Isha Vasyam Idam Sarvam (All is Pervaded by the Lord) — Word-by-Word Meaning
ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ईशा
īśā
By the Lord, by the Supreme Ruler (Ishvara)
वास्यम्
vāsyam
Is pervaded, enveloped, indwelt; to be covered/clothed (by the Lord)
इदं सर्वम्
idaṁ sarvam
All this (everything that exists)
यत् किञ्च
yat kiñca
Whatsoever, whatever there is
जगत्याम् जगत्
jagatyāṁ jagat
Moving (changing) in this moving world; all that moves in the universe
तेन त्यक्तेन
tena tyaktena
By that renunciation; through detachment (giving up the sense of ownership)
भुञ्जीथाः
bhuñjīthāḥ
You should enjoy, sustain yourself, partake
मा गृधः
mā gṛdhaḥ
Do not covet, do not be greedy
कस्य स्वित् धनम्
kasya svit dhanam
Whose is this wealth? (the wealth belongs to no one in particular)
Complete Translation
All this — whatever moves in this moving world — is pervaded by the Lord. Therefore enjoy through renunciation; do not covet, for whose is wealth?
Origin & History
Source: Isha Upanishad, Verse 1
Author: Traditional (Upanishadic)
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Isha Vasyam Idam Sarvam mean?▼
It means 'All this is pervaded by the Lord'. Everything in the changing universe is indwelt by God, so one should live by renunciation — enjoying what comes without greed, since no wealth ultimately belongs to anyone.
Where does Isha Vasyam Idam Sarvam come from?▼
It is the very first verse of the Isha Upanishad (verse 1), which belongs to the Shukla Yajur Veda and forms the final chapter of the Vajasaneyi Samhita. The Upanishad takes its name from this opening word, 'Isha'.
What is meant by 'enjoy through renunciation'?▼
It is the Upanishad's famous teaching of 'tena tyaktena bhunjithah' — sustain and enjoy yourself by giving up the sense of ownership. One lives and works in the world, partaking of its gifts, but inwardly renounces possessiveness, dedicating everything to the Lord.
Why does the verse ask 'whose is wealth?'▼
The phrase 'ma gridhah kasya svid dhanam' — 'do not covet, for whose is wealth?' — reminds us that nothing truly belongs to us; all is the Lord's. This dissolves greed and the impulse to seize what belongs to others, fostering contentment and honesty.
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