Isha

Isha is a Sanskrit term meaning "lord" or "ruler," derived from the root īśa. In Hindu philosophy and devotional literature, the word is used as an epithet for the divine and as a component of various theological and cosmological concepts. It is also used as a personal name in India and among the Indian diaspora.

One of the best-known uses of the term is in the Isha Upanishad, also called Ishavasyopanishad. This short Upanishad, embedded in the Krishna Yajurveda, consists of about 18 mantras. It reflects on the presence of the divine in the created world and guides ethical living, renunciation, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. A central line, often rendered as “Isha vasham idam sarvam,” expresses the idea that the universe is pervaded by the supreme, calling for harmony between worldly life and spiritual aspiration. The text has influenced several schools of Vedanta and is widely studied in Hindu thought.

In modern times, Isha Foundation is a non-profit spiritual organization founded in 1992 by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, based in Coimbatore, India. It offers yoga programs, including Inner Engineering, and operates the Isha Yoga Center, the Adiyogi Shiva statue, and various social and environmental initiatives. The foundation emphasizes inner well-being, personal growth, and contributions to society.

People named Isha include public figures such as Isha Ambani, Indian businesswoman; as well as artists and journalists who carry the name. The term remains in use across literature, spirituality, and contemporary naming practices.