Is it true that Zoroastrian priests have a very good memory? (6-10-19)

1. It has been traditionally believed that Zoroastrian priests, and especially children from Zoroastrian priestly families, have a good memory. This is generally true, though there are some exceptions to this general tradition.

2. The good memory of children from Zoroastrian priest’s family is partly on account of heredity and partly on account of constant memorisation of Avestan texts right since a very young age.

3. It is scientifically proven that memorisation is a mental exercise which greatly enhances the powers of the brain. It has been attested by Neuroscience that regular memorizing helps keep the brain active and agile. Recently, neuroscientist James Hartzell, studied 21 professionally qualified Sanskrit scholars who had memorised Sanskrit texts. He discovered that memorising Vedic mantras increased the size of brain regions associated with cognitive functions, including short and long-term memory. This finding corroborates with the Zoroastrian tradition that memorising and reciting sacred mantras enhances memory and mental powers.

4. Dr Hartzell’s recent study raises the question whether this kind of memorisation of ancient texts could be helpful in reducing the devastating illness of Alzheimer’s and other memory affecting diseases. Apparently, Ayurvedic doctors from India suggest that this may be possible. Future studies are expected to throw more light on this.

5. In modern times on the one hand we are flooded with information, and on the other hand the attention spans are shrinking. At such times, practices of memorisation have a potential to rectify the present day problems related to attention deficit disorders. Even introducing small amounts of memorisation and chanting into the daily routine are proven to have an amazing effect on the brains of people from all ages.

1. There is a tradition in Zoroastrian religion to recite a particular number of Yatha ahu vairyo and Ashem vohu instead of certain prayers in exceptional circumstances. This option is has to be availed of only by those who are not able to read and write or when there is no way to read the prayers, for instance when one does not have the prayer book or if there is no light to read the prayers.

2. This option is for rare occasions and should not be utilised as a regular substitute for reciting prayers. The following are the numbers of Yatha ahu vairyo and Ashem vohu to be recited in place of certain prayers:

Khorshed Nyāsh – 103 Yatha ahu vairyo

Meher Nyash – 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Māh Bakhtār Nyāsh – 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Āvān Ardvisur Nyāsh – 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Ātash Nyāsh – 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Any of the 5 large Geh prayer– 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Hormazd Yasht – 103 Yatha ahu vairyo and 12 Ashem vohu

Ardibahesht Yasht – 65 Yatha ahu vairyo

Sarosh Yasht Hadokht- 75 Yatha ahu vairyo

Sarosh Yasht Vadi- 103 Yatha ahu vairyo

Patet Pashemāni – 121 Yatha ahu vairyo and 12 Ashem vohu

Āfringan- 121 Yatha ahu vairyo and 12 Ashem vohu