The Four Mahavakyas: Great Sayings Made Simple for Kids

myNachiketa
2 days ago
3 min read

Have you ever wondered about the biggest questions in life? Like, who am I? Or what is all this around me? Well, the wise sages of ancient India have shared some magical words called the Maha Vakyas! These are the Great Sayings from the Upanishads, and they help us understand ourselves and the world better. Let’s explore them together and see what treasures they hold!

1. Aham Brahmasmi

Sanskrit: अहम् ब्रह्मास्मि

Source: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

Meaning:

This Maha Vakya means “I am Brahman”. It teaches us that our true self is not just our name or body; we are part of everything! Just like a wave is part of the ocean, our essence is connected to the ultimate reality, Brahman.

Example:

Imagine a big tree with many branches and leaves. Each leaf is unique, but they are all part of the same tree. Similarly, even though we are different individuals, we share a common essence that connects us all.

2. Tat Tvam Asi

Sanskrit: तत् त्वम् असि

Source: Chandogya Upanishad

Meaning:

This beautiful phrase means “That Thou Art”. It reminds us that we are not separate from the universe; instead, we are connected to it in a profound way.

Example:

Have you ever seen a potter making pots of different shapes—big, small, round, or square, they all may look different, but all are made from the same clay. In the same way, people may appear different, yet at the core, we are all reflections of the same God or Brahman.

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3. Pragyanam Brahman

Sanskrit: प्रज्ञानं ब्रह्म

Source: Aitareya Upanishad

Meaning:

This phrase means “Consciousness is Brahman”. It teaches us that the awareness we have is divine and connects us to the highest truth. It reminds us that our own mind and awareness are part of the one great reality.

Example:

Imagine when you wake up in the morning and start your day. That feeling of being awake and aware around you? That’s your consciousness! It’s like the sun shining brightly, giving light to everything around you. You can think of it as a spark that connects us all, lighting up the big universe.

4. Ayam Atma Brahman

Sanskrit: अयम् आत्मा ब्रह्म

Source: Mandukya Upanishad

Meaning:

This means “This Atman is Brahman”. It tells us that our true self, the Atman, is the same as Brahman. When we realise this, we achieve a deeper connection with the universe and understand that we are part of something much greater.

Example:

Think of a drop of water. When it falls into the ocean, it doesn’t lose its identity. Instead, it becomes part of something vast and powerful. Just like that drop, when we understand our Atman, we connect deeply with the whole universe!

Conclusion

The Four Maha Vakyas encourage us to look deep within ourselves and beyond. By learning about them, you discover the incredible truth of who you are and the connections you share with everyone and everything around you.

Children, always remember that being aware of yourselves and being connected to everything around you can lead to a life full of understanding and joy. So keep exploring and discovering, and implement the teachings of these mahavakyas to become the best version of yourself.