Topic of the Month - July & August 2008

[Admin]

Can Zoroastrianism survive the modern world?

Fashion is a good example to consider. Today, the sudreh is being modified so that it may better "fit" underneath our every day clothes. Does it really consist of all correct nine parts? Similarly, some kustis are much more thin so that they are less visible under our clothes. Are these kustis actually made with 72 threads of lamb's wool? These are merely two examples.

As Zarthushtis, what are our responsibilities? Is it possible to stay true to our religion and keep up with change?

[Nasha]

Sudreh and kusti are meant to be a part of our life, but every now and then, if we bend the rules, I do not think that makes us horrible as people. We are still fulfilling our duties, and practicing good thoughts, good words and good deeds. That is our responsibility.

The community does not condemn someone for not wearing sudreh-kusti, as that does not make them any less Zoroastrian. However, it is recommened to wear it to identify with Zoroastrianism and to be closer with God.

[manubanu]

I'm not going to say ppl who take it off so they can wear their backless dress are going to the hot place downstairs...
but I think a lot of people just don't bother at all to try to integrate their religious wear with their fashion wear.

Most girls when dressing up, decide on the outfit first and then whether or not to wear the S&K with it.
Others it's the opposite, their S&K will determine if they even buy the top.

Regardless, there are several ways to "cover up" all signs that you might be <gasp!> wearing something underneath.

btw Nasha, there are many who'd say that S&K is actually a very big part of practicing Zoroastrianism and are important tools in the fight against evil.
.
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[Jimmy]

In terms of S+K you already know how i feel from my post in that thread Its definitely a required part of a Zoroastrians life.

More on the topic at hand. Zoroastrians can adapt and change with the times as long as the fundamental rules of the religion are not broken. We cant disregard these rules because then our religion becomes a philosophy.

For example: we arent supposed to have electricity, but who can go a day without that? But at the same time in our atash behrams and some agyaris they uphold this rule. So where it matters the most the rules are upheld and thats ok.

We cant use nirang to wash our hands after going to the toilet, nor can we use it to bathe which is what we are supposed to do. Today modern soap substitutes for this function and we are clean. Again its ok for our daily lives but when it comes to religious ceremonies the Nirang is kept (where available) because it too has its intrinsic religious properties.

We are supposed to pray 5 times a day but we squeak by with 2 times or even once.

etc etc etc. if Z's did their best best to follow the rules without disregarding them completely for arbitrary reasons and I think we would be in a much better place. Sure you cant follow everything to the T, but at least put fourth the effort to try! (not directed to anyone... unless they arent trying )

[Nasha]

Is Nirang from a bull's urine?
How come when I had my navjote done, I never had to drink it? Is it not required?

[manubanu]

No fair!! I had to! Nasha we're going to a cattle farm and settle this...

Thought it was from a white cow.

[Senorita]

Originally Posted by Nasha

Is Nirang from a bull's urine?
How come when I had my navjote done, I never had to drink it? Is it not required?

Nirang is urine from a bull/cow that has been subjected to various prayers and rituals to purify it before it is classified as "nirang".
You definitely have to drink it. It's part of the cleansing ritual of the navjote ceremony. Are you sure you're not just supressing that memory?

[Roopkirani]

Originally Posted by Nasha

Is Nirang from a bull's urine?
How come when I had my navjote done, I never had to drink it? Is it not required?

It's a little more complicated than the question of it being required or not. Where in North America are you likely to find actual nirang?

[Nasha]

Originally Posted by Roopkirani

It's a little more complicated than the question of it being required or not. Where in North America are you likely to find actual nirang?

Sharon, yeah. That's true.

Shanaeya, I was raised since I was two in Atlanta, Georgia. I am 100% sure I never drank anything like that. Neither did my elder brother or elder sister.

What does it taste like?

[Bennie]

Originally Posted by Senorita

Nirang is urine from a bull/cow that has been subjected to various prayers and rituals to purify it before it is classified as "nirang".
You definitely have to drink it. It's part of the cleansing ritual of the navjote ceremony. Are you sure you're not just supressing that memory?

Not to make the procedure sound more complicated, but I thought it was from a white bull...

[Jimmy]

Taro is the 'raw' form of bull urine which can only be taken from a special unblemished pure white bull. This bull is called a Varasya or Varasyaji. Even his tounge has to be checked and found to be completely pink, there cant be even one black hair on his body. Taro is then consecrated in the very elaborate nirangdin ceremony to produce Nirang. It is clinically proven against a control from a farm that nirang compared with standard bull urine is bacteria free whereas the bull urine from the control bull without the nirangdin ceremony was teaming with bacteria after the same amount of time.

Because the nirangdin is so elaborate and ceritan religious facilities are needed for this ceremony obtaining Nirang in anywhere thats not india is close to impossible. Therefore orange juice or something similar is substituted in for the nirang.

[Nasha]

Originally Posted by Jimmy

Because the nirangdin is so elaborate and ceritan religious facilities are needed for this ceremony obtaining Nirang in anywhere thats not india is close to impossible. Therefore orange juice or something similar is substituted in for the nirang.

I believe I had some type of holy water or milk.

[Jazzi]

Originally Posted by Nasha

Is Nirang from a bull's urine?
How come when I had my navjote done, I never had to drink it? Is it not required?

make sure u dont miss the opportunity to drink at at ure wedding then ....im not sure if its even a requirement to drink it at weddings??

[Jimmy]

it is a requirement where available for weddings and navjotes!

[Bennie]

Originally Posted by Jimmy

Because the nirangdin is so elaborate and ceritan religious facilities are needed for this ceremony obtaining Nirang in anywhere thats not india is close to impossible. Therefore orange juice or something similar is substituted in for the nirang.

Paakzaad had orange juice for his wedding in Canada. We are nirang at our navjote ceremony in India.

[Jazzi]

cant someone just send/bring it with them from india when they come for the special occasion?

[Jimmy]

I dont know if customs would allow it :P ..i wonder if it has been done before.

[Jazzi]

i dont think customs would be an issue with the amount of stuff my family just brought back from india :P...obviously u wouldnt be able to carry it in hand luggage though

[Jimmy]

hahaha you made it sound like you were smuggling drugz :P

[Jazzi]

now now jimmy, only u would think such things :P