar is not merely an ornament but serves as an amulet, giving spiritual protection and inspiration to lead a Zoroastrian life. In the center is the ninth body, the fravashi, the divine spark of Ahura, which guides the soul.
The three physical bodies are tanu, skeleton with flesh, gatha, inner vital organs and arhad, intelligence network connected with the brain, spinal cord and veins. These three bodies can be treated by doctors when the need arises. The six invisible bodies, which exert a spiritual influence, have a vital effect on the physical bodies. Kaherp, our life (praan) in the form of chhaya (shadow), floats over the dead body during the geh sarna ceremony. There is a reference to the sun as kaherpam dadar, luminous representation of Ahura. Tevishi is our worldly sentiments with higher aspirations. Ushtana is inner joy of soul and spiritual fervor. Bahudhang is intellectual faculty and wisdom. Urvan-atma (soul) is our spiritual guide. Fravashi is the spark of Ahura within us. We are never alone. Inspiration for progress is driven by urvan.
Our body is likened to a holy shrine with divinity dwelling inside. It is our duty to take proper care and keep our body spotlessly clean, strong, healthy, fit and active in His service, with firm faith in Ahura Mazda.
The progress of these nine bodies towards the higher planes of heaven starts on the fourth day after death, the chahrum, under the protection of Srosh. Today, in Kalyug (age of evil), the soul is often neglected and we value worldly pleasures more. We find ourselves dejected and that often leads to depression. Srosh affords shelter during the last journey. During the Srosh nu patru ceremony, offerings are given with an appeal to Srosh Yazad to protect the soul.
There is an assurance of ahunim for the protection of bodies when we pray Ahunim vairim tanum paity. Our future generations require moral instruction from an early age so that they may practice the Gathic ethics gradually, and find the courage to face challenges with righteous behavior.
Mental prayers are very effective. Caring for others, dedication and determination are the main platforms of a righteous life. We have to drive out Ahriman to please Ahura Mazda. In the present times it is difficult to follow the tarikats, so we have to pay more attention to shriyat, the moral life.
Spiritual solace comes from the world beyond and hence one should know the mysticism in our faith. May cosmic favors help us to lead an ideal life!
NOSHIR DABOO
Ahmedabad
(Noshir Daboo died on July 5, 2013 at the age of 92. Parsiana and its readers will miss his spirited letters.)
There are nine bodies in all, three of which are physical and six spiritual. The latter are not visible but play a most vital and vibrant part in our lives.
In the profile of the farohar, these nine bodies are represented on both wings. The farohar is not merely an ornament but serves as an amulet, giving spiritual protection and inspiration to lead a Zoroastrian life. In the center is the ninth body, the fravashi, the divine spark of Ahura, which guides the soul.
The three physical bodies are tanu, skeleton with flesh, gatha, inner vital organs and arhad, intelligence network connected with the brain, spinal cord and veins. These three bodies can be treated by doctors when the need arises. The six invisible bodies, which exert a spiritual influence, have a vital effect on the physical bodies. Kaherp, our life (praan) in the form of chhaya (shadow), floats over the dead body during the geh sarna ceremony. There is a reference to the sun as kaherpam dadar, luminous representation of Ahura. Tevishi is our worldly sentiments with higher aspirations. Ushtana is inner joy of soul and spiritual fervor. Bahudhang is intellectual faculty and wisdom. Urvan-atma (soul) is our spiritual guide. Fravashi is the spark of Ahura within us. We are never alone. Inspiration for progress is driven by urvan.
Our body is likened to a holy shrine with divinity dwelling inside. It is our duty to take proper care and keep our body spotlessly clean, strong, healthy, fit and active in His service, with firm faith in Ahura Mazda.
The progress of these nine bodies towards the higher planes of heaven starts on the fourth day after death, the chahrum, under the protection of Srosh. Today, in Kalyug (age of evil), the soul is often neglected and we value worldly pleasures more. We find ourselves dejected and that often leads to depression. Srosh affords shelter during the last journey. During the Srosh nu patru ceremony, offerings are given with an appeal to Srosh Yazad to protect the soul.
There is an assurance of ahunim for the protection of bodies when we pray Ahunim vairim tanum paity. Our future generations require moral instruction from an early age so that they may practice the Gathic ethics gradually, and find the courage to face challenges with righteous behavior.
Mental prayers are very effective. Caring for others, dedication and determination are the main platforms of a righteous life. We have to drive out Ahriman to please Ahura Mazda. In the present times it is difficult to follow the tarikats, so we have to pay more attention to shriyat, the moral life.
Spiritual solace comes from the world beyond and hence one should know the mysticism in our faith. May cosmic favors help us to lead an ideal life!
NOSHIR DABOO
Ahmedabad
(Noshir Daboo died on July 5, 2013 at the age of 92. Parsiana and its readers will miss his spirited letters.)
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