Diet and respiration in the Mazdaznan doctrine

Eat little, but properly and varied  vegetarian  food, but not for the sake of food – this is the principle of the Mazdaznan diet. The aim of the more austere food intake is to become a perfect human being. Simple  breathing exercises  are responsible for spiritual nourishment. Here you can find out what role breathing and nutrition play in the Mazdaznan teachings.

Nutrition is a creative process

“Man is not on earth to collect everything that forest, meadow, field or garden throw off in his stomach as in a kind of fodder store, nor to be a kind of churchyard or graveyard for dead animals. Rather, he can prove the power of spirit over matter here on earth.” Thus begins Chapter 1 of Mazdaznan Nutrition. Two aspects, namely animal foods and feasting itself, reject the followers of this doctrine.

Put simply, Mazdaznan (pronounced “Masdasnan”) is a philosophy of life based on  conscious breathing and nutrition  . The word itself means something like “the thought that masters everything”. In addition to proper nutrition, proper breathing plays a major role.

Conscious eating: less is more

Obesity and gluttony are taboo, self-control and moderate eating come first. Canned food and meat are rejected, but eggs and dairy products are allowed. Anyone who believes that Mazdaznan nutrition is monotonous and strict is mistaken: the very conscious way in which food is eaten also consciously brings variety to the menu. About two thirds of the food should consist of vegetables and one third of starch, fat and proteins.

The right combination is also crucial: two foods containing protein are unfavourable; fruit or vegetables with bread,  rice  or  yoghurt would be better . Vegetables should not be steamed with water, but with a little fat. Fasting in the morning is an advantage because of the rather strong digestion   , only  fruit juices  are allowed, as they still support digestion.

What the diet in the Mazdaznan teaching is supposed to do

It is said in the teachings that anyone who eats this way will sooner or later lose their excess weight and live healthier.

Proponents claim that Mazdaznan nutrition brings the best of nature to people and thus also increases their mental powers. Proper nutrition leads to the formation of higher potencies or forces in people, which develop expanded, higher thinking.

Proper Breathing in the Mazdaznan Teaching: Exercises

The following concentration or creativity exercise is carried out while inhaling:

• Relaxing all muscles, lift your chest up and hold it in this position.
• The tongue is   flat on the floor of the mouth and the tip of the tongue on the lower row of teeth, the eyes are directed to a point at eye level.
• Now breathe in fully until you can’t go any further, hold your breath for 20 to 30 seconds or more, then breathe out until your lungs are completely empty.
• Repeat this exercise three to five times, holding your breath longer each time.
• This exercise should never be done immediately after a meal.

 This exercise helps with discomfort and  circulatory weakness :

• All muscles are relaxed, tongue as when inhaling.
• Breathe out and empty your lungs until you can’t go any further.
• Hold your breath for 20 to 30 seconds or more, then breathe in again with a deep sob.
• Repeat this exercise three to five times.

Origin of the Mazdaznan doctrine

The Mazdaznan movement goes far back into the past: Namely to the ancient Iranian priest and prophet Zarathustra, who probably lived between 1,000 and 500 BC. lived in eastern Iran. He created Parismu – also called Mazdaism – a dualistic, highly ethical religious doctrine.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Otto Hanisch brought the Mazdaznan doctrine to the West. He had studied medicine in Iran and got to know the teachings of Zarathustra. In addition to conscious nutrition, proper inhaling and exhaling gives the body spiritual nourishment.