Ethical Values in Ishopanisad- Introduction

Introduction

Ethical Values in Ishopanisad- Introduction

ईशावास्यं इदं सर्वं यत् किञ्च जगत्यां जगत।


तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जिथाः मा गृधः कस्य स्विद् धनम् ॥1॥


Om Isavasyam-idagm sarvam yat-kinca jagatyam jagat,
 ten tyaktena bhunjitha, ma grdhah kasya svid dhanam.(Isha.I)

“All this, whatsoever moves in this  universe, including the universe itself  moving, is indwelt or pervaded or enveloped or clothed by the Lord. That renounced, thou shouldst enjoy; covet not any body's wealth."

Introduction

The Isa Upanisad (which forms the fortieth Chapter in the Vajaneya Samhita of Sukla- Yajur Veda) begins with the statement that whatever exists in this world is enveloped by the Supreme and that it is by renunciation and absence of possessiveness that the soul is saved. Isha Upanishad or Ishavasyopanishad is one of the principal Upanishads consisting of only eighteen verses, but of immense significance.  It contains a concentrated view of the essential Vedic philosophy and the choicest Ethical Values. The subject matter of the Upanishad, as of all the Upanishads, is spiritual, profound, and all comprehensive. It forms the foundation of Vedantic System of thought. It highlights the divinity of man, as well as all His manifestations in nature. It conveys to us the knowledge of the seers who have had experienced the spiritual solidarity and unity of all existence.   

This Upanishad derives its title from the opening words Isa–vasya, “God–covered.” The use of Isa (Lord)–a more personal name of the Supreme Being than Brahman, Atman or Self, the names usually found in the Upanishads–constitutes one of its peculiarities. Oneness of the Soul and God, and the value of both faith and works as means of ultimate attainment are the leading themes of this Upanishad. The general teaching of the Upanishads is that works alone, even the highest, can bring only temporary happiness and must inevitably bind a man unless through them he gains knowledge of his real Self. To help him acquire this knowledge is the aim of this and all Upanishads.

It is also considered quite auspicious to recite this Isha Upanishad, which produces not only insights into our spiritual position and identity, but also the proper energy from the sound vibrations to invoke purity in the atmosphere as well as realizations in our consciousness. It shows the way the Upanishads describe the nonmaterial aspects of the Supreme Being, as when it describes Him as ‘One who walks but does not walk’. It is a way of relating how the Lord has no material qualities, but has all spiritual qualities and characteristics. By understanding this, one can begin to perceive the spiritual truths of which the Upanishadas speak.

Vedaprakasha
http://www.ethicalvaluesinvedas.blogspot.com/

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