Ishavasya Upanishad (With Shankara bhashya)

Ishavasya Upanishad is the first of the ten major Upanishads that has been commented upon by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

The Upanishad begins with the highest vision of pervading the entire cosmos with the vision of the Lord and thus renouncing the apparent.

Having stated the goal, the Upanishad then provides the path of action or karma, to purify the mind and come to gain this very vision. Thus karma-yoga becomes the path to gain the afore-mentioned ultimate goal.

The next few mantras go on to present the knowledge of the Self.

The role of karma and upasana (contemplation), their limit and pinnacle, how and who should perform them and for what – all these topics are also dealt with.

The text concludes with some inspiring prayers offered by the seeker to the Lord at the time of death.

A total of 25 audio sessions by Swami Advayananda, divided into 12 lessons, are made available to the registered students to study thoroughly the Ishavasya Upanishad.

The audio recordings were recorded using a cell phone device. All attempts have been made to improvise the same. The recordings are well audible, though there may be difficulties at very few places. Students are requested to note this before registering.

What You will Learn

• The Highest vision or the goal to be reached
• Clarity on the path of knowledge and the path of action
• Clarity on why action and knowledge are antagonistic to each other
• Knowledge of the Self
• Clarity on karma and upasana and their purpose and how to employ these practices for maximum benefit

Why should I do this Course?

This course is for seekers who want to study the Ishavasya Upanishad in-detail with the Shankara bhashya (commentary of Sri Adi Shankaracharya).

Students will also get to understand how to study, comprehend and appreciate the various nuances revealed by Sri Shankaracharya in his bhashya. It is a sure delight to revel in the timeless exposition of Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of Sanskrit will be useful but not necessary
• Keen interest in Vedanta and the purpose of life
• Good internet connection

Course Details and Duration

• The course comprises 12 lessons covering 41 audio sessions and 12 objective type questionnaires..
• The recommended duration for completion of the Ishavasya Upanishad course is 6 months. The suggested maximum duration is 10 months.

Course Access, Query Resolution Process, Grading and Certification

• Students can access the course following the User Guideline document that is also sent to registered students to their email address.
• Students have to attempt the lessons sequentially. For each lesson the student should watch the audio or video file and then attempt the questionnaire.
• All questionnaires are objective based and on completion of each Lesson/ questionnaire the marks and grade for that lesson will be displayed to the student on the dashboard.
• Students can download the answer key on completion of a questionnaire.
• In case of queries or doubts on the subject matter students are encouraged to use the discussion forum. Details of the same will be sent to students on registration. A detailed query resolution process guideline will also be provided.
• The Course is deemed complete on completion of all lessons /questionnaires, and a final grade will be awarded.
• Grading system for certification.
• 80% and above 'O' Grade
• 60% and above 'A+' Grade
• 50% and above 'A' Grade
• Below 50% 'B' Grade

• Those who successfully complete the course will be given a ‘Course Completion Certificate’ of merit signed by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. The digital copy of the same will be sent to your registered email ID.

How do I purchase the Text?

Ishavasya Upanishad with the commentary of Swami Chinmayananda will be very useful in the study. We also recommend that all students should have the Shankara Bhashya of the Ishavasya Upanishad with either the English or the Hindi translation. We suggest the below editions for this purpose that are available for purchase online:

• Ishavasya Upanishad with the commentary of Swami Chinmayananda, published by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust
• Ishavasya Upanishad with the commentary of Sri Adi Shankaracharya with Hindi translation, published by Gita Press
• Prasthanatraya Volume-II, containing the Ishavasya Upanishad (with the Commentary of Sri Adi Shankaracharya) and the English translation by V. Panoli
• Eight Upanishads Volume-1, containing the Ishavasya Upanishad with the English translation of the commentary of Sri Adi Shankaracharya by Swami Gambhirananda, published by Ramakrishna Mission
1. 2 and 3 above come along with the Sanskrit Shankara Bhashya.
2. 4 is a translation of the Shankara Bhasya but does not have the original Sanskrit Bhashya.

Course Content

The course on Ishavasya Upanishad comprises 12 lessons.

• Lesson 1: Introduction to ‘Upanishad’
• Lesson 2: Introductory Bhashya
• Lesson 3: Abidance in Knowledge (Mantra 1)
• Lesson 4: Devotion to Karma (Mantra 2)

Click here for a detailed Course Content

Course Contributors

Swami Aparokshananda

Sri Arvind Kannan

Br Ved Chaitanya

Home Study Course Scholarship Initiative

Envisioned to be a platform to impart knowledge, CIF has always made it a point to make the courses accessible to all the sincere seekers. Students, who are keen to pursue a particular course but have difficulty affording the course fee, can send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org stating the same. They will be given financial assistance to enrol for the course based on the genuineness of request, keenness to study and eligibility.

One can also be a part of this noble venture by contributing to the Home Study Course Scholarship Fund. To know more, send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org.

For Queries