Advertisement

Ishvara

Last updated: December 21, 2023

What Does Ishvara Mean?

Ishvara is the concept of a higher power, but has different meanings, depending on the various schools of Hinduism. Ishvara is synonymous with Brahman (or Absolute Reality), but can also refer to the Supreme Consciousness or a personal god.

In yoga, many yogis choose their own ishvara to focus on in their practice.

Ishvara may be translated as "lord" in English.

Advertisement

Yogapedia Explains Ishvara

In "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjai," the original intent of the meaning of ishvara can be interpreted in various ways. Ishvara can be theistic or non-theistic, and one may choose a known deity to meditate on (Shiva, Jesus, Buddha, etc.), or simply focus on the idea of the higher Self, higher Consciousness, life or Light.

In some Hindu schools of philosophy, it is thought that the personal god or spiritual influence of choice is understood to still be Brahman as everything is contained within the Absolute Reality.


During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.

To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.

Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.

Advertisement

Synonyms

Isvara

Ishwar

Iswara

Isvara

Lord Ishvara

Share This Term

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Related Reading

Trending Articles

Go back to top