Chandogya Upanishad-Tat Tvam Asi
Tat-Tvam-Asi Explanation: तत्-त्वम्-असि : তৎ-ত্বম্-অসি
Introduction: Tat Tvam Asi
This post marks the concluding part of Chapter 6 of the Chandogya Upanishad—Tat Tvam Asi reaches its final depth. It explores the profound Tat Tvam Asi interpretation as presented in the Chandogya Upanishad (Part 6C). This Mahāvākya (great saying) conveys the essence of self-realization and non-duality, revealing the unity between the individual self and the Supreme Reality. Through engaging analogies and teachings, this section unravels the philosophical depth of Tat Tvam Asi and its significance in Vedantic wisdom.
The dialogue between Uddalaka and Shvetaketu-Tat Tvam Asi has been explained.
To fully grasp the insights presented in sections 13 to 16, it is essential to read the previously published parts: Part 6A and Part 6B. These earlier discussions lay the foundation for understanding the ultimate truth of non-duality. In this final section, the dialogue between Uddalaka and Shvetaketu culminates in a deeper realization of self-discovery and liberation. The individual self (Jivatman) and the supreme reality (Brahman) are one, dissolving all illusions of separation. As we explore these final teachings, we move closer to the essence of enlightenment—the direct experience of “You Are That.”
Section 13: (Three Mantras): The Dissolved Salt:
Salt Solution Analogy
Mantra-13.1: Simile: Salt Dissolved in Water
The father said to his son, “Put this salt into water and return to me in the morning.” The boy followed his father’s instruction. The next morning, the father asked, “My child, bring me the salt you put in the water last night.” The boy searched but could not find it—the salt had completely dissolved.
Mantra 13.2: Application—The Salt is the Self!
i) All-Pervasiveness of the Salt:
Father: “My child, take a sip from the top of this water. How does it taste?”
Boy: “It is salty.”
Father: “Take a sip from the middle. How does it taste?”
Boy: “It is salty.”
Father: “Take a sip from the bottom. How does it taste?”
Boy: “It is salty.”
ii) Invisibility of the Salt:
Father: “Now throw this water away and return to me.” The boy obeyed.
Boy: “The salt remains, though unseen.”
iii) Conclusion Drawn:
Father: “Indeed, it is there! Existence, dear boy, is like this—you may not see it, but it is always present.”
Mantra-13.3a: The Conclusion—”Tat-Tvam-Asi”
“This existence is the same subtle essence. The entire world is superimposed upon it. That is the Truth; That is the Self’.
Tat-Tvam-Asi, That Thou Art,’ O Shvetaketu.”
Mantra-13.3b: Shvetaketu Seeks Further Clarity
Shvetaketu asks, “Revered Sir, won’t you please explain it further to me?” The father replies, “Be it so, dear boy.”
Section-14 14: (Three Mantras) The Blindfolded Captive
Mantra-14.1a: A Man is Blindfolded and Abandoned
“Imagine, dear boy, a man from Gandhāra is taken deep into a forest, blindfolded, and abandoned. Lost and disoriented, he cries out for help, ‘I have been brought here blindfolded and left alone’!”
Mantra-14.1b: The Man Receives Direction and Returns Home
A kind person removes his blindfold and instructs him, “Gandhāra lies in this direction. Travel from village to village, asking for guidance along the way.” Eventually, he finds his way back home.
Mantra-14.2: The Necessity of a Guide
Likewise, in this world, one who has a spiritual guide finds the right direction. The only delay is in taking the necessary steps toward liberation and merging into the Ultimate Truth.
Mantra-14.3a: The Conclusion—’Tat-Tvam-Asi’
“This existence is the same subtle essence. The entire world is superimposed upon it. That is the truth; that is the self. ‘That Thou Art,’ O Shvetaketu.”
Mantra-14.3b: Shvetaketu Seeks Further Clarity
Shvetaketu asks, “Revered Sir, won’t you please explain it further to me?” The father replies, “Be it so, dear boy.”
Section-15 15: (Three Mantras) A Sick Man on His Deathbed
Mantra-15.1: Simile: A Dying Man
A sick man lies on his deathbed, surrounded by family members who ask, “Do you recognize us?” As long as his speech has not merged into the mind, the mind into Prāṇa, Prāṇa into Fire, and Fire into the Supreme (Existence – Sat), he recognizes them.
Mantra-15.2: Merging into the Absolute—The Supreme Deity (Existence—Sat)
When speech merges into the mind, the mind into Prāṇa, Prāṇa into Fire, and Fire into the Supreme, he ceases to recognize them.
Philosophical Significance:
For a sage, this process symbolizes the cessation of ignorance, leading to enlightenment. Speech represents all sensory faculties. When speech dissolves, the mind still functions. However, when the mind merges into Prāṇa, it enters a deep meditative state (Samādhi), where thoughts are silenced, except the finest one.
Mantra-15.3a: The Conclusion—’Tat-Tvam-Asi’
“This existence is the same subtle essence. The entire world is superimposed upon it. That is the truth; that is the self. ‘That Thou Art,’ O Shvetaketu.”
Mantra-15.3b: Shvetaketu Seeks Further Clarity
Shvetaketu asks, “Revered Sir, won’t you please explain it further to me?” The father replies, “Be it so, dear boy.”
Section 16: (Three Mantras) The Heated Axe.
Mantra-16.1: How Does Guilt Become Evident?
i) The accusation:
Authorities accuse a man of theft. They bind his hands and prepare for judgment. “Heat the ax for him,” they declare.
ii) The self-test for guilt:
If he is guilty, his falsehood encircles him. As he grasps the heated axe, it burns him, exposing his guilt.
Mantra 16.2: How Does Innocence Become Evident?
If he is innocent, truth protects him. He grasps the heated axe but remains unharmed, proving his innocence. Truth (Sat) and the Self are one.
Mantra-16.3a: The Conclusion—’Tat Tvam Asi’
“This existence is the same subtle essence. The entire world is superimposed upon it. That is the truth; that is the self. ‘That Thou Art,’ O Shvetaketu.”
Mantra-16.3b: Shvetaketu Gains Absolute Clarity
Shvetaketu fully understands his father’s teaching. He realizes the truth of self-realization.
Final Meaning of ‘Tat-Tvam-Asi’
‘Tat-Tvam-Asi’ = Sat-Chit-Ānanda
‘Tat-Tvam-Asi’ = YOU ARE THAT. This statement reveals the unity of the individual self and the universal self. Direct realization of this oneness leads to Moksha (liberation).
The Chandogya Upaniṣad explores profound philosophical themes such as cosmology, metaphysics, theology, transcendentalism, phenomenology, and epistemology. However, the concept of Brahman remains its central focus.
Recommended Readings:
(Various texts on Advaita Vedanta and Upaniṣads listed at the end.)
॥ इति षोडशः खण्डः ॥ ॥ इति षष्ठोऽध्यायः
END OF CHAPTER 6
For the full Sanskrit version of the Chandogyo Upanishad, click here:
Conclusion
The Chandogya Upanishad not only delves into some of the most profound and conceptualized thoughts in Indology, but it also provides deep insights into subjects such as cosmology, metaphysics, theology, transcendentalism, phenomenology, and epistemology. More importantly, despite the vastness of these intricate ideas, the concept of Brahman remains the core essence and ultimate foundation of the Chandogya Upanishad.
With this in mind, I sincerely encourage my esteemed readers to explore a special post, “The Divine Art,” which offers a highly conceptual and intellectually stimulating perspective. Additionally, this post provides further clarity on these fundamental ideas. You can find the link here: “The Divine Art.”
Recommended readings:
- Back to the Truth: 5000 years of ADVAITA by Dennis Waite.**
- THE TEN PRINCIPAL UPANISHADS: Translated by Shree Purohit** Swami and Yeats
- Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Sankaracharya: Translated by Swami Gambhirananda.**
- Commentary on ChAndogya Upanishad by Swami Krishnananda.
- Chandogya Upanishad: By Swami GuruBhaktananda.
- EIGHT UPANISADS – VOL-1 with commentary of Sankaracharya, translated by SWAMI GAMBHIRANANDA.
- THE TAITTIRIYA UPANISHAD: SHIKSHAVALLI-ANANDAVALLI-BHRIGUVALLI with Sri Shankara’s Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidanandera Saraswati.
- A-U-M Awakening to Reality: By Dennis Waite***
- Panchadasi: Swami Vidyaranya:
- Information is available on the internet.
Link for Brahma Vidya: Eighth Chapter of Chandagyo Upanishad:
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that!
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Namaste 🙏❤️🙏
I have to admit I know very little about Hinduism, Vedantic wisdom, and the Tat Tvam Asi interpretation, but it is interesting reading and I like your pictures. I liked the story about the dissolved salt and the words of wisdom. However, I would like to point out that your like button does not work. It never loads.
One needs to create an account in WordPress in order to click Like.
Thank you so much for your elaborate comments ☺️
It is more than like itself.
About the like button visibility, there may be some problem with WordPress.
I have received such comments many a times.
However I feel lucky to have your comments which has encouraged me to write more in this direction.
Regards 🙏
Your presentation puts forward in simple terms an otherwise involved theory. Thanks for that. Most of philosophical propositions require great amount of contextual understanding as well as lateral readings. Your devotion for that matter is outstanding. Keep it up.
There are four mahawakyas, truly great statements. In my opinion they all complement as well as supplement the central concept of Vedanta-one Brahm with NO second, and its ALL Brahm. The day all human beings understand that we and everyone is part of the SAME Brahm, where is the question of demeaning others??
Thank you so much Sir ji for your insights. Indeed the Text is highly rich in unifying all forms of manifestations. Ek Brahman, dwitio nasti.
Regards 🙏
s