Ishavasya Upanishad

Ishavasya Upanishad Part-1

Upanisad opens with a mantra that encapsulates the entire teaching of Vedanta-all this is Isvara. Swami Viditatmananda will teach the entire the Isavasya Upanisad in this retreat, after dwelling at length on the profound first mantra.

Ishavasya Upanishad Part-2

Many scholars consider the Ishavasya Upanishad to be the scriptural basis of karma yoga in the Bhagavad Gita. And, traditionally, it is the first Upanishad studies. Part of the Sukla Yajurveda, this Samhita (compendium) Upanishad is held in high esteem, having the maximum number of commentaries, though it is one of the shortest Upanishads. Ishavasya begins with the statement “Isavasyam idam sarvam” (All this is pervaded by Ishvara and not only unfolds this vision, but also gives upasanas (medications to prepare the seeker to understand it. Though it comprises only eighteen mantras, it conveys the essence of the entire teaching. It also puts forth two modes of life—pravritti (action) and nivritti (renunciation)—and offers insights into the balance between activity and mediation and the important of prayer in spiritual unfoldment.