In Advaita Vedanta, the statement "Tat Tvam Asi" (Sanskrit: तत्त्वमसि) holds profound philosophical significance. It is one of the Mahavakyas, or "great sayings," found in the Upanishads, which are the ancient scriptures of Hindu philosophy. This particular Mahavakya is from the Chandogya Upanishad.
The phrase "Tat Tvam Asi" can be translated as "Thou art That" or "You are That." Its significance lies in its explanation of the ultimate reality, the nature of the self (Atman), and the relationship between the individual self and the ultimate reality (Brahman). Here are some key points regarding its significance:
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Non-Dualism (Advaita): "Tat Tvam Asi" emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, which is a core concept in Advaita Vedanta. It teaches that there is only one ultimate reality, Brahman, and the apparent distinctions between individual souls (Atman) and Brahman are ultimately illusory. The statement highlights the unity of the individual self and the ultimate reality.
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Identity of the Self: The statement asserts that the true self (Atman) is not different from the universal consciousness (Brahman). It implies that every individual's essential nature is divine and that the perceived separation between the individual self and the ultimate reality is a product of ignorance (avidya).
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Realization and Liberation: Understanding "Tat Tvam Asi" is central to the spiritual path in Advaita Vedanta. It leads to self-realization (Atman-jnana), which is the recognition of one's identity with Brahman. This realization is believed to lead to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
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Removal of Ignorance: Advaita Vedanta teaches that the cause of suffering is ignorance about one's true nature. The knowledge conveyed by "Tat Tvam Asi" is seen as a means to remove this ignorance, leading to a state of eternal bliss and freedom from suffering.
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Meditation and Contemplation: The teaching of "Tat Tvam Asi" encourages seekers to contemplate and meditate on their identity with the ultimate reality. This practice helps individuals transcend their ego and realize their true nature.
In summary, "Tat Tvam Asi" is a pivotal teaching in Advaita Vedanta that underscores the essential oneness of the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). It is a profound and liberating statement that forms the foundation of Advaita philosophy and guides seekers on the path to self-realization and spiritual liberation.
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase that is one of the most famous maxims in Advaita Vedanta philosophy. It is usually translated as “Thou art That” or “You are That” 1. The phrase is part of the so-called Mahavakyas (Great Sayings or Great Contemplations), which denote the complete identicalness of the individual self (the personal “I” or soul) with the absolute, ultimate reality (Universal Self, God, Creator, or Absolute Consciousness, among other designations) 1.
The phrase is thought to have been first mentioned in the Chandogya Upanishad, a sacred Vedic text thought to be composed between the 8th and 6th century BCE 1. It is commonly interpreted as a pointer to the intimate relationship between the Atman (Jivatman, the individual Self or individual Soul and Consciousness) and Brahman (Paramatman, the absolute Self, universal Soul and Consciousness, the creator of the world or universe) 1.
In Advaita Vedanta, it generally signifies that “Atman and Brahman are identical; there’s no difference between them; that’s your essence, truth and reality” 1. The phrase is used as a help to realize “the absolute truth,” spoken by a Guru (a Spiritual Awakened one) to a disciple. It’s said to someone who’s looking for truth and insight into what and how the nature of the Self or “I” is 1
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