as his fixed title, as it becomes in the later Avesta where Asha Vahishta is used as a compound word.
The Vedic poet asks why does the sun fall not from the sky, why do waters of the rivers flowing into the ocean not fill it, where do the stars go during the day and similar questions pertaining to the working of the cosmic order in nature. Zarathushtra, in like manner, asks Ahura Mazda to tell him who is the father of Asha, the embodiment of the order ruling the world, who has determined the path of the sun and the stars, and by whom does the moon wax and wane,[1] who upholds the earth and the firmament from falling, who has made waters and plants and who has given swiftness to winds and clouds, who has made light and darkness, and morning and noon and night.[2] In one place we find him telling Ahura Mazda that the sun and the dawn take their course for his glorification through Asha.[3] Asha's one epithet is the shining one.[4]
A few passages lead us to trace some connection between Asha and the ritualistic order Zarathushtra speaks of himself as a zaotar, Vedic hotar, sacrificing priest, and says that he learns the straight or orderly way through Asha.[5] Ceremonial offerings are made unto Ahura Mazda and Asha.[6] Ahura Mazda knows those who are best in the celebration of the Yasna sacrifice according to Asha.[7] The devout make ceremonial offerings to Asha along with Ahura Mazda.[8]
Zarathushtra best exemplifies Asha's righteousness in his life. Zarathushtra is pure in body, mind, and spirit He is the embodiment of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds He thinks, speaks, and acts righteousness. He lives in the atmosphere of righteousness and radiates it all around him. He is the very righteousness itself living in flesh for the good of mankind. Righteousness sustains him in his hardships and trials. When his great prophetic work is beset with untold difficulties; when the prophet of Ahura faces opposition on all sides; when friends desert his company and kinsmen abandon his cause; when the rulers of the land look upon him with suspicion and the wicked seek to compass his ruin; when, friendless and forsaken, hissed and hooted, ridiculed and persecuted, he roams about the villages
