Tat Tvam Asi

[Guest guest]

Jai Sai Ram

Tat Tvam Asi means You Are That.The ultimate meaning is that Atman and Brahman are identical.Atman is the indwelling spirit,and Brahman pervades and sustains the universe.In other words,the whole universe originates from "IT" and ultimately merges into "IT" which is consciousness ,pure and absolute.Our ancient sages confronted the question of whether Atma and Brahman are one.They pondered deep and realised their oneness "Tat Tvam Asi" was the ultimate answer.It was Sandilya who discovered this truth ,hence it is known as "Sandilya Vidya" in chapter 3 section 14 of the Chandogya Upanishad.When earnest disciples ponder and contemplate on "Tat Tvam Asi " he gets direct realization of the truth and says "Aham Bramhasmi" ---"I am that"

The following dialogue is between Uddalaka who was teacher of Brahma Vidya(supreme knowledge) and his son Swetaketu,who was 24, and returned home after staying 12 years in Gurukula .

Uddalaka tells his son "Bring me a fruit of that Banyan tree".

The boy brings it

"Cut it"

"It is cut father."

"what do you see in it?"

"only grains subtle like atoms."

Again Uddalaka asks him to examine closely.The boy still says he sees nothing.

Then Uddalaka begins to explain the mystery of creation.He says "My child ,you are right .You see nothing in it .But remember it is from that the Banyan tree has sprung up ,full of leaves and fruits .Likewise ,this vast gross universe has emanated from the subtle atom ,which in fact is the field of energy.The gross which is visible is the effect ,the cause of which the subtlest essence.That is this truth ,which is Atman.You are that!"

Hence "Tat Tvam Asi " is the ultimate fulfillment of the struggle and aspiration of the Jiva (the individual soul),liberating him from the meshes of ignorance and finitude,ever eastablishing him in his true state of immortal bliss and infinitude.

Om Sai Sri Sai Jai Jai Sai