Yatha

[otw_shortcode_info_box border_style=”bordered” css_class=”boxed”]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.[/otw_shortcode_info_box]

At some point in history, Alexander (definitely not great) pillaged the great libraries of Persepolis and destroyed the invaluable texts contained therein. In that rampage of drunken rage, he managed to destroy the 21 Holy Nasks. The Nasks were irreplaceable books of ancient wisdom and knowledge that transcended time, space and energy. They were the foundation of our profound faith and perhaps this loss was the single biggest, most defining loss for us.

However, the Ahunavar Prayer, commonly known as the ‘Yatha Ahu Vairyo’, is the saving grace in this historic tragedy. Each word of the ‘Yatha’ comprises the names of the 21 Nasks. Hence in this very common prayer, which is perhaps the first prayer we learn as children, we find the essence of the 21 Nasks (our vibrant ancient texts).

Such is the grace of the ‘Yatha’, that a set number, when recited, can be a substitute for the more lengthy prayers like the Yashts and the Nyaishs. However, to experience the divine magic of the ‘Yatha’, I strongly recommend that you imbibe its essence. What I mean to say is that when you are travelling or just waiting in line for a bus / train, or basically in a situation where you are not actively involved in doing anything, use this time to pray the ‘Yatha’. Pray it aloud, pray it mentally, mutter it under your breath, do it any whichever way you can!

When you adopt this practice, you will find the ‘Yatha’ becoming a part of your breath. You will start healing, you will progress in your work, people’s attitude towards you will change.

It is common knowledge that to acquire / change any habit, a gestation period of 21 days is required. Give the Yatha 21 days of your life, it will transform your destiny!