ईशावास्यं इदं सर्वं यत् किञ्च जगत्यां जगत।
तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जिथाः मा गृधः कस्य स्विद् धनम् ॥1॥
tyagten bhunjitha; Isa.1
The general impression that the Upanisads require world denial is not quite correct. Isha Upanishad insists on a spirit of detachment. (tyagten bhunjitha; Isa.1), which is not indifference to the world.and not abandonment of objects but non-attachment to them. We do not raise ourselves above the world by contempt for the world. It is the spirit of equanimity which is insisted upon. To be tranquil is to envy no man, to have no possessions that another can take from us, to fear none.
When the Hindu thinkers ask us to adopt samnayasa or relinquishment of home and possessions, to accept the three great renunciations, consecrated in the three vows, evangelical counsels of poverty, obedience and chastity, they point to self- denial as the root of spiritual life. Again, Spirit of renunciation does not mean neglect of social duties. Rare fruits of spirit ripen on the soil of detachment. We should release ourselves from selfish likes and dislikes. The Divine can not use our mind and body, so long as we wish to use them for our own ends. Detachment is opposed to attachment, not to enjoyment. Enjoy through renunciation (' tyagten bhunjitha' ) is the advice of the Isa Upanisad.
Good and evil do not depend on the acts one does or does not., but on the frame of mind one has. The good man is he who concurs with the divine purpose, and the bad man is he who resists it. If one’s mind is good, one’s acts will be good. Our attempts should not be so much external conformity as inward cleansing. From goodness of being good will and good works flow. When the soul is at peace , the greatest sorrows are borne lightly. Life becomes more natural and confident. Changes in outer conditions do not disturb. We let our life flow of itself as the sea leaves or the flower blooms.
Vedprakash
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