What is Asha?
Asha is the basic cardinal virtue in Zoroastrianism. There is no exact English translation of the word and hence it is translated variously as “righteousness, truth, morality, rectitude.” The Vedic concept of rita and the Oriental concept of Tao are similar to the concept of Asha. Druj (lie) is the opponent of Asha.
In the Avesta, Asha is spoken of often and very highly. Two of the best quotations about Asha are: (i) aevo pathāo yo ashahe vispe anyaeshām apantām. “There is only one path, which is of Asha. All the others are no (that is, wrong) paths.”
(ii) asha vahishta, asha sraeshta, daresāma thwā pairi thwā jamyāma, hame thwā hakhma. (Hoshbam) “Asha is best, Asha is excellent, through it, mai I see Thee (God), come near Thee and be one in Thy friendship.”
Cosmologically Asha is the primordial cause and the primary law on the basis of which the universe came into being. The innumerable, all pervasive laws in nature that maintain the cosmic order are all connected to Asha.
Ashem vohu: The Ashem vohu is the shortest prayer in the Avesta language. It has 12 words which are distributed over three lines. It is in praise of Asha the most fundamental teaching of Zoroastrian religion. The word Asha is used in the Avesta in a very broad sense, covering physical and mental, material and spiritual aspects. It carries with it the idea of law, order, harmony, truth, righteousness, purity and piety. It is the chant of Peace, Bliss, Calmness, Soothing and Relaxation.
The recitation of Ashem vohu purifies the mind and helps keep away negative thoughts. Ahriman says that when Prophet Zarathushtra recited Ashem vohu, its heat melted him down. Yasna Ha 20 is a commentary on this prayer.
Text of the prayer: Ashem vohu vahishtem asti,
Ushtā asti ushtaa ahmāi,
Hyat ashāi vahishtāi ashem.
Meaning: Righteousness is good, it is the best. It is bliss. Bliss unto him who practices righteousness for the sake of best righteousness.
Free translation: To do the right thing is good as it will give inner happiness. If one always does right things with sincerity, he will have real happiness.
Zoroastrians have a tradition of reciting Ashem vohu at the news of someone’s death, to curtail negative thoughts, while going to bed, while getting up from bed and while finishing a work.
Zoroastrians have a tradition of reciting different numbers of Ashen vohu as follows:
1 Ashem vohu– To seal every thought.
Also – On waking up in the morning, – On going to bed at night.- When lighting a Divo.- Before meals, interview, exam etc. (to calm the mind)- Anytime you start something (car) or come across a hurdle.
– When an evil thought tends to enter the mind. – As an act of virtue.- After coming in contact with unclean things. – While remembering Asho Farohars. – Continuously in the ear of a dying person till Sachkar.- When receiving news of a death.- When performing Sezdo (last respect to a departed). – At the time of one’s own death.- After completing any work.
3 Ashem vohu – To reinforce a belief
10 Ashem vohu – To attune with the Supreme divine being
12 Ashem vohu – To realise one’s life’s purpose
121 Ashem vohu – For a meditative mode of the mind.
Asha is the basic cardinal virtue in Zoroastrianism. There is no exact English translation of the word and hence it is translated variously as “righteousness, truth, morality, rectitude.” The Vedic concept of rita and the Oriental concept of Tao are similar to the concept of Asha. Druj (lie) is the opponent of Asha.
In the Avesta, Asha is spoken of often and very highly. Two of the best quotations about Asha are: (i) aevo pathāo yo ashahe vispe anyaeshām apantām. “There is only one path, which is of Asha. All the others are no (that is, wrong) paths.”
(ii) asha vahishta, asha sraeshta, daresāma thwā pairi thwā jamyāma, hame thwā hakhma. (Hoshbam) “Asha is best, Asha is excellent, through it, mai I see Thee (God), come near Thee and be one in Thy friendship.”
Cosmologically Asha is the primordial cause and the primary law on the basis of which the universe came into being. The innumerable, all pervasive laws in nature that maintain the cosmic order are all connected to Asha.
Ashem vohu: The Ashem vohu is the shortest prayer in the Avesta language. It has 12 words which are distributed over three lines. It is in praise of Asha the most fundamental teaching of Zoroastrian religion. The word Asha is used in the Avesta in a very broad sense, covering physical and mental, material and spiritual aspects. It carries with it the idea of law, order, harmony, truth, righteousness, purity and piety. It is the chant of Peace, Bliss, Calmness, Soothing and Relaxation.
The recitation of Ashem vohu purifies the mind and helps keep away negative thoughts. Ahriman says that when Prophet Zarathushtra recited Ashem vohu, its heat melted him down. Yasna Ha 20 is a commentary on this prayer.
Text of the prayer: Ashem vohu vahishtem asti,
Ushtā asti ushtaa ahmāi,
Hyat ashāi vahishtāi ashem.
Meaning: Righteousness is good, it is the best. It is bliss. Bliss unto him who practices righteousness for the sake of best righteousness.
Free translation: To do the right thing is good as it will give inner happiness. If one always does right things with sincerity, he will have real happiness.
Zoroastrians have a tradition of reciting Ashem vohu at the news of someone’s death, to curtail negative thoughts, while going to bed, while getting up from bed and while finishing a work.
Zoroastrians have a tradition of reciting different numbers of Ashen vohu as follows:
1 Ashem vohu– To seal every thought.
Also – On waking up in the morning, – On going to bed at night.- When lighting a Divo.- Before meals, interview, exam etc. (to calm the mind)- Anytime you start something (car) or come across a hurdle.
– When an evil thought tends to enter the mind. – As an act of virtue.- After coming in contact with unclean things. – While remembering Asho Farohars. – Continuously in the ear of a dying person till Sachkar.- When receiving news of a death.- When performing Sezdo (last respect to a departed). – At the time of one’s own death.- After completing any work.
3 Ashem vohu – To reinforce a belief
10 Ashem vohu – To attune with the Supreme divine being
12 Ashem vohu – To realise one’s life’s purpose
121 Ashem vohu – For a meditative mode of the mind.
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