ESSAYS

Tat tvam asi — “That thou art” — is the Upanishadic revelation that the essence of the individual is none other than Brahman, pure consciousness.

Mahavakya means “great statement.” Tradition highlights four Upanishadic declarations, but many others exist, and later Advaita sayings like Brahma satyam jagan mithya also function as teaching mahavakyas. All reveal the oneness of Self and Brahman.

Brahma satyam jagan mithya jivo brahmaiva na aparaḥ — Brahman is real, the world is dependent, and the individual is none other than Brahman. This half-verse condenses the entire teaching of Advaita Vedanta.