Mahavakyas

Mahavakyas - The Great Sentences

The Mahavakyas are four sentences from the Upanishads that encapsulate the entire teaching of Advaita Vedanta. Each one, in a different way, declares the identity of Atman and Brahman.

The Four Sentences

1. Prajnanam Brahma - “Consciousness is Brahman” (Aitareya Upanishad 3.3)

This sentence declares that the ultimate reality is pure consciousness. Not that Brahman has consciousness, but that Brahman is consciousness itself. It establishes the nature of the absolute.

2. Aham Brahmasmi - “I am Brahman” (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.10)

This sentence expresses the direct realization of the individual self as Brahman. It is the statement of the realized sage, spoken from direct experience. It affirms that the personal self is identical with the absolute.

3. Tat Tvam Asi - “That Thou Art” (Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7)

This is the teaching of the guru to the disciple. “That” refers to Brahman, the ultimate reality. “Thou” refers to the individual self. The sentence declares their identity. It appears nine times in the Chandogya Upanishad, each time with a different analogy.

4. Ayam Atma Brahma - “This Self is Brahman” (Mandukya Upanishad 1.2)

This sentence declares that the Self, which is experienced in the depths of meditation, is Brahman. It establishes the identity of the innermost Self with the supreme reality.

The Method

The Mahavakyas are not statements to be believed but sentences to be realized. They are used in the practice of sravana (hearing), manana (reflection), and nididhyasana (meditation). Through sustained contemplation on their meaning, the direct knowledge of the Self dawns.