Hinduism

Chapter9— Chandogya Upanishad (Tat Tvam Asi)

◆ About this chapter

Ninth in the Chandogya Upanishad, this pivotal chapter articulates the mahavakya Tat Tvam Asi, asserting the non-dual identity of the individual soul and the ultimate reality. Through the dialogues between Uddalaka Aruni and his son Svetaketu, the text employs the nyagrodha tree and salt-in-water analogies to demonstrate that the subtle essence pervading all existence is the singular Brahman. Situated within the broader Vedantic tradition, this section serves as a foundational exposition for the concept of universal unity in Hindu philosophy.

Translation:

About this translation

King James Version (1611)

1611 · Public domain

The most influential English translation ever made. Sometimes archaic, but the standard PD English text.

Translators commissioned by King James I of England, 1604–1611

Svetaketu, the son of Aruna, went to his father. He said: 'Father, I have studied the Vedas. Teach me the Self.' ²His father said: 'Bring me a fruit of the nyagrodha tree.' He brought it. His father said: 'Break it.' He broke it. His father said: 'What do you see?' ³He said: 'I see seeds.' His father said: 'Break one.' He broke it. His father said: 'What do you see?' He said: 'I see nothing.' ⁴His father said: 'From this subtle essence, this great nyagrodha tree arises. Believe me, O Svetaketu, that which is the subtle essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the true. It is the Self. Thou art that.' ⁵He said: 'Bring me a lump of salt.' He brought it. His father said: 'Put it in water.' He put it. His father said: 'Bring it to me in the morning.' ⁶He brought it. His father said: 'Taste the water from the top. What do you see?' He said: 'It is salt.' His father said: 'Taste from the middle. What do you see?' He said: 'It is salt.' ⁷His father said: 'Throw it away. It is there still. Believe me, O Svetaketu, that which is the subtle essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the true. It is the Self. Thou art that.' ⁸He said: 'Father, teach me more.' His father said: 'That which is the subtle essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the true. It is the Self. Thou art that.'

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— 9 —sacredatlas.org