India, Sept. 12 -- We spend most of our lives accumulating, more wealth, more possessions, more recognition, quietly believing that what we gather becomes truly ours. The very first verse of the Isha Upanishad challenges that belief before the text has even begun.

The verse declares, "Ishavasyam Idam Sarvam, Yat Kincha Jagatyam Jagat", all this, whatever exists in this changing universe, is pervaded by the Divine. Nothing, not a tree, not a home, not even the body we call our own, exists apart from that presence. The verse continues, "Tena Tyaktena Bhunjitha, Ma Gridhah Kasya Swid Dhanam", therefore, enjoy through renunciation; do not covet what belongs to another.

This is a remarkable instruction. It does not ask us to abandon the worl...