Īśvara

ईश्वर

पुल्लिङ्ग (masculine) · ईश् धातु (īś — to rule, control) + वर प्रत्यय

īśvara

Fundamental Concepts

The Lord — Brahman seen as creator and ruler of the universe

Īśvara is Brahman associated with māyā — the total intelligence that creates, sustains, and dissolves the universe. It is not an anthropomorphic god, but the intelligent order (dharma) that permeates everything. Karma-yoga involves offering actions to Īśvara and receiving results as prasāda (grace). Īśvara and jīva (individual) are, in essence, the same Brahman.

Related terms

Brahmanब्रह्मन्Māyāमाया Karmaकर्म

Want to study Vedānta in depth?

Learn about our study programs →