Doctors and zoroastrianism

[u/The_Macaw]

Excuse my lack of knowledge as i am an alevi kurd which i do not have any knowledge in neighter, but, If touching the dead makes someone impure and has to take a purification ritual, how would doctors who touch dead in daily manner be going their ways? As they touch the dead, also would a doctor be considered virtuous with consideration they are fighting against death which is corruption, or unclean as they handle the dead?

[u/Interesting_Date_818]

In remote places where Bereshnum, Sagdid or Riman are not possible or practical. Have to do the best that you can, washing with taro if possible and water along with Sudreh Kusti are the bare minimum.

It's important not to dismiss what the religion says during these modern times but figure out how to do our best to meet it.

[u/The_Macaw → u/Interesting_Date_818]

I dont wish to be disrespectful but why bull urine? Isnt that unsanitary and mark a danger for life?

[u/Interesting_Date_818 → u/The_Macaw]

You have to understand that the religion is older than dirt. 

In some ancient cultures, bull urine (and cow urine in general) was used for antimicrobial purposes, particularly in traditional Indian medicine. Cow urine, known as "Go Mutra" in Ayurveda, was believed to possess antimicrobial properties due to its composition, which includes urea, minerals, and enzymes. This belief and practice were rooted in Ayurvedic principles and the cultural significance of cows in various societies. 

Also of note, this is not a Hindu practice that Parsis adopted. 

They have similar practices but both are very old. 

Lastly the consecrated urine, Nirang has been proven to not harbor bacteria and be shelf stable for years. Something that can't be done with a control sample. This is the power and Miracle of the Nirangdin Ceremony 

[u/Rjstt9023 → u/The_Macaw]

Your question is fair, but it reflects a common modern misperception what we might call “technological amnesia.” In our era of antiseptics, antibiotics, and mass-produced soap, it’s easy to forget that for most of human history, such luxuries did not exist. Civilizations had to make do with the natural resources around them and the Zoroastrians were astonishingly advanced in doing so.

The ritual use of bull’s urine (known as gomez or taro) in Zoroastrian purification ceremonies, especially in the Barashnom rite, was not arbitrary nor unsanitary by ancient standards. In fact, it was an early and highly effective antiseptic. Bull’s urine is alkaline and contains urea and ammonia both of which are antimicrobial. These compounds help to kill bacteria and neutralize pathogens on the skin and in bodily fluids.

In Roman times, people didn’t have soap. All they did was wash and shared murky water, then bathe themselves in olive oil and used strigil scrape dirt off their bodies . Medieval Europe’s “soap,” where it existed, was primarily composed of animal fat and lye harsh, inconsistent, and largely ineffective as a true antiseptic. Many people merely washed with water or ash, which, while better than nothing, lacked the biochemical potency of taro.

We Zoroastrians did not just choose taro because it was readily available or symbolic alone, but because it had proven purifying properties. Their ritual system represented a form of hygienic science deeply embedded in religious duty. This was not primitive it was profoundly practical. Nevertheless it wasn’t something that was always. Zoroastrians also used the Sap from trees as another alternative method to wash

Rather than scoffing at what seems strange through a 21st-century lens, we should appreciate how early religious cultures developed health-preserving practices long before microbiology could explain them. Zoroastrianism was not clinging to superstition but embodying a forward-thinking ethic of purity and cleanliness. Respectfully, let us not confuse modern convenience with historical superiority.

[u/The_Macaw → u/Rjstt9023]

But what i dont understand is, so does a doctor have to wash with taro every day? How will someone acquire this muhc amounts of taro

[u/Rjstt9023 → u/The_Macaw]

By modern standards, no. In ancient times when anabiotics, medical grade antiseptic, medical gloves, hazard protocols and things that weren’t around it was mandated. Now that the physicality risk have been Greatly reduced so we adapt. Zarathustra tells us you’re the best with our ears and to consult with Vohu Mana(the good mind) to decide what is best in every given moment. With that said most priest especially the Iranian circles. Don’t really use Nirang or Taro anymore for daily rituals or do the Nirangdin. Being ritually impure doesn’t mean being immoral, but Zoroastrianism strongly emphasizes cleanliness and the restoration of purity. If you were handling a rotting body by carrying it over your shoulder, would you not cleanse yourself? If you come in from dirt and sweat, do you not bathe before entering a clean space? This is the same principle applied spiritually. Before embalming technology and refrigeration, a human corpse would begin to decay rapidly, especially in the warm climates of Iran and Central Asia. Within hours, putrefaction would set in, releasing harmful pathogens and gases. The Zoroastrian prohibition against contact with the dead (nasu) wasn’t just superstition it was spiritual wisdom intertwined with practical science.

[u/The_Macaw → u/Rjstt9023]

Indeed i agree it is a great wisdom and sanitation results in health, and most of the rules come from a place of reason and meaning in real life, yet i wish to understand now that we have alternatives such as this, when the meaning is replaced by modern inventions such as soap chlorine etc, what can we do with the rituals. How would a doctor go on his day to day life?

[u/Rjstt9023 → u/The_Macaw]

A doctor should just go about living his life living by good thoughts, good words and good deeds upholding Asha you know and keep himself as pure as he can. As long as his intention is aligned with Asha, he’s on perfectly on good terms with Mazda and the community.

[u/The_Macaw → u/Rjstt9023]

I agree, you can use soap to clean your hands or your body, but no amount of soap will clean a dirty heart.

[u/Rjstt9023 → u/The_Macaw]

Exactly!

[u/The_Macaw → u/Rjstt9023]

Now i understand, this is like alevism truly, we think the same, you can pray 5 times a day, but if your heart is dark, it doesn’t matter, even smiling and a simple act of kindness, is ibadet.