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Prologue
Before delving into the commentary on Sūtras, it is necessary to understand the concept of Īśvara relating to this work. Īśvara is a Sanskrit word meaning Supreme Ruler or Owner. “Ish” means to rule or own. And “wara” means supreme. Probably, the word first appears in Ishāvāsya Upanishad which is a philosophical text but at the same time part of original mantra texts of Veda called saṁhitā. Īśvara of Vedas is the Supreme Ruler and Creator of the entire Universe, containing sentient and insentient beings. In purāṇas, Īśvara is assigned to particular and profound deity such as śiva. In some other portions, it is assigned to a formless reality pervading the universe, called Brahman or Parameśvara. In all portions of Veda, the profoundness or supremeness of Īśvara is present.
In later outshoots of Veda such as Jainism or Buddhism, Īśvara is the highest existence that can bless the humans in overcoming the entire human suffering. In later popular religions Īśvara is described as God who loves his devotees, sends messengers to help humans, decides the fate of beings including final salvation.
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