Talk:Īshāvāsya Upaniṣhad
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Vishal Agarwal
In summary, the Īshāvāsya Upaniṣhad teaches the following:
- The world is temporary, hence is everything in it. It is OK to enjoy its riches, but one must not get attached to anything. We should consume everything with a sense of gratitude towards the Īśvara. Our spiritual outlook must prevail over material pursuits. Spiritual ignorance coupled with materialism leads to grief in this life and the next.
- Freedom from the fruit of Karma is not through abandonment of Karma but by their constant performance with a detached spirit.
- The Divine is a great mystery, unique and full of wonderful qualities. He is within everyone and everything and also envelopes the entire universe. Only seeking and reaching It leads to eternal happiness and life, freedom from delusions and hatreds.
- One must balance the performance of worldly duties and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom. Both engagements are essential, although they have different results.
- One must balance engaging with the temporary (material universe) and the permanent (the Ātmā). Both engagements are essential, but they have different results.
- One whose entire life is devoted to Brahman (the Supreme Being) is not bewildered even at the time of his death. While living in his body, he is always liberated, free of sorrow, delusion, or prejudice. And his death is a door to immortality and union with the Divine.