Mahavakya

(“great utterance”) Short statements
from the speculative texts known as the
Upanishads, called “great” because they
reveal the true nature of reality and of
the Self. One of the most famous
mahavakya is tat tvam asi (“that thou
art”), expressing the unity of the Self
with Brahman. Other well known utterances are ayamatma Brahman (“This
Self is Brahman”), sarvam idam khalu
Brahman (“Truly, this universe is
Brahman”), aham brahmasmi (“I am
Brahman”), and prajnanam Brahman
(“Knowledge is Brahman”). These great
utterances are most important in the
leap philosophy propounded by the
philosopher Sureshvara. Leap philosophers believe that complete freedom is
possible, but out of our immediate control, in that it cannot be gained by a precisely specified sequence of causes and
effects. According to Sureshvara’s understanding, when a person whose understanding has been purified hears one of
these mahavakyas, the profound truth
in the utterance brings the flash of
insight that brings final liberation of the
soul (moksha).
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Mahasaraswati