The Mind and Prayer

Daisy P. Navdar is a teacher by profession and a firm believer in the efficacy of our Manthravani. She is focused on ensuring that the deep significance of our prayers is realized by our youth. She credits her learnings and insights, shared in her articles, to all Zoroastrian priests and scholars whose efforts have contributed towards providing light and wisdom for all Zarthostis.

 “So let me set free with the sword of my youth, from the castle of darkness, the power of the Truth” goes a hymn from my school Hymnal.

A very pretty young girl shared this with me. She had just spent her vacation on a school trip which took them to one of the leading centres for the practice of Yoga. She learnt breathing and meditation techniques at the centre. She mentioned that even though she attended an intensive course, she could not sustain the meditation for more than a few moments as it required intense focus. She said that her mind was constantly wandering.

I told her about the power of our prayers and she raised the question of focus and concentration while reciting our manthras. This prompted a stream of thought and here are my observations on this very vital query. There is no right or wrong frame of mind for doing our prayers.

When we recite our kusti, or a Nirang or pray the Sarosh Baaj, we must do it mindfully for as long as we can. However, it is not a pre-requisite for reciting our manthras. A kusti which is recited even while thinking of something else or a Sarosh Baaj recited in an agitated state of mind will still supply you with all the strength of its own vibration. It does not stand beggar to your focus and attention. The Manthra will still work! The mere act of chanting will create the necessary patterns in your mind and spirit which will alleviate suffering and bring you bliss.

So, in a world of instant gratification, here is another reason to say your daily prayers – they will work, instantly, irrespective of your attention. They are buoyant with their own ethereal light. Let us dispel our darkness with the power of this Truth!