Isa Upanishad

This Upanisad traditionally comes first in Indian collections. It was Gandhi’s favourite. It is named from the first word in the text: isha =by the Lord.

It begins by saying that the Lord pervades everything; so seek renunciation. If you follow the life of action, and you covet nothing, your work will be free from evil. This is karma yoga.

§ 4-8: describes the Self (Atman/Brahman) – it’s omnipresent, seems to move but is still, is both immanent and transcendent. Also describes the one who has perceived it – knowing the nature of the Self, you can have no hatred, no delusion, no sorrow, for you and the Self are one. (cf. BG 13.27-28)

§ 9-11: compares those devoted to vidya and avidya (knowledge and ignorance). Both are necessary: it’s through realisation of the limitations of ignorance that you can proceed to real understanding.

§ 12-14: Same basic argument but at a more basic/universal level. We have to live in this world [immanent] without attachment, and with the mind focused on the transcendent.

§ 15-18: Prayers to Brahman in the form of the Sun (Surya) and Fire (Agni). These verses are used today by Hindus in their funeral rites.

"The Upanishad emphasises the unity of God and the world and the union of the two lives, the contemplative and the active. We cannot have the contemplative life without the active. We must cleanse our souls to ascend to the heights of contemplation. The seers of the Upanishads, the Buddha, Jesus have set an example not to neglect the work of the world through love of contemplation. They are noted for their stability and poise. Their calm was a vigilant one. They act without selfishness and help without patronising."

(Radhakrishnan, p. 578)