Ashem Vohu

Ashem Vohu (/ˈʌʃɛm ˈvɔːhuː/, Avestan: 𐬀𐬴𐬆𐬨 𐬬𐬊𐬵𐬏‎ aṣ̌əm vohū‎) is a very important prayer in Zoroastrianism. The Ashem Vohu, after the Ahunavar is considered one of the basic, yet meaningful and powerful mantras in the religion. It is also at the end of most of the prayers in the Khordeh Avesta, except a certain few, most notably the Fravarane.[1]

Ashem vohu, Ahunavar, Yenghe hatam, and Airyaman ishya form four pillars of the Gathic canon, part of the group of Zoroastrian texts composed in the archaic dialect of the Avestan language.

Prayer

aṣ̌əm vohū vahištəm astī
uštā astī uštā ahmāi
hyat̰ aṣ̌āi vahištāi aṣ̌əm

Translation:

There are many translations and all attempts done by scholars do not give an authentic translation of the original with all its possible more deeper significance(s), because they all differ significantly.

For example:

"Righteousness is best (of all that is) good.
As desired, what is being desired
is truth for him who (represents) best truth."
or:
"Truth is best (of all that is) good.
As desired, as desired, truth
is for him who (represents) best truth."[2]
or:
"Holiness (Asha) is the best of all good:
it is also happiness.
Happy the man who is holy with perfect holiness!"[3]
or:
"Righteousness is the best good and it is happiness.
Happiness is to her/him who is righteous
for the sake of the best righteousness."[4]

References

  1. ↑ Boyce 2001, p. 38
  2. ↑ The Heritage of Zarathushtra - A new translation of His Gathas, Humbach & Ichaporia
  3. ↑ http://www.avesta.org/ka/ka_part1.htm#ashem
  4. ↑ Kanga, Ervad Kawasji Eduljee. English Translation of Gujarati Khordeh Avesta. p. 1.

Bibliography

Boyce, Mary (2001). Zoroastrians:Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Routledge. |access-date= requires |url= (help)

The main point to be noted in the translation is that the word HOLINESS, can also be replaced with Righteousness.

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