Isha Upanishad, Verse 1
The first verse of the Isha Upanishad, or Mantra 1, states that everything in the universe is permeated by the divine and one should “enjoy with renunciation” by not coveting what belongs to others. It introduces a key theme of the text: a harmonious balance between renunciation and living an active life. This is achieved by seeing the divine presence in all things, which leads to detachment from worldly possessions and protection of oneself through this understanding.
ईशावास्यमिदँ सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत्।
तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथाः मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम्॥१॥
Isha vaasyam idam sarvam yatkincha jagatyaam jagat.
tena tyaktena bhunjeethaa maa gridhah kasya swid dhanam
Meaning of Mantra
Everything is pervaded by the Controller. The controller pervades everywhere in the universe.
The supreme controller has settled the creation of this universe. Therefore, enjoy with a spirit of renunciation. Do not desire the wealth of others
The first verse of Isha Upanishad, says that this whole universe is pervaded by the controller. Nothing is yours there enjoy everything with the spirit of renunciation.
Summary of the mantra
Universe’ means ‘that which has motion’, ‘creation’ means ‘motion-dynamic’. Everything of the world has movement. There is motion in the sun, earth, moon, stars, there is movement in each of their fragment. Is this movement accidental? No, there is someone who provides this movement, some ‘master’, some ‘supreme being’. While providing movement, that supreme being is not sitting aloof, he dwells in each and every moving atom. When he dwells in each and every particle, and that also in the capacity of a ‘master’-supreme being, then what is ours?-all this belongs to Him. With what rationale will he enjoy the universe, if man maintains that it is He (god) who is the master of this universe? He will indeed realise that he eats what He provides, drinks what He offers, have recourse to what He provides. He will enjoy the material world, understanding that all is His-not mine, he will enjoy with wisdom in renunciation, he will act but with a sentiment of detachment. All objects in the world belong to Him.
Divine is All-Pervasive:
The mantra establishes that the divine, or Lord, is the essence of everything, whether moving or still, in the world (jagat).
Enjoyment through Renunciation:
One should live fully and enjoy life, but with an attitude of detachment or renunciation (tyakta).
Protection through Renunciation:
The realization of God in everything provides protection, not for the self, but for this knowledge, through renunciation and non-attachment.
Non-Covetousness:
The mantra advises against greed (ma gr̥dhaḥ) and coveting anyone’s wealth because, in the ultimate sense, nothing truly belongs to any one individual.
Mantra in sanskrit
Om – God (this is the name of the supreme lord, while starting every work God is remembered as an auspicious observance in ancient literature)
Isha – Isha is the controller,
vaasyam is that which pervades
idam – here, in the whole world or universe
sarvam – means everything
