ishas

Isha is a Sanskrit term commonly translated as “lord,” “master,” or “ruler,” and it appears in Hindu literature as a reference to the divine or a supreme power. The word is used in religious and philosophical contexts to denote a controlling or pervading presence and is also used as a given name in South Asia, where it is most often female.

In Hindu scripture, the form is associated with Isavasya Upanishad (often anglicized as Isavasya or Isha Upanishad), a compact text from the Yajurveda. It opens with the verse Isha vasyam idam sarvam, suggesting that the divine pervades all things in the universe. The Upanishad treats the relationship between the individual, the world, and the ultimate reality, highlighting the idea of living in harmony with a higher order while recognizing the omnipresence of the divine.

As a contemporary given name, Isha is widely used in India and among the Indian diaspora. It is commonly given to girls and is associated with meanings tied to divinity, protection, and grace. Notable people named Isha include Isha Ambani, a businesswoman and the daughter of Mukesh Ambani; Isha Talwar, an actress; and Isha Sharvani, a dancer and actor, reflecting the name’s cultural reach.

Isha Foundation is a prominent spiritual organization founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in the early 1990s and based in Coimbatore, India. It offers yoga programs, including Isha Yoga and Isha Kriya, and runs various social and environmental initiatives. The foundation promotes internal well-being and community service through its teachings and events.