Rta and Aša in India and Ancient Iran: A Comparative Study

Subject Areas : Christianity

Abol-qasem  Piyadeh Kouhsar ¹ (ندارد)

Received: 2014-11-24 Accepted : 2014-11-24 Published : 2007-11-22

Keywords: Cosmic Order, cosmic law, rta, aša,

Abstract :

Among all questions which are asked about the nature of existence,after asking about the creation, the question about the order andpermanence of the universe is the most essential question. A commonanswer to this question is that there is a Cosmic Order or Cosmic Lawwhich protects the universe from disorder. This Cosmic Order wascalled rta in ancient India, and aša in the ancient Iran. It personifies thecosmic, social, ritual, and moral order. Rta and aša are synonyms andfrom the etymological point of view, were derived from a commonroot. Rta (or aša) is under the protection of gods; therefore, if someonetransgresses its bounds, she/he will be punished. So all devotees andeven gods should harmonize themselves with rta (or aša) and behave inaccordance with its principles. If they act so, they will be qualified forthe title of rtavan (those who possess rta) or ašavan (those who upholdaša) and will enjoy the everlasting bliss and prosperity.