Ishavyasopanishad- Part1

[Guest guest]

Vedas are the treasures of divine knowledge. The great "saints"

and "Rishis" culled "Vedas" to transform them in to "Upanishads".

There are more than 108 "Upanishads"; "Ishavaysopanishad" is one of

them. The first and foremost "mantra" of this "Upanishad" starts

with the word "ISHA", hence the name. As per this "Upanishad", the

entire universe is governed, controlled and regulated by a superior

power is called as the Almighty or God or otherwise "Isha".

 

Verse 1: "Ishavasyam Idam Sarvam Yat Kinca Jagatyam jagat,

Tena Tyaktena Bhunjita ma gradhah kasya svid dhanam."

 

This "Upanishad" advocates that the entire Universe is enveloped by

this Supreme power. It is obvious that it exits in all living and

non living beings of this universe. In order to visualize this great

force one should develop this force fully within him by cleansing or

purifying "Anthakarana" (The inner Core). This process of cleansing

brings about freedom from all temptations and attractions of the

materialistic world. It advises to start living without developing

the attachments and bondages. This is essential as the mere idea of

separation from theses bondages and attachments would certainly

results in bringing ever lasting anxiety and are the cause for all

worries.

 

The first "Mantra" expresses that the supreme power exists or

present in all living and non living beings, so one should treat all

of them with reverence and regard ("Atmava Sarva Bhuteshu"). The

second line of the verse propose renunciation and to face every

incident in life valiantly. It further questions when the supreme

power envelopes the entire world where is the sense of fear?

Renouncing here shall be understood carefully; one should enjoy or

derive the pleasure for mere pleasure without any attachment to it.

It should be like a yogi ("Saint") but not like a "Bhogi"

(Hedonist). One should Practice the art of "Vairagya" (The

detachment). It should not be mistaken that one should shun from the

basic responsibilities. The definition of "Vairagya" is not running

away from ones place towards the woods or places of solitude. It is

mastering senses by not subdued by any pleasure. In my childhood,

there was a lawyer in our neighborhood. He had settled his Son and

daughter in a satisfactory manner. He then resigned to "Ramana

maharshi's Ashram" by renouncing the world. Surprisingly with in six

months he returned stating that he was unable to live there as

bondage towards his progeny was strong and was not allowing him to

stay therein.

 

A story goes that a "Saint" wishes to understand and wanted practice

all the four "Vedas". He went to penance for years. Indra, the king

of God appeared before him and asked him what for he is doing all

this "Tapasya". He praised the Lord and appealed him to grant long

life to accomplish his project. Lord Indra blessed him so. He

started "Vedadhyan" (Practicing "Vedas") from the very moment. All

the time his wife was sitting by his side and helping him in

achieving his goal. In due course of time both died, wife reached

heaven, the Saint to the hell. He was surprised and enquired the

reason. He was told that he had not fulfilled the basic

responsibilities and had not discharged his duties as a husband.

 

"Ma gradah" warns that Covetousness is the cause for attachment and

would mislead one from the achievement of the sole purpose. The

ultimate aim is to be free from sorrow and to attain everlasting

eternal bliss.

 

The last part of this verse "Kasya Svidhanam" explains by capturing

others property, preventing them to enjoy their rights or flirting

with others wife would drift one towards the selfishness and helps

in forfeiting the goal of ultimate salvation. Ravan, the

great "Danava" king was having so many great qualities; even he was

appreciated by his own enemy Rama for the noble qualities he

possessed. But for one desire of owning other's wife had brought his

down fall.

 

**** "Aum Namah Shivaya" *****