Padyab-Kusti -- The Sacred Cord Ritual

The rite, step by step

1. 1

   Padyab (Washing)

   Wash your hands, face, and exposed skin with clean water. This is not bathing but ritual purification -- purity (paki) is the foundation of all Zoroastrian practice. As you wash, say: 'I cleanse myself of all druj (the Lie). May Anahita's sacred waters purify my body as Asha purifies my soul.'

2. 2

   Untie the Old Knots

   If wearing a kusti, untie it. Hold it stretched before you. If using a symbolic cord, hold it the same way. This represents the undoing of yesterday's commitments -- you renew them fresh each time. Say: 'I untie what was bound. I release the old day. I prepare to bind myself anew to Asha.'

3. 3

   Kem Na Mazda (Who Is My Protector?)

   Face the light source. Recite the Kem Na Mazda prayer: 'Who is my protector but You, O Mazda, when the wicked one threatens me? Who but Your Fire and Your Mind? By whose actions has Asha (Truth) grown? Declare this knowledge to me! I recognize You, Mazda, as worthy of worship, as the source of all good. I reject Angra Mainyu (the Destructive Spirit) and all its works. I choose Asha. I choose Truth. I oppose the Lie.'

4. 4

   First Winding -- Humata (Good Thoughts)

   Wind the kusti (or cord) around your waist the first time. As you do, recite: 'Humata -- Good Thoughts. I bind myself to think rightly. I will hold thoughts that serve Asha, not thoughts that serve the Lie. My mind belongs to Vohu Manah (Good Mind).' Tie the first knot at the front.

5. 5

   Second Winding -- Hukhta (Good Words)

   Wind the kusti around your waist the second time. Recite: 'Hukhta -- Good Words. I bind myself to speak truth. I will speak words that heal, not words that harm. My tongue belongs to Asha.' Tie the second knot at the back.

6. 6

   Third Winding -- Hvarshta (Good Deeds)

   Wind the kusti around your waist the third time. Recite: 'Hvarshta -- Good Deeds. I bind myself to act righteously. I will do what is right, what is just, what relieves suffering. My hands belong to Ahura Mazda.' Tie the final knots (two at the front, two at the back).

7. 7

   The Jasa Me Avanghe Mazda (Closing)

   Bow toward the light. Say: 'Come to my help, O Ahura Mazda! I am a worshipper of Mazda, a follower of Zarathustra. I praise good thoughts, good words, good deeds. I praise the good Mazdayasnian religion, which overthrows conflict and causes weapons to be laid down. The religion of Asha, the greatest, the best, the most beautiful. Ashem Vohu -- Righteousness is good; it is the best.'

More rites of this path