"Maha Vakya" is a Sanskrit term that translates to "Great Sayings" in English. These are profound philosophical truths or principles found in the ancient Indian spiritual tradition of Vedanta. Each Maha Vakya is taken from one of the four Vedas, namely “Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda” which are the primary texts of Hinduism, and they illustrate the unity of Atman (the individual self or soul) and Brahman (the ultimate reality or universal consciousness).
Differences between Mantras and Mahavakyas
A Mahavakya, on the other hand, is a specific kind of statement or aphorism found in the Upanishads, the philosophical parts of the Hindu scriptures called the Vedas. The term Mahavakya translates to "great sayings" and there are traditionally four such statements, each from one of the four Vedas. These Mahavakyas articulate the unity of Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (the absolute reality), which is the central theme of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Examples include "Aham Brahmasmi" (I am Brahman) and "Tat Tvam Asi" (You are That).
While mantras are sacred sounds or phrases used in spiritual practices like meditation, Mahavakyas are philosophical statements expressing the essential teaching of the Upanishads about the unity of Atman and Brahman. A mantra might be used for various purposes, such as to invoke divine presence, to aid concentration, or to bring about certain spiritual or material outcomes. A Mahavakya, however, is meant for contemplation and realization of the ultimate spiritual truth.
"The Mahavakyas"
There are four traditionally recognized Mahavakyas, each derived from one of the four Vedas, the oldest scriptures in Hinduism.They are as follows:
Pragyanam
Brahma or Prajnanam Brahma (“प्रज्ञानं ब्रह्म”- ऐतरेय उपनिषद
– ऋग्वेद)- Consciousness is Brahman (Aitareya Upanishad of Rig
Veda)
Each word in the phrase translates to:
- प्रज्ञानम् (Pragyanam):
Consciousness
- ब्रह्म (Brahma):
Brahman (The Ultimate Reality)
The first Maha Vakya, "Prajnanam Brahma," is from
the Aitareya Upanishad of the Rig Veda."Prajnanam" in Sanskrit refers
to the highest form of knowledge, or consciousness, not just intellectual
understanding. "Brahma" is the ultimate reality or the absolute
principle in the universe. So, "Prajnanam Brahma" means that the
consciousness is not a by-product of material complexity but is the original
basis of existence, the fundamental nature of reality. It points out that the
essential nature of the world is consciousness, not inert matter. It
establishes the superiority of spiritual reality over material reality.
Aham
Brahmasmi (“अहं ब्रह्मास्मि” - बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद - यजुर्वेद) - I am Brahman (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad of Yajur Veda)
Each word in the phrase translates to:
- अहम् (Aham): I
- ब्रह्मास्मि
(Brahmasmi): Am Brahman
"Aham Brahmasmi" is from the Brihadaranyaka
Upanishad, which is associated with the Yajur Veda, translates to "I am
Brahman." The term "Aham" in Sanskrit refers to the “Self”, and
"Brahmasmi" means "am Brahman." The saying is an
affirmation that our true self, or Atman, once it is free from false
identification with the physical and subtle body, is not separate from the
ultimate reality (Brahman). This identification happens when one realizes the
true nature of the Self and transcends the false identification with the body,
mind, and ego.
Tat Tvam
Asi (“तत्त्वमसि” - छान्दोग्य उपनिषद – सामवेद)- You are That (Chandogya Upanishad
of Sama Veda)
Each word in the phrase translates to:
- तत् (Tat): That
- त्वम् (Tvam): You
- असि (Asi): Are
The third Maha Vakya, "Tat Tvam Asi," comes from
the Chandogya Upanishad of the Sama Veda and translates to "You are
That." "Tat" means that,
"Tvam" means “You”, and "Asi" means “Are”. Here,
"That" refers to “Brahman”, the ultimate reality, and
"Thou" refers to “Atman”, the individual self. This phrase emphasizes
the oneness of the individual soul and the universal soul, stressing that the
individual soul, when stripped of its false sense of ego and individuality,
realizes its true nature as the universal soul. . It is a form of instruction
from the teacher to the student to meditate upon their own essential reality
and realize it to be nothing different from the universal reality.
Ayam Atma
Brahma (“अयमात्मा ब्रह्म” - माण्डूक्य उपनिषद – अथर्ववेद) - This Self (Atman) is Brahman
(Mandukya Upanishad of Atharva Veda)
Each word in the phrase translates to:
- अयं (Ayam): This
- आत्मा (Atma): Self
- ब्रह्म (Brahma):
Brahman (The Ultimate Reality)
The final Maha Vakya, "Ayam Atma Brahma," is from
the Mandukya Upanishad of the Atharva Veda and translates to "This Self
(Atman) is Brahman." Similar to "Tat Tvam Asi," it emphasizes
the unity of the individual self (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman).
This statement indicates that the individual self, in its deepest and most
profound state of consciousness, is not separate from the ultimate reality.
Each Maha Vakya provides a different perspective on the
ultimate reality and our relationship to it. They're designed to provoke deep
contemplation and ultimately lead to the realization of one's true nature,
which according to Advaita Vedanta, is non-different from the ultimate reality.
They outline the core philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, that the individual self
and the universal Self are not separate but are essentially one and the same.
The perceived separation is due to ignorance (Avidya), and knowledge (Vidya)
eliminates this ignorance, leading to liberation (Moksha).
These Maha Vakyas,
although brief, encapsulate complex philosophical teachings and require deep
contemplation.
Other Mahavakyas
Following texts conveys
a similar non-dualistic concept as the Mahavakyas, expressing the unity of
Atman (the individual self) and Brahman (the ultimate reality), but they are
not traditionally categorized as a Mahavakya.
So'ham (सोऽहम्):
"I am That" or
"I am He/That"
Each word in the phrase translates to:
- सोऽ (So): He/That
- अहम् (Aham): I am
The apostrophe represents the elision that occurs due to the
rules of Sanskrit grammar, known as Sandhi. The ' represents the removal of the
vowel 'a' from 'so' when combined with 'aham'.
So'ham
(सोऽहम्) carries
deep philosophical meaning. The "That" refers to Brahman, the
ultimate reality or absolute principle in the universe. "I" refers to
Atman, the individual self or soul.
The phrase is used in meditation and is associated with the
natural rhythm of breathing. When transliterated, "So" (सो) is typically thought of
as being associated with the inhalation, and "Ham" (हम्) with the exhalation. So
this Mantra is sometimes called the "Breathing mantra."
The continuous repetition of "So'ham" during
meditation is meant to lead to a state of deep focus and self-realization,
where the practitioner realizes the unity of the individual self (Atman) with
the universal Self (Brahman). This is the ultimate goal of many spiritual
practices in Hinduism and forms the core teaching of Advaita Vedanta.
Anor Aniyan
Mahato Mahiyan Atma (अणोरणीयान् महतो महीयान् आत्मा): The Atman is subtler than the subtlest and greater
than the greatest
Each word in
the phrase translates to:
- अणोः (Anoh): Of the subtle
- अणीयान् (Aniyan): Subtler
- महतः (Mahatoh): Of the great
- महीयान् (Mahiyan): Greater
- आत्मा (Atma): Self or Atman
"Anor
aniyan mahato mahiyan atma" is a Sanskrit phrase from the Katha Upanishad,
one of the mukhya (primary) Upanishads in Hinduism.It translates to "The
Self (Atman) is subtler than the subtlest and greater than the greatest."The
phrase describes the paradoxical nature of the Atman (the individual Self),
indicating that it is more subtle (smaller) than the smallest entity and yet
greater (bigger) than the biggest.
It suggests
that the Atman, which is often equated with consciousness in the Upanishads, is
not limited by physical dimensions. It is finer than the finest elements of the
universe, transcending all physical boundaries, yet it pervades and exceeds the
entire cosmos in its magnitude.This teaching is part of the broader
philosophical discourse in the Upanishads, which elucidate the nature of Atman
and its relationship with Brahman, the ultimate reality.
Eko Devah
Sarvabhuteshu Gudhah (एको देवः सर्वभूतेषु गूढ:):
The one God is hidden in all beings
Each word in the phrase translates to:
- एको (Eko): One
- देवः (Devah): God
- सर्वभूतेषु
(Sarvabhuteshu): In all beings
- गूढः (Gudhah): Hidden
"Eko Devah Sarvabhuteshu Gudhah" is a Sanskrit
phrase from the Svetasvatara Upanishad, an ancient Indian scriptural text. The
phrase translates to "The one God is hidden in all beings."
This phrase is from the Svetasvatara Upanishad and
communicates the idea that one supreme reality (God or Brahman) pervades all
beings, though it may not be immediately apparent or visible (hidden). This
aligns with the teachings of the Vedanta philosophy, which postulates the
divine presence within all beings.
Sarvabhuteshu
cha Atmanam Sarvabhutani cha Atmani (सर्वभूतेषु च आत्मानं सर्वभूतानि च आत्मनि): One sees all beings in the self
and all beings in the Atman
Each part of the phrase translates to:
- सर्वभूतेषु
(Sarvabhuteshu): In all beings
- च (Cha): And
- आत्मानं (Atmanam): The
self
- सर्वभूतानि
(Sarvabhutani): All beings
- च (Cha): And
- आत्मनि (Atmani): In the
Atman
The Sanskrit phrase "Sarvabhuteshu cha Atmanam
Sarvabhutani cha Atmani" translates to "One sees all beings in the
self and all beings in the Atman."It speaks to the interconnectedness of
all beings and the presence of the divine Self (Atman) within all beings. This
statement resonates with the idea of non-duality where the individual self
(Atman) and the universal self (Brahman) are seen as one and the same.
Yatra
visvam bhavati ekaneedam (यत्र विश्वं भवति एकनीदं):
Where all this becomes the One alone
Each word in
the phrase translates to:
- यत्र (Yatra): Where
- विश्वं (Visvam): All this, Universe
- भवति (Bhavati): Becomes
- एकनीदं (Ekanidam): One alone (Eka -
One; Nidam - Alone)
"Yatra Visvam
Bhavati Ekaneedam" is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to "Where all
this becomes the One alone" or "Where all this unifies into
one."
The
statement is an affirmation of the non-dualistic (Advaita) understanding of
reality, emphasizing that all apparent diversity and plurality in the universe
are ultimately unified in the singular reality, often referred to as Brahman in
Vedantic philosophy. It suggests that upon the realization of the ultimate
truth, all perceived separateness dissolves, and everything is understood as
one undifferentiated reality.
Sarvam
Khalv Idam Brahma (सर्वं
खल्विदं ब्रह्म-छान्दोग्य उपनिषद): All this is indeed Brahman (Chandogya
Upanishad)
Each word in the phrase translates to:
- सर्वं (Sarvam): All
- खलु (Khalu): Indeed
- इदं (Idam): This
- ब्रह्म (Brahma):
Brahman (The Ultimate Reality)
According to the phrase "Sarvam Khalv Idam
Brahma", everything in the universe, all forms of life and matter, all
phenomena we experience are expressions or manifestations of Brahman. Brahman
is the fundamental, unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality
which is the Divine Ground of all existence in the universe. According to this
philosophy, there is no fundamental distinction between the world, the
individual soul, and the supreme reality. Everything that we see, experience,
and even what we don't perceive, is essentially Brahman.
Ekam Evadvitiyam
Brahma (एकमेवाद्वितीयं
ब्रह्म- छान्दोग्य
उपनिषद): “Brahman
is one, without a second (Chandogya Upanishad)
Each word in the phrase translates to:
- एकम् (Ekam): One
- एव (Eva): Only
- अद्वितीयम् (Advitiyam):
Without a second
- ब्रह्म (Brahma):
Brahman (The Ultimate Reality)
This statement is foundational to the non-dualistic school
of Hindu philosophy, Advaita Vedanta, which argues that there is only one
reality (Brahman) and that all diversity and plurality that we perceive are
illusory. It means that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is indivisible and
absolute, and there's nothing that exists separate from it.
It's the assertion of the oneness of reality and denial of
any kind of duality or multiplicity. It is used to stress the point that the individual
self (Atman), the universe, and the Supreme Self (Brahman) are not different,
but are one and the same.
Etad Vai
Tat (एतद् वै तत्): This indeed is That
Each word in
the phrase translates to:
- एतद् (Etad): This
- वै (Vai): Indeed
- तत् (Tat): That
The
"That" (Tat) in this context refers to the Absolute Reality or
Brahman, and "This" (Etad) often refers to the individual self or Atman.
The phrase is essentially saying that the individual self (Atman) in its true
nature is not different from the ultimate reality (Brahman).
This idea is
central to the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which advocates non-dualism,
suggesting that there's no fundamental difference between the individual self
and the ultimate reality. All perceived differences are due to ignorance
(Avidya), and true knowledge (Vidya) of one's real nature eliminates this
ignorance, leading to self-realization and liberation (Moksha).
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Brahmaivedam
Vishvam (ब्रह्मैवेदं विश्वम्): Brahman is indeed this Universe
Each word in
the phrase translates to:
- ब्रह्मैव (Brahmaiva): Brahman indeed
(Brahma - Brahman; Eva - indeed)
- इदं (Idam): this
- विश्वम् (Vishvam): universe
"Brahmaivedam
Vishvam" is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to "Brahman is indeed
this universe".This statement is found in the Mundaka Upanishad and it
embodies the central philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of
Hindu philosophy. According to this school, the ultimate reality, or Brahman,
is not separate from the universe but is the fundamental essence of the
universe.The term "Brahman" in Hindu philosophy is the unchanging,
infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality that is the Divine Ground of all
matter, energy, time, space, being, and everything beyond in this Universe.
"Vishvam" refers to the universe or the phenomenal world as we
perceive it.
The phrase
suggests that everything in the universe, all forms of life and matter, all
phenomena we experience, are manifestations or expressions of Brahman. It
underscores the idea of Oneness in the Universe, that there is a fundamental
unity to everything.
Sarvam
Brahma Mayam (सर्वं ब्रह्म मयम्): Everything is pervaded by Brahman
Each word in the phrase translates to:
- सर्वं (Sarvam): Everything
- ब्रह्म (Brahma): Brahman
- मयम् (Mayam): Is pervaded by / is
full of
The phrase
"Sarvam Brahma Mayam" is not a classical Mahavakya from the
Upanishads. However, it is often used in the context of Advaita Vedanta
teachings to express the pervasiveness of Brahman, the ultimate reality, in
everything.All forms of life and matter, every phenomenon we experience, is
essentially an expression or manifestation of Brahman. This underscores the
unity and interconnectedness of all things in the universe.
The Upanishads contain numerous verses that convey similar non-dualistic sentiments, and different schools or teachers might emphasize different verses. These verses or statements, while profound, are not traditionally categorized as Mahavakyas.
The Value and Significance of Mahavakyas in Hindu Philosophy
The
Mahavakyas immense value in the spiritual and philosophical understanding of
Hinduism, particularly in the context of Advaita Vedanta, the non-dualistic
school of Hindu philosophy. Here's why they are important:
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- Expressing Non-Duality: Mahavakyas are key expressions
of the non-dual (Advaita) understanding that the individual self (Atman)
and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same. They succinctly
articulate this profound truth.
- Guiding Meditation and
Contemplation:
These statements provide a basis for deep contemplation and meditation.
They guide spiritual seekers towards self-realization, which is the
understanding and experiential realization of the oneness of Atman and
Brahman.
- Encouraging a Shift in
Perception: By
emphasizing the unity of Atman and Brahman, the Mahavakyas encourage a
shift in perception where the world is not seen as separate from oneself.
This can lead to greater compassion, empathy, and a sense of universal
responsibility.
- Promoting Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal in many
Indian spiritual traditions is Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of
birth and death. This liberation is achieved through the realization of
one's true nature, which is the unity of Atman and Brahman. Mahavakyas
guide seekers towards this realization.
- Teaching Tools: Mahavakyas are used as
teaching tools by gurus and spiritual teachers. They serve as concise,
profound statements of the ultimate truth.
- Philosophical and Theological
Discussions:
These statements also serve as the basis for philosophical and theological
discussions and debates, helping scholars and seekers alike to explore and
articulate the profound truths of existence.
In essence,
the value of the Mahavakyas lies in their ability to convey, in a very succinct
way, the profound spiritual and philosophical truths of non-dualism.Each
Mahavakya tells us something different about the ultimate reality of the
universe and how we are connected to it. These sayings make us think deeply,
and help us understand our true nature, which, according to Advaita Vedanta, is
not different from the ultimate reality itself.
Written By:
Ritesh Mishra