18.0 Discrimination Of Knowledge Of Identity In Great Statements (Aikya Bodha Mahaavaakya Viveka)

The foremost intent of the Upanishads is the knowledge of the identity of the self and brahman. That is why these are called the great statements of the Upanishads:
"Prajnyaanam Brahma" (Aitareya Upanishad 5.1)
"Aham Brahmaasmi" (Brihadaarankaya Upanishad 1.4.10)
"Tat Tvam Asi" (Chhandogya Upanishad 6.8.7)
"Ayam Aatmaa Brahma" (Maandookya Upanishad 2, Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad 3.5.11)
Besides these, the statements that speak about the identity between the world and brahman, like "sarvam khalvidam brahma", "brahmaivedam sarvam", "aatmaivedam sarvam" are also placed in the category of great statements. This is because, if there is some other reality between the self and brahman, the identity of the self and brahman is not possible. In this chapter, an analysis of the meaning of these great statements is being presented.