"Tat Tvam Asi"

"Tat Tvam Asi"

"That art thou"/"Thou art that"/ "That thou art"

By

 Snehil Suresh Wakchaure

"Tat Tvam Asi"[6] is one of the 'Mahakavyas" [10] in Vedantic [9] Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism [8]).  Vedanta deals with texts concerning Upanishads, Bhagwad Gita & Brahma Sutra scriptures. There are 4 MahaKavyas in Upanishads. The Vedas in general deal with 4 Samhitas (collections of Sanskrit Vedic scriptures from RigVeda, YajurVeda, SamVeda, AtharvaVeda). The phrase "Tat Tvam Asi" is a Mahakavya, which is are ancient Vedantic scriptures from the sayings of the 'Upanishads'[11]. The phrase, 'Tat Tvam Asi', in particular appears in 'Chandogya Upanishad' [12] which is one of the 'mukhya' Upanishads & ranks amongst the oldest Upanishads. 'Chandogya Upanishad' is a 10 chapter compilation of the Vedantic philosophical teachings and ranks 9th amongst the total 108 Upanishad scriptures.

Meaning of 'Tat Tvam Asi':

In the simplest sense, the phrase indicates that the GOAL OF LIFE IS SELF REALIZATION and to seek absolute truth. 'Tat Tvam Asi' is an updesha Vakya uttered by the Guru (father Uddalaka) to his disciple (Uddalaka's son) in 'Chandogya Upanishad'. The quintessance of truth is that individual self 'Jiva' is identical to the Supreme (Brahman) which is indicative of self revelation by the Upanishads. 'Tat tvam Asi' has a superficial meaning 'Vachyartha' and an essential indicative meaning 'Lakshyartha'. 'Tat Tvam Asi' proves the non-duality of the Supreme Self and the individual self [14] which further translates to being the 'Lashartha of Tat' and 'Lakshartha of Tvam' is the same. While explaining 'Tat Tvam Asi'  to his son Uddalaka explains that 2 different pots are made of the same material - clay. Similarly, ornaments are made of the same material - gold. If we know clay or gold, all items created from them are known, since the root element is known. From this argument, we conclude that if we know 'Brahman', then all the things (the entire universe) that cannot exist without him are also known. In simple terms, 'Tat' represents 'Brahman' and 'Tvam' represents the soul 'Atman' that resides within the 'Jiva'. 'Asi' is an affirmation equating 'Brahman' and 'Atman'. So Uddalaka tells us that by knowing the SELF (Self realization), we will be able to recognize the entire universe just for that fact that the universe cannot exist without the presence of Brahman.

Tat-Tvam-Asi: There is precision about this formula! which is not philosophy, nor is it metaphysics. 'Tat' literally means the infinite , immortal, immutable spirit that is at the core of human consciousness. It's called by a precise scientific name, 'Atman' - the self which is closer to me than this body, which nearer or dearer to me than my life. This is a formula like E=mc2, which can be verified by anyone. This is no tropical figment of imagination and this formula can be verified and proved. Tat means the supreme reality to which thoughts cannot reach, which is regardless of country, religion, caste, sex, status. 'Tvam' - applies to each and everyone of us. 'Asi'- This is the equality: 'you are nothing but a fragment of the supreme reality'.

Therefore the statement "THAT THOU ART" really conveys a  transcendental experience of oneness which is beyond the body, mind, senses and ego and the sensations associated with them. When a person realizes this oneness with Brahman, he is oblivious of the idea that he is an embodied being.

WHO AM I?: Mandukya Upanishad [24,25,26]

Mandukya Upanishad helps us to understand our true identity apart from the worldly chores [24]. Vedanta is the teachings of Upanishads. MuktikaUpanishads have 108 upanishads in which there are 10 major Upanishads. Advaita  refers to the identity of the true Self, Atman, which is pure consciousness, and the highest Reality, Brahman, which is also pure consciousness. Advaita Vedanta is a sub-school of Vedanta. Is is considered that the knowledge of Mandukya Upanishad leads to 'Mukti'. There are 12 mantras in this Upanishad found in AtharveVeda. The 7th Mantra is the most important. Versus in Mandukya Upanishad are called Manudkya karika. This mantra tells us that we are really in a state of 'Turiya', which is the ultimate reality of our consciousness. Turiya  represents the 4th state of consciousnes other than waking, deep sleep and dreaming for example. This concept of 'Turiya' closely relates to the concept of 'Tat-Tvam-Asi'. The analogy can be closely understood by comparing it to the Einstein's formula of E=mc2, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed, but transformed from one state into another. This matter can be compared to be equivalent to 'Turiya' in terms of self consciousness. Mind, body and circumstances change, but 'Turiya' does not change. Such things get added to 'Turiya', which is always persistent. Turiya is 'Adrushyam' (intangible), 'avayavaharyam' (which is not transactional or usable), 'agrahayam' (cannot be held with hands), 'alakshanam' (cannot be inferred), 'achintyam' (cannot be imagined about or thought of), 'agyapanishyam' (cannot be named), 'nishrkiyam' (cannot use kriya on it).

What is Turiya?

'Ekatmapratyayama' (If you follow the 'I' feeling, you will come to Turiya), 'prapanchaupashamam' (inaffected by prapanchas & untouched by troubles), 'shantam' (absolutely peaceful), 'advaitam' (non-dual), 'chathurtamaniyante' (4th state does not exist, people think that it is the first reality, but actually it is the only reality!), 'sa-atma' (that is what you are). This tells us that there is one origin for all matter, and so we are 'one' with the world! There are 7 Karika's explaining the Mandukya Upanishads. Ignorance (agrahanam) causes error (anyatha-grahanam).  Ignorance is the cause (karanam), and error is the effect (karayam). Not knowing the reality causes 'Bhrama'. This is due to ignorance of reality. Usually, we are ignorant about 'Turiya' and we misinterpret ourselves to be in 'Vishawa', 'Taijasa' or 'Prajna' instead of the reality which is 'Turiya'. So usually, we area ignorant as well as we have error. In 'Turiya', there is no ignorance or any error!

AOL Motto: "One World, One family"

The AOL founded by Sri Sri Ravishankar in 1981 has its headquarters in Bengaluru at Ved Vignan Mahavidyapeeth campus. Although i can enlist the various accreditions acquired by this body [2], the purpose of this research article is to explore & speculate over the philosophy of this unique humanitarian organization. The majority of the officers of the organization, along with most of its teachers and staff, are volunteers working towards humanitarian goals through a vast network of motivated followers. The AOL courses comprise of teaching stress management, breathing and meditative techniques for self improvement. The motto of the organization is to promote inner and external peace by showing the path of spirituality to one and all & is involved in extensive community service. Art of Living is engaged in many social services globally. Its areas of work covers conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, poverty alleviation, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all, campaigns against female foeticide and child labour and environment sustainability. Sudarshan Kriya is the pivot of majority of Art of Living Courses.

Sudarshan Kriya (SKY):

'Su' stands for “proper” and 'dar­shan' means “vision.” Kriya is a yogic prac­tice that is meant to purify the body." AOL trainees are not supposed to openly discuss these practices and are to be learned mainly by taking up the AOL course. This Kriya increases lung capacity, purifies the blood, relieves stress & improves concentration. Ujjayi is a diaphragmatic breath, which first fills the lower belly (activating the first and second chakras), rises to the lower rib cage (the third and fourth chakras), and finally moves into the upper chest and throat [23]. Ujjayi Pranayama is a balancing and calming breath which increases oxygenation and builds internal body heat. 

Significance of right breathing techniques: [18]

Shallow breathing causes a lot of health problems. Deep breathing  in the present moment is the easiest way to celebrate life and its essence and can get rid of negativity caused by depression, ego, dissatisfaction, stress, etc. This connects us to the essence of reality, which is in sync with the notion of  'Tat-Tvam-Asi'. The position and energy of the body is also keeps in us fear and carry energy that attracts negativity. Most people breathe shallow and incoherent. This occurs when the physical body and the energy and the fear when these two bodies are separated from love, from the flow of life. In this situation, the breath changes its rhythm is shortened. It is fascinating to see how, when we say “yes” to life, improves our health, our intelligence gets flashes of inspiration, and the heart rate slows down. Deceleration of our heart rate by proper breathing helps bring oxygen in the blood and relaxes our muscles and organs, and to prolong life and allows us to appreciate the simple things in this world. Research also shows that brief meditative exercises improve cognition [21]. Such meditative techiniques have also shown to alter genes in a positive way [22].

Various courses at AOL:

1. Introductory course: Teaches Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayama. 

2. Part II course: 4-6 day course combines 4 aspects: Silence, Sadhna, Satsang and Seva. This course is needed to become an instructor or a volunteer.

3. Other courses offered by AOL are [4]: Art Excel, YES, YES+, AOL part I, Apex, YLTP, TTP

AOL also delivers timely Satsangs which is sitting together with an enlightened person who usually gives a short speech and answers any questions. Songs and joyous activites or seva opportunitites are also planned and communicated to the followers. A research conducted [1] about how often the followers follow the AOL practices shows that the response rate is pretty good and is close to 100%.

References:

[1] Research Thesis: A study of Art of Living Foundation, Inga Bårdsen Tøllefsen, Universitetet i Tromsø

[2] Sudarshan Kriya : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4S_4jX0ERA

[3] Sudarshan Kriya: http://pranajournal.com/art-of-living/sudarshan-kriya/

[4] http://www.artofliving.org/how-do-sudarshan-kriya

[5] YES+ GMU Facebook page

[6] Tat Tvam Asi:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tat_Tvam_Asi

[7] Advaita Mahakavyas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81v%C4%81kyas

[8] Hinduism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism

[9] Vedanta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedanta

[10] Mahakavyas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81v%C4%81kyas

[11] Upanishads: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upanishads

[12] Chandogya Upanishad: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upanishads

[13] Tat Tvam Asi, The Divine List Society: http://sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=784

[14] Significance of Tat Tvam Asi: http://sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=786

[15] Tat Tvam Asi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8OzmdHacDg

[16] Tat tvam asi: http://www.hinduism.co.za/thatthou.htm

[17] YES+ program: http://www.artofliving.org/us-en/yesplus-course-18-35-yrs#distance=10&sSearch=&lat=&lng=&ctype=52613,253133&acol=0&c=&cc=&d1=&d2=

[18] Breathing and how it works: http://www.consciousness-evolution.org/?p=28

[19] Beginnings: The story of Art of Living: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyZdUJ7C3wk

[20] Sri Sri talks on Guru Poornima: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H23mqtJE8A

[21] Brief Meditative exercises improve cognition: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100414184220.htm

[22] Meditative techniques alter genes: http://higherperspective.com/2013/08/techniques-like-deep-breathing-or.html

[23] Ujjayi breathing technique: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjayi_breath

[24] Swami Sarvapriyananda at IITK - "Who Am I? according to Mandukya Upanishad-Part 1: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGKFTUuJppU&feature=youtu.be

[25] Advaita Vedanta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advaita_Vedanta

[26] Swami Sarvapriyananda at IITK - "Who Am I? according to Mandukya Upanishad-Part 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0dugc4TrlE&feature=youtu.be