The
Mahavakya Upanishad is a short text that discusses nature of Atman (self, soul) and Brahman (metaphysical reality), their oneness, and the nature of knowledge and ignorance. The text asserts that
Yoga and introspection is the way to spiritual knowledge, with the help of a
guru. The Upanishad is notable for characterizing Vedic rituals and chasing sensual pleasures as a mark of darkness within, that this darkness can be shed with the radiance of knowledge, the discovery of self as light. This, states the text, is why yoga is started with
Gayatri mantra and yogins assert "
hamsa-so'ham" (I am he, he is I). Supreme self is
satcitananda, or "truth-consciousness-bliss", states the Upanishad. There is no other means to liberation other than realizing the identity of Atman and Brahman, asserts the text. The Upanishad asserts that
Samadhi while being a yogic accomplishment is not Self-knowledge and
moksha, nor is it the dissolution of mind to external objects. The highest state is, translates Ayyangar, oneness with the inmost Brahman. This is when, asserts the text, the yogin fully feels and understands "the radiant knowledge of sun is in me,
Shiva is within me, this transcendent radiance in the universe is in me", and such is the conviction with which he attains the union with
Mahavishnu within. This is liberation, nothing less, states the
Mahavakya Upanishad. The state of singular self-awareness and consciousness described in
Mahavakya Upanishad, states Laurence Rosan, is similar to those found in
Chandogya Upanishad,
Atmabodha Upanishad,
Maitreya Upanishad,
Maha Upanishad,
Subala Upanishad,
Adhyatma Upanishad,
Brahmavidya Upanishad and
Tejobindu Upanishad. These ideas are also found in
Greek Neoplatonic philosophy, states Rosan, particularly the works of 5th-century
Proclus. ==See also==