Ashes to Ashes
Nothing in this world is everlasting. Everything is perishable. Even this physical body of ours ceases to function some day and is said to be dead. Our mortal remains are then cremated and turn to ashes, or buried, which then rot and become dust.
On ash wedneday we place ashes on their foreheads to remind themselves, of this universal truth – nothing is everlasting … the ultimate is dust.
The Ashes serve to remind one to cast aside his petty jealousies, suspicions, selfishness and other evil qualities, and to live in harmony with one another – to love, respect and serve his fellow beings while he can.
The ash is the creation of the element fire, which dissolves everything. Thus the sacred ash dissolves all our ills and brings us good health.
