Permanence and Truth – Asa Ki Var Explained

Asa Ki Var is an awe-inspiring composition that mentors an ordinary person to become Divine-like (an enlightened being full of Divine-virtues).

Since the time of Guru Nanak Sahib, Asa Ki Var has remained the morning congregational composition for Sikhs. Due to contemporary Panjabi influence, the title of the composition, Asa Ki Var, has been inaccurately construed to be identified as Asa Di Var. It is important to note that within the Guru Granth Sahib, this composition bears no heading where it appears; however, in the index, it is labeled as Asa Ki Var.

The focus of Asa Ki Var is the Creator-Being, and the Creator-Being’s extensive creation (nature). The tone of the Var is divine and is laden with social concerns. An intense feeling of adoration for the Guru, the glory of the true Divine, and a beautiful sketch of a sight awestruck by Divine pervasiveness in creation is expressed. Satiristic observations, as well as bold criticism of human egoism, socio-cultural ills, ritualism, and customs, are also enunciated.

The theme in the Var is to take the worldly, social perspectives and utilize them in a manner that they can be used to understand the nature of spiritual experience. Through this spiritual experience, the battle with worldly attachment, lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego ensues. The Var describes the internal conflict and confrontations among the attributes of one who follows the Guru versus one who follows the mind. It is through this insight of spiritual doctrine that guidance is given to the individual.