The face of truth is hidden by a golden disc. Reveal it, O Pūṣan, so that I, devoted to truth, may see it.

With this verse begins the final section of the Īśopaniṣad: a series of prayers to the Sun, which symbolizes both ultimate truth and the principle of illumination.

Hiraṇmayena pātreṇa — by a golden (hiraṇmaya) disc (pātra, vessel, disc). The brilliant sun is a golden lid that hides deeper truth. The dazzling beauty of the manifest world can blind as much as illuminate.

Satyasya apihitaṃ mukham — the face of satya (truth, reality) is hidden, covered. Behind the physical sun is the spiritual sun; behind visible light, the light of pure consciousness.

Tat tvaṃ pūṣan apāvṛṇu — reveal it, O Pūṣan, uncover it. Pūṣan is a Vedic solar deity, the nourisher, the one who makes things grow, the guide of paths. It is also an aspect of the inner sun.

Satyadharmāya dṛṣṭaye — so that I, who am devoted to truth (satyadharma), may see (dṛṣṭi). The prayer is not for worldly favors but for direct vision of reality.

This transition to prayer indicates that intellectual knowledge is not sufficient: grace, openness, a receptive disposition are needed. The aspirant asks for the veil to be removed.