‘USHTA AHMAI YAHMAI USHTA KAHMAICHIT’ – Ushtavad Gatha,

meaning, ‘HAPPINESS & PROSPERITY BE UNTO THAT PERSON THROUGH WHOM HAPPINESS REACH OTHERS!”

“Ahura Mazda spoke unto Spitaman Zarathushtra: I created the holy immortal Khordad for Happiness and pleasure to help righteous men.” (Khordad Yasht 4.1)

“O Ahura Mazda! May we become worthy of long life in gaining joy/HAPPINESS in thy remembrance, and may we succeed in this good wish! May we be lovers of Thine and, of Thou mighty, Wisest one among the existing ones, Thou shouldst rejoice us with prosperity for a long time.” (Haptan Yasht 7.4)

Humanity has always craved happiness. There’s enough abundance in the world for everyone to thrive, yet we often fall short. Our prophet Zarathushtra, a visionary from the dawn of history, offered a profound truth: our joy is deeply intertwined with the happiness of others. It’s a simple yet powerful concept. We’ve seen countless individuals throughout history who dedicated their lives to uplifting humanity. Their legacies are testaments to the enduring power of compassion and empathy.

We live in a world filled with both, joy and suffering. To truly flourish, we must recognize our inter-connectedness. By working together, we can create a world where everyone’s needs are met. Let’s inspire each other to be beacons of hope, spreading kindness and understanding. Ultimately, our shared destiny depends on our ability to unite and support one another. Let us strive to build a future where compassion prevails and humanity thrives.

We pray to God, ‘Give us wisdom, O Wise One, to see that our interests are served the best by working for the common welfare, in cooperation for the common good. Teach us to seek our happiness in the happiness of all, to regard the sorrows and sufferings of others as ours and to hasten to assuage them. Enable us to see that we are all fellow mariners steering the common bark across the sea of life and that a common fate to swim or sink awaits us. Inspire us to feel that commonality is our goal to reach and common our ideal to realize in thy divine dispensation and strengthen us to stand united with one another.’

Explanation Of Ashem Vohu Prayer: Asha/Righteousness for the sake of righteousness without any expectation/strings attached brings happiness. What is Asha/Righteousness? “Asha” is the righteousness. Is righteousness the same as truth and good? No, neither is it the same as truth and good, nor it is different, as it depends on the situations and circumstances. Defining “good” can be subjective, but righteousness (Asha) offers a constant guide. It transcends absolutes like truth and good, adapting to situations.  Asha is not an absolute, but a set of principles that can be applied to any situation. It is a way of understanding the world and how to act in it. It is a moral compass that helps us to do the right thing which in turn brings about happiness.

Unlocking the Secrets of Happiness…
We all yearn for happiness, a truth echoed across various wisdom traditions. Ancient wisdom from the Gathas, Gita, and Zen echoes this truth: mindfulness is a crucial key ingredient. A calm mind fosters compassion, forgiveness, and humility – all essential qualities for a joyful life.

‘For the uncontrolled, there is no wisdom, nor for the uncontrolled is there the power of concentration; and for him without concentration, there is no peace. And for the unpeaceful, how can there be happiness?’ (Bhagavad Gita Zen in the Martial Arts.)

Our Gathas offer even more specific guidance:

Ahunavaiti Gatha urges us to be wise in all situations by seeking divine wisdom to navigate life’s complexities. Ushtāvaiti Gatha, preaches ‘Happiness and prosperity come to those who bring happiness to others.’ Thus, true happiness comes from spreading joy to others.

Spentomad Gatha propagates: ‘Righteous thoughts, words, and deeds lead to happiness and immortality, as they pave the path to everlasting happiness.’

Vohu Kshathra Gatha: Helping all living beings in need with courage, moral strength, and resilience transforms challenges into stepping stones on the path to happiness bringing everlasting happiness.

Vahishtoist Gatha: Fulfilling the divine will of Ahura Mazda thus aligning with Ahura Mazda’s divine will grants everlasting happiness and transforms foes into friends.

The Ashem Vohu prayer emphasizes Asha, a form of righteousness practiced for its own sake, without expectation of reward. Asha acts as a moral compass, guiding us to do the right thing in any situation… a Righteousness that transcends absolutes. It’s not just about truth or good, but about acting with integrity in each situation. Just like medicine, what benefits one person, might not necessarily be right for another. Asha provides a flexible framework for navigating life’s complexities and making choices that lead to a fulfilling and joyful existence.

The key to happiness lies not in self-absorption, but in genuine connection with others. Imagine happiness as a vibrant flame. It burns brightest when shared, illuminating the lives of those around us. Hence, when you throw a pebble in the pond, the ripples go far, encircling you eventually as well! So, pitch the pebbles of love, peace, harmony, and kindness in the pond of life, so that it brings you happiness and immense satisfaction for providing service with unconditional love, and thus fulfilling your purpose in this life! Sal Mubarak!