Haoma

I agree with you, Rory!
And I disagree with Jafarey's sentiments. The fact that Zarathushtra does not mention something in The Gathas (which is after all not a sacred bookbut just a loose collection of fragments of Zarathushtra's poetry) does not mean that it is forbidden to us as Mazdayasna if it helps us dig deeper into the spiritual life.
After all, Zarathustra does not write about computers either...
And now there are many types of "haoma" for us to be free to use when we see fit.
Ushta
Alexander

2009/9/17 Rory



Dear Alexander,

To save you searching through the article, here is what he says:

"None of the texts in the Gathic dialect -- Yasna 11.17 to 13.3; 14.1&2; 27.13&14; the five Gathas and Haptanghaiti, Yenghe Hatam, Yasna 56, and 58 -- mention any of the objects and implements, liquid or solid, or the actions essentially required in performing rituals. This absolute lack of attention cannot be interpreted as accidental. Two terms, mada (intoxicant) and duraosha (death repeller), used for the haoma drink in the Younger Avesta, are found in a manner that shows complete rejection of the substance and as well as the cult connected to it. Haoma stands condemned in the Gathas (5.14 = 32.14, 13.10 = 48.10). The priests who performed these elaborate and intricate ceremonies are all called Karapans, murmurers and moaners. Had there been an exception and had he and his "house" belonged to a special priestly order, such as the reported "Âthravans", he would have mentioned it and would have praised them for their piety and purity. He knows no priests other than the Karapans."

I am very curious what members of this forum think of Haoma. I do enjoy my toots although I still try to adhere to what I was taught as a (former) Catholic, i.e. one should still be able to say one's night-time prayer (although my Irish/Romany/Manouche blood does get the better of me from time to time). I don't believe that alcohol is the only substance that can be used to one's benefit or of course abused, there are many more natural substances in nature that can help us relax, wake-up, sleep, think and so on. One of my sisters is a succesful homeopath, writing books on the subject and although I do find a lot of the ideas of homeopathy to be "quackery" (much to her dismay)I do agree with the homeopathic principles that everything we consume will affect us in one way or another and that our bodies are constantly rebuilding themselves (very Zoroastrian don't you think) and that what we consume can positively or negatively adjust that rebuilding as will as affect the current workings.

Ushta,

Rory

P.S. Where do I find these recipes?


--- In Ushta@yahoogroups.com, "Rory" wrote:
>
> Here is the link to Dr. Jafarey's article: http://www.zoroastrian.org/articles/Rituals%20in%20The%20Gathas.htm
> Ushta,
> Rory
>
> --- In Ushta@yahoogroups.com, "Rory" wrote:
> >
> > Dear Alexander,
> >
> > From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haoma I also read an article by Dr. Jaffarey wherein he says the use Haoma was condemned by Mr. Z in the Gathas and that it was a pre-Zoroastrian custom in Persia that was introduced by the Persians to Zoroastrian culture. I'll try and find the article link.
> >
> > Ushta,
> >
> > Rory
> >
> > --- In Ushta@yahoogroups.com, Alexander Bard wrote:
> > >
> > > There are thousands of recepies for haoma, some involving narcotics and some
> > > not.
> > > Haoma has been part of Zoroastrian rituals for thousands of years.
> > > What makes you think ephedrine should be a major ingredient? Interesting!
> > > Ushta
> > > Alexander
> > >
> > > 2009/9/17 Rory
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Dear Group,
> > > >
> > > > Please can someone explain exactly what Haoma is (ephedrine?) and why and
> > > > how it is used?
> > > >
> > > > Ushta,
> > > >
> > > > Rory