Ishavasya Upanishad

Ishavasya Upanishad

Many scholars consider the Ishavasya Upanishad to be the scriptural basis of karma yoga in the Bhagavad Gita. And, traditional, it is the first Upanishad studied. Part of the Sukla Yajurveda, this Samhita (compendium) Upanishad is held in the high esteem, having the maximum numbers of commentaries, though it is one of the shortest Upanishads. Ishavasya begins with statement “Isavasyam idam Sarvam (All this is pervades by Isvara) and not only unfolds this vision, nut also gives upasanas (meditations) 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 meditation and the importance of prayers in spiritual  unfoldment.