असुर्या नाम ते लोका अन्धेन तमसाऽऽवृताः ।
तांस्ते प्रेत्याभिगच्छन्ति ये के चात्महनो जनाः ॥ 3 ||

Isha Upanishad Verse 03

Asuryā nāma te lokā andhena tamasāvṛtāḥ |
tāṁs te pretyābhigacchanti ye ke cātma-hano janāḥ || 3 ||

Those who live without self-awareness and waste their lives, go to dark ignorant states after death.

Translation of the words:

• Asurya loka – worlds without light, filled with ignorance
• Andhena tamasa – covered in complete darkness
• Pretya abhigacchanti – they go there after death
• Ātma-hanah janāh – people who destroy themselves (by ignoring their true inner self)

Interpretation:

This verse warns us that people who ignore their inner self and live only in ignorance, selfishness, or negativity end up in “darkness.”
It doesn’t mean a physical place of punishment — it means a life full of confusion, sadness, and no real purpose.

In short: When we forget who we truly are, we live in darkness..

Application in Daily Life:

Be aware: Don’t just live on autopilot. Pause, reflect, and understand yourself.

Choose positivity: Avoid negative habits that pull you down.

Seek knowledge: Even a little learning, meditation, or good company brings light to your mind.

Value yourself: Don’t harm your “self” by ignoring your potential — respect your own life.

So, the verse gently reminds us: Don’t waste your life in darkness — bring awareness and light into everyday living.

Conclusion:

The Isha Upanishad doesn’t just talk about life after death — it talks about how we live right now.
If we ignore our inner self, we invite darkness into our lives. But if we choose awareness, positivity, and self-respect, we fill our world with light.
This verse is a reminder that every moment is an opportunity to step out of ignorance and move toward clarity, joy, and purpose.