Direct knowledge of that total identity between the
individual-Self and the Universal-Self, stemming forth from the Vedic
statements such as “Thou art that”, etc., is the immediate means to liberation.
Give up the intellectual misconception that the Self is the
body, etc., and always meditate upon and think you to be the eternal Knowledge -
Bliss – the Witness of the intellect – a sheer mass of Pure Knowledge.
The body is not the Self, as like the pot, etc., the body
also has form, etc., and again, the body is a modification of the great
elements such as Akash, just like the pot.
Just as the perceiver of a pot is ever distinctly different
from the pot and can never be the pot – so too, you, the perceiver of your
body, are distinct from your body and can never be the body – this you firmly
ascertain in yourself.
Source – Vakya Vritti of Adi Shankaracharya Translated by
Swami Chinmayananda
The statement "Thou art that" is indeed a profound
concept from Vedic philosophy, particularly found in Advaita Vedanta. It
encapsulates the idea of the identity between the individual self (Atman) and
the universal self (Brahman). According to this philosophy, realizing this
identity is the ultimate goal of human life and the key to liberation (moksha).
In Advaita Vedanta, the individual self is considered to be
ultimately identical with the supreme reality, Brahman. This realization is not
merely intellectual but experiential. It's about transcending the limited
understanding of oneself as a separate individual and recognizing the
underlying unity of all existence.
The phrase "Thou art that" (Tat Tvam Asi in
Sanskrit) is taken from the Chandogya Upanishad and forms one of the
Mahāvākyas, or great sayings, emphasizing the unity of the individual and the
universal. It points to the idea that the essence of the individual self is
identical to the essence of the universe.
In the context of liberation or moksha, realizing this
identity is considered the immediate means to transcend the cycle of birth and
death (samsara) and attain liberation from worldly suffering. This realization
brings about a profound shift in consciousness, leading to a state of
transcendence beyond dualities and limitations.
However, achieving this realization is not necessarily easy
and often requires intense spiritual practice, self-inquiry, and guidance from
a qualified teacher (guru). Various methods such as meditation,
self-reflection, study of scriptures, and devotion to the divine are employed
to facilitate this realization.
In summary, the statement "Thou art that"
encapsulates the essence of Advaita Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing the
identity between the individual self and the universal self, which is seen as
the immediate means to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
............................
The statement 'the body is not the Self....' express a
perspective that is common in various philosophical and spiritual traditions,
particularly those rooted in Eastern philosophy, such as Advaita Vedanta or
Buddhism. Let's break down the statement and explore its implications:
The Body is Not the Self: This suggests a fundamental
distinction between the body and the true essence of an individual, often
referred to as the Self, Atman, or soul. In many spiritual traditions, the Self
is considered distinct from the physical body, which is seen as temporary and
subject to change.
The Body Has Form, Etc.: Like a pot or any other physical
object, the body possesses attributes such as form, shape, color, and so on.
This highlights the material nature of the body and its similarity to other
objects in the physical world.
The Body is a Modification of the Great Elements: Here, the
body is seen as composed of the five great elements or Mahabhutas, which are
often described in Hindu philosophy as earth (Prithvi), water (Apas), fire
(Tejas), air (Vayu), and space (Akasha). According to this perspective, the
physical body arises from the combination and transformation of these elements.
Just Like the Pot: The analogy of the pot is commonly used
in Eastern philosophy to illustrate the concept of the body as a vessel or
container for the Self. Just as a pot is distinct from its contents and
eventually breaks, revealing the space within it, the body is seen as distinct
from the true essence of the individual.
In essence, this statement reflects the idea that the true
nature of the self transcends the physical body and is not bound by its
limitations. Instead, the body is considered a temporary manifestation within
the larger context of existence, subject to change and impermanence. This
perspective encourages individuals to look beyond the physical realm and
explore the deeper aspects of consciousness and existence.