Isha Vasyam Idam Sarvam (All is Pervaded by the Lord)
ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वम्
Also known as: isha vasyam idam sarvam · ishavasyam idam sarvam · isavasyam idam sarvam · all is pervaded by the lord
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✦ Meaning
Isha Vasyam Idam Sarvam is the celebrated opening verse of the Isha Upanishad, which gives the Upanishad its name. It declares that everything in the moving universe is pervaded and indwelt by the Lord, and therefore one should live by renunciation — enjoying what is given without grasping or coveting another's wealth. In a single verse it unites the vision of God in all with a profound ethic of non-attachment.
Origin & Story
Isha Upanishad, Verse 1 · Traditional (Upanishadic) · Vedic / Upanishadic
The Isha Upanishad, though one of the shortest with only eighteen verses, is held in the highest regard, for it is set within the Samhita portion of the Shukla Yajur Veda itself. Its opening verse proclaims that the entire moving world is enveloped by Isha, the Lord, and counsels that one should therefore enjoy life through renunciation, free of all greed. From this first word 'Isha' the Upanishad takes its name, and the verse has become a beloved summary of the Vedantic art of living in the world while belonging to God.
✦ As told in scripture
Sages cite this verse as the perfect reconciliation of action and renunciation — Mahatma Gandhi himself said that if all the Upanishads and scriptures were lost but this one verse remained, it would suffice to teach the whole of Hindu dharma, so completely does it contain the secret of a godly life.
The Mantra
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ईशा वास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् । तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम् ॥
īśā vāsyam idaṁ sarvaṁ yatkiñca jagatyāṁ jagat tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā mā gṛdhaḥ kasyasviddhanam
Meaning:All this — whatever moves in this moving world — is pervaded by the Lord. Therefore enjoy through renunciation; do not covet, for whose is wealth?
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Isha Vasyam Idam Sarvam (All is Pervaded by the Lord)
Instils the vision of the Divine pervading all things, beings and the whole universe.
Teaches the secret of joyful living through renunciation (tyaga) and non-attachment rather than grasping.
Frees the heart from greed and covetousness by reminding that nothing truly belongs to anyone.
Harmonizes worldly life and spirituality — to act and enjoy while inwardly detached, offering all to the Lord.
Cultivates contentment, equanimity and reverence for all creation as God's dwelling.
A foundational verse of Vedanta, often chanted at the start of scriptural study and contemplation.
How to Chant Isha Vasyam Idam Sarvam (All is Pervaded by the Lord)
Recite 'Isha Vasyam Idam Sarvam' and let its vision sink in: see the one Lord present within everything you perceive — people, objects, nature, your own body. Then hold the verse's counsel of 'enjoyment through renunciation', receiving life's gifts gratefully without clinging or coveting. It is excellent as an opening prayer for study and as a daily reflection to dissolve greed and deepen reverence.