Significance of Tat Tvam Asi
Tat Tvam Asi, meaning 'That art Thou,' is a significant phrase from the Upanishads and a fundamental teaching in Vedanta. It emphasizes the identity between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), illustrating their inherent unity. This phrase is crucial for meditation, self-awareness, and understanding one's connection to the divine. As a mahavakya, it serves to remove ignorance about the true nature of self and reality, promoting the realization of consciousness's oneness.
Synonyms: That art thou, You are that, Thou art that
In Dutch: Tat Tvam Asi; In Finnish: Tat Tvam Asi; In Spanish: Que Dios te bendiga
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Tat Tvam Asi'
In Buddhism, "Tat Tvam Asi," meaning "This is you," suggests a connected reality. Emphasized by von der Heydt, it implies all entities are linked, promoting interconnectedness. This viewpoint stresses unity and shared existence.
(1) This phrase, meaning 'This is you,' was strongly underlined by von der Heydt in Deussen's book, expressing the idea that all entities might be connected.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Tat Tvam Asi'
Tat Tvam Asi, a pivotal phrase in Hindu philosophy, means 'That thou art,' signifying the essential unity of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman), illuminating the relationship between the self and supreme consciousness.
(1) A significant phrase found within shruti texts, implying a profound realization about the nature of the Self.[2] (2) This specific text from the shruti aids in the realization of consciousness's oneness by removing the adjunct-based incompatible factors existing between jiva-consciousness and Ishvara-consciousness, enabling a deeper understanding.[3] (3) A well-known phrase in Hindu philosophy translating to 'That art thou,' which is cited as an example of a text that does not suffice for establishing the knowledge of the Self without a separate injunction.[4] (4) A significant phrase from the Upanishads meaning 'That thou art,' which conveys the essence of identity between the self and Brahman.[5] (5) A principal verse indicating the unity of the individual self and the ultimate reality.[6]
(1) The guru tells us who we really are—tat tvam asi, thou art that, which means that the Self is one with the ultimate reality.[7] (2) A mahavakya or great saying meaning 'That thou art', illustrating the connection between the individual and the universal Self.[8] (3) Translating to 'that thou art,' this important phrase conveys the identity of the individual self with the universal Self, indicating an inherent connection to the ultimate reality.[9] (4) A fundamental Vedantic principle meaning 'thou art that', indicating the self's unity with the ultimate reality (Brahman).[10]
(1) A significant phrase in Vedantic philosophy meaning 'That art thou,' pointing to the unity between individual souls and Brahman.[11] (2) A phrase meaning 'that art thou,' indicating the connection and distinction between the individual self and Brahman.[12]
(1) A dictum from the Upanishads meaning 'Thou art That', used to express the profound identity between the universal and the individual.[13]
The concept of Tat Tvam Asi in local and regional sources
Tat Tvam Asi is a Vedantic principle emphasizing the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality, Brahman. It conveys unity between individuals and the divine, fostering a deep connection to a universal essence.
(1) 'You are that Reality' - a declaration in Vedanta reflecting the romantic assertion of human connection to the divine.[16] (2) An Upanishadic statement meaning 'That Thou Art,' illustrating the unity of the individual with the universal reality.[17] (3) A profound statement from the Upanishads meaning 'That art Thou,' demonstrating the non-difference or unity between the individual and the absolute.[18] (4) A Vedantic principle meaning 'That art thou', emphasizing the unity of the Self with the ultimate reality.[19]
(1) Tat Tvam Asi is a celebrated aphorism that is taught to every man, and it states that you are one with this Universal Being, and as such, every soul that exists is your soul.[20] (2) Tat tvam asi is a phrase meaning "That thou art", indicating the identity between the individual self and the ultimate reality, Brahman.[21] (3) A Sanskrit phrase meaning "That thou art, That thou art," a song sung to children to help them understand their connection to a higher power.[22]