I feel I am denied by inheritance By people who feel that Making a show of worship Is the best form of penance DNA does not lie You may not like your family To them you may even despise But DNA's thirst must be quenched Hence you must listen to devotionals in private Without worrying about other's spiritual stench Asa di Var Reminds me of hot weekends Traveling in a car Relieved by central air While traveling quite afar Asa di Var Reminds me of trips to the Gurudwara Followed by shopping in India stores Then Pizza for dinner Along with Chocolate Marshmallow S'mores Asa di Var Calls out to me It's voice comes from centuries back When Karma sealed my Destiny Asa di Var Such a beautiful voice Belongs to a beautiful soul Listening to it Can make anyone feel Content and whole
"Asa di Var" is found in the Sikh scripture from page 462 line 17 to page 475 line 10. It is a composition by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhi, and is sung by kirtania (religious musicians) at Sikh congregations or gatherings as part of the early morning service. It is said that if recited and sung with true belief, one's hopes/wishes are fulfilled. The term "Asa di Var" comprises three words: The third word var means an ode or a lyrical verse; the word Asa which means "hope" in Punjabi) is also a Raag or musical measure used in the Guru Granth Sahib; and "ki" or "di" mean "of". Thus together the terms means "A ballad of hope". Raag Asa is the raga of pre-dawn hours and the custom of reciting the hymn at morning time is traced to the days of Guru Nanak himself. It is said that Bhai Lahina (the later, Guru Angad) was the first to sing it in the presence of Guru Nanak. The Var then comprised twenty four pauris or stanzas by Guru Nanak and some slokas which were also of his composition as indicated in the title given it by Guru Arjan when entering the composition in the Holy Book (salok bhi mahalle pahile ke likhe), the slokas were also composed by the First Guru, Guru Nanak. In its present form, it carries twenty four stanzas with a total of fifty nine slokas, 45 by Guru Nanak and 14 by Guru Angad.
This is the rendition I fell in love with. I don't understand the language, i followed the soul of it all. Sounds vintage, pure, no rush. Takes me to a time way back, generations back when families lived together in big Havelis ...
