So many of us lead busy lives. We end up having no time on our hands for most mundane tasks. But there are some things which we all do everyday, without fail. We brush our teeth, bathe and eat meals; at least this much we do daily, even if we have slept at 2:00 am and woken up at 5:00 am! I wish to add to these basic essentials, just one more vital basic essential – Prayer.

We look after our body with food and exercise; nurture our relationships with love and care; keep our minds charged and fresh with good viewing and reading… then why do we ignore the needs of our soul? Prayers are food for the soul – as vital as the air we breathe. Also, why is prayer only done when we tie the kusti or recite it from the Khordeh Avesta? Why can’t we incorporate the presence of Ahura in our lives at all times… after all, He is omnipresent and hence He is everywhere and in everything!

When we wake up in the morning, if we recite just one Ashem Vohu as soon as our feet touch the ground, it is equivalent to the recitation of 10,000 Ashems! Did you know that? We simply need to inculcate mindfulness and introduce a bit of tweaking in our habits… When we leave or enter our house, enter our place of work, get into our car or on our bike or in any vehicle – bus, taxi or train, etc., we could recite just one Yatha. This vibration will carry forth into everything in our sphere of influence. When you open a book to study, enter a classroom, start writing something or even look at your phone first thing in the morning, do it with a Yatha. The day and its reality will change for you!

However, there are some prayers that are considered as basic and necessary for our daily worship – you could take it as a goal you set for yourself as not many follow the same, as under:

1. Kusti
2. Sarosh Baaj
3. Relevant Gah
4. Khorshed Nyaish
5. Meher Nyaish
6. Vispa Humata
7. Char Disa No Namaskar
8. Hormazd Yasht

Alternatively, the bare minimum daily prayers which we must try to pray, include the following:

1. Kusti
2. 101 names
3. Sarosh Baaj
4. Relevant Geh
5. Tandorasti

Even though the bare minimum may sound like a tall order in today’s day and age, I urge you to make a beginning – no matter how small. The longest and most arduous journey begins with a single step. Take the first step to nourishing your soul!