Mahavakyas are the sacred sentences of the Srutis. They are four in number:
1. 'Prajnanam Brahma.'
2. 'Aham Brahma Asmi.'
3. 'Tat Tvam Asi.'
4. 'Ayam Atma Brahma.'
The
first is in Aitareya Upanishad of Rig-Veda. The second is in
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad of Yajur-Veda. The third is in Chhandogya
Upanishad of Sama Veda. And the fourth is in Mandukya Upanishad of
Atharvana Veda.
All the
Mahavakyas are inter connected which can
be explained thus
: The disciple
approaches the Guru and
wants to be
taught about the
nature of the Ultimate
Truth. The Guru first
defines the Truth to
the student as 'Prajnanam Brahma' and
this is a
statement of definition. The student reflects on this
teaching and comes
to understand that
the Consciousness , the
subject , which is
experienced as the
'I' is what
is being talked
about. , but he
still has doubts
whether the Ultimate
Truth is different
from him . So
he goes back
to the Guru
who gives him
the next Mahavakya
, 'Tat Tvam Asi'
, which clearly
declares that he
,the seeker himself
is the sought. This
is a statement
of instruction.
The student now sits in meditation and his doubts are removed and he is certain that he is not the mind, body, intellect and other conditions and he comes to directly experience the Self as Brahman. ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ and this is a statement of experience . Now that he has experienced his real nature , the Guru advises him to ever revel and abide in this knowledge. ‘Ayam Atma Brahma’ is the nature of this abidance and the student never loses sight of this knowledge even when he transacts with the world and this is a statement of constant practice.
- Swami Sivananda