प्रज्ञानं ब्रह्म – Prajñānam Brahma

प्रज्ञानं ब्रह्म prajñānam brahma

Translation:

“Consciousness is Brahman.”

Detailed Description:

This Mahavakya succinctly declares that consciousness, often referred to as “prajñāna” in Sanskrit, is identified with Brahman, the ultimate reality. The Aitareya Upanishad is part of the Rig Veda and expounds upon the nature of reality and the self.

The statement “Prajñānam Brahma” emphasizes the understanding that the essence of consciousness within an individual is not separate from the universal consciousness, which is Brahman. It signifies that the ultimate reality is pure, self-aware consciousness, and this consciousness is the underlying substratum of the entire universe.

In the context of Advaita Vedanta, this Mahavakya encourages seekers to recognize the true nature of consciousness within themselves and realize its non-dual identity with Brahman. It points to the idea that the individual’s awareness is not limited to personal experiences but is connected to the cosmic consciousness, which is all-encompassing and eternal.

As with other Mahavakyas, “Prajñānam Brahma” directs individuals towards self-inquiry and introspection to attain a deeper understanding of their own consciousness and its ultimate unity with the divine reality.