Ishvara: Personal-Creator God, Supreme Person (Gita)
In the vast landscape of Indian spirituality, the concept of Ishvara serves as the bridge between the absolute, formless Reality and the human heart.
In this lesson, Pedro Nonell, a leading Spanish expert on the Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta, explores the multifaceted nature of the "Personal God." From the cosmic vision revealed to Arjuna in Chapter 11 to the subtle presence of God within all beings described in Chapter 13, this analysis provides a comprehensive look at how different schools—from Shaivism to the teachings of and Swami Vivekananda—perceive the Supreme Person.
Arjuna to Sri Krishna: I long to behold that form of Yours as Ishvara (Bhagavad Gita)
The term Ishvara carries distinct meanings depending on the specific school of Hindu philosophy. It could be translated as the Creator God, the Supreme Person or the personal God.
Fifth Niyama of the Yoga sutras of Patanjali is Surrender to God (IshvaraPranidhama).
In Chapter 11 - The Yoga of the Universal Form of the Lord of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna tells Sri Krishna:
In chapter 11, Sanjaya said:
Universal Form as Ishvara, Yoga of the Supreme Person
In chapter 13- The Yoga of the Field, Sri Krishna tells Arjuna:
“Sri Krishna: When he sees that the same Ishvara remains equally everywhere, he does not lower the Self by the self, and thus attains the highest goal” Bhagavad Gita 13.29.
For Gandhi:
“Whoever sees the same God everywhere merges in Him and sees nothing else; Thus he does not give in to passion, does not become his own enemy and achieves Freedom.” .
“Whoever knows this mystery is not bound by activity, even in the midst of life. When we perceive this Supreme Presence that dwells in all beings, we cannot harm anyone.”
In Shaivism Ishvara is synonymous with Shiva (Maheshvara, Parameshvara, Supreme Lord - Knowledge of Brahman) or also with Ishta-deva (personal god).
For Vaishnavas, it is synonymous with Sri Krishna or Vishnu.
For Bhakta Yogis, Ishvara is one or more deities preferred by the believer.
In the yogic school of Hinduism, it is any “personal deity” or “Spiritual inspiration.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the word "Ishvara" mean?
Ishvara translates to "Lord" or "Supreme Controller." In the Bhagavad Gita, it refers to God in His personal, creative aspect, as opposed to the impersonal Brahman.
How does Ishvara relate to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras?
Patanjali includes IshvaraPranidhama (surrender to God) as one of the Niyamas (observances), suggesting that devotion to a personal deity is a direct path to Samadhi.
How is Ishvara viewed by different Hindu traditions?
For Vaishnavas, Ishvara is Krishna or Vishnu; for Shaivites, He is Shiva; and for followers of Sri Ramakrishna, Ishvara is the "Mother" or any form through which a devotee seeks God with faith.
Conclusion
Understanding Ishvara is essential for anyone practicing Bhakti Yoga or studying the Bhagavad Gita. As Pedro Nonell explains, seeing the same God dwelling equally in all beings is the ultimate foundation for non-violence and spiritual liberation.
Whether visualized as a personal deity or felt as an inner inspiration, Ishvara is the manifestation of God that guides the seeker from the "Field" of human activity to the highest goal of union with the Infinite.
Ishvara Bhagavad Gita 
Ishvara.
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(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
