Ishavasyopanishad
Ishavasyopanishad (or Isha Upanishad) is one of the ten principal upanishads which present the essence and culmination of all knowledge found within India's most ancient and sacred texts; the vedas. It focuses on the oneness of all creation, the illusion of multiplicity, and the need to carry out one's duties in the world with detachment. It contains just 18 verses.
It is believed that listening to the upanishads is the first step towards discovering our unique spiritual path to liberation. In 2020, Sri Madhusudan Sai gave a series of talks over the course of a month, which methodically and thoroughly explained the significance of the Ishavasyopanishad and its relevance to us in our lives. This podcast series is compiled from those talks.
Ishavasyopanishad
2. Achieving the ultimate goal
In this episode, Sri Madhusudan Sai delves deeper into the core teachings of the Ishavasyopanishad. He explains about avidyā and vidyā, karmakāṇḍa (ritualistic actions) and upāsanākāṇḍa (ceremonies of worship), how far they can take you in life, while emphasising that the ultimate goal of mokṣa can only be achieved through brahmavidyā - the realisation of the supreme brahman.
His commentary continues to explain the nature of the immortal atman, transcending attachments and aversions, selfless action without desires, and surrendering to the Divine through sincere prayer at the end of one's life journey. Final redemption is only at the hand of brahman.
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