As and Icha

Ās (ਆਸ) and Ichhā (ਇੱਛਾ) — nouns

In Gurmat, both terms denote desire but with nuanced differences:

Ichhā arises from the mann (mind). It is expectation without effort, often mixed with lobh (greed), e.g. “mere ko kuch jyāda hī mil jāve”. Such mann kī ichhā is negative.

Ās is placed upon something or someone: “if I do this, I will get that.” Gurbani says “ik ās rākhu mann māhe” in the sense of keeping the hope of attaining janam padārath (true purpose of life).

Chitt kī ichhā (desire arising from the antar atma) is elevated, because it is aligned with inner truth, and in this form, ichhā overlaps with ās.

Thus, mann kī ichhā leads to bondage, while chitt kī ichhā / āsa of Truth leads to liberation.

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Ichhā means desire or craving that arises from the mann (mind). It is often linked with lobh (greed) and expectation without rightful action.

Forms of Ichhā: Kabir says —

ਕਬੀਰ ਆਈ ਮੁਝਹਿ ਪਹਿ ਅਨਿਕ ਕਰੇ ਕਰਿ ਭੇਸ ॥

ਹਮ ਰਾਖੇ ਗੁਰ ਆਪਨੇ ਉਨਿ ਕੀਨੋ ਆਦੇਸੁ ॥੮॥

Ichhā comes in countless disguises (bhes), appearing through worldly parpaṇch like building prestige, temples, or derās.

Attack on Intellect: Ichhā strikes the matt (intellect). If unchecked, it enslaves the mind.

Victory through Wisdom: True wisdom (gur-matt) protects against māyā kī ichhā. When wisdom awakens, Ichhā is subdued—she “raises her hands in surrender,” accepting the supremacy of Truth.

Positive vs Negative Ichhā:

Mann kī ichhā → negative, bound to greed and maya.

Chitt kī ichhā → arises from inner self (antar ātmā), aligned with Truth, and overlaps with ās.

Thus in Gurmat, Ichhā is not destroyed by force but by understanding. Through self-realization, Ichhā bows down before awakened Buddhi.