Great Importance of the DOG in Zoroastrianism

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The Great Importance of the DOG in Zoroastrianism

 

by Mrs. Pervin J. Mistry

 

Dogs are given utmost importance in our religion. Sarosh Yasht

Hadokht (karda 7), mentions " Pashush-harun " dog and reveals that just

as this " dog " protects the other innocent, good creatures of Spenta

Mainyu, Sarosh Yazata, similarly, protects us. Here, " dog " is

compared to Sarosh Yazata! This " dog " therefore, is not just a dog in

animal form, but its name " Pashush-harun " indicates that it is a

mystic reference to " pasu " (life-atoms, seeds of consciousness); and

" harun " or " haurva " indicates perfection and union with the Divine.

This " dog " , therefore, leads one to Sarosh Yazata who is Manthra

Incarnate, Keeper of the Mysteries, Protector of Souls in Both the

Worlds!

 

Again, in the Vendidad, several references are given related to

" dogs " in Fargard 5, specifically in Fargards 13 and 14. Various

different kinds of " dogs " are described. Fargard 13.9 even declares

that a soul cannot pass the Chinvat Bridge and go to heaven without

passing the " dog " who guards the Gates of Heaven! This indicates that

there is an astronomical reference also connected to " dogs " . For

example, in astronomy, various " animals " refer to constellations,

etc. Sirius is the " Dog Star " and in mythology, it guards the gates

to heaven. In Greek mythology too, " dog " Cerberes is the guardian of

heaven. Another point to note is that Sarosh Yazata is also the

Chieftain who is charge of heaven. We turn over the protection of the

soul in the other world under the care of Sarosh Yazata! Hence, what

is stated in Hadokht Yasht, is echoed in this Fargard of Vendidad.

Further, it is stated that when a dog barks during the Ushahin gah,

evil is destroyed. Once again, there is a parallel with Sarosh

Yazata. Sarosh Yazata is the protector at night; dog protects at

night too. Mystically, darkness is spiritual ignorance. Sarosh is the

Voice of Conscience; the Seat of Divinity, in the human constitution.

A dog's bark is likened to the " naad " or sound of Sarosh Yazata who

protects us from evil (mostly arising out of ignorance or spiritual

darkness)!

 

The entire Fargard 13 is dedicated to " dogs " . This also lends support

to the 19th chapter of Bundahis, where again, animals, and dogs in

particular, are mentioned. Vendidad also mentions in particular the

shepherd's dog, water dog, guard dog, etc. and admonishes that grave

consequences befall those who kill dogs. Meaning, besides killing a

creature of the good creation of Ahura Mazda, those who kill " dogs " ,

kill their conscience and spirituality!

 

During the funeral ceremony, dog is brought in to view the corpse.

This is called the ritual of " sagdid " . It has many purposes. The dog

is able to detect suspended animation. If a person is not really

dead, but in coma, the dog detects this. The dog is also able to kill

the druj-e nashush or microbes, etc. generated by the decomposition

taking place within the corpse. This, the dog is able to accomplish

because of the fact that its eyes give out certain magnetic currents

(we all discharge magnetic currents through eyes, finger tips, head),

that are so powerful, they destroy the harmful microbes from the

surrounding area. Yet, another reason to let a dog view the corpse is

because the soul is given in the protection of Sarosh Yazata and

" dog " is this Yazata's Earthly Representative! It allegorically shows

the road to the other world, through the Chinvat, to the departed

soul.

 

Sincerely,

 

Pervin J. Mistry.

 

 

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Friends of dogs

http://www.friendsofdogs.net

Dogs brighten our life with their gift of love. It is our turn to

help our dogs. Please help organisations who are fighting to get dogs

out of the food chain.

 

http://www.koreananimals.org/

http://www.animalsasia.org/

http://www.linisgobyerno.org/special_projects.htm

 

 

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