The end portion of each Veda consist of several Upanishads (Upanishad means sitting “near” a Master). Vedanta and Upanishads are one and the same. Upanishads are teachings by realized Masters, reveling in that Supreme state of Consciousness, to the students. Authors of the Upanishads are the students, since the Master does not exist as an individual to be the author. These students, are of the highest order who have not yet fully merged their individuality. There is one such Upanishad in each Veda that summarizes and conveys the entire Knowledge. Hence, there are 4 such Upanishads identified and each is summarized in the form of a Vakya (a one-liner). The 4 Vakyas are known as Mahavakyas. If the 4 Mahavakyas are understood correctly and meditated upon, then the Ultimate Truth can be realized.
- From the Aitareya Upanishad, in the Rig Veda, comes “Prajnanam Brahma”, known as abhyasa vakya.
- From the Chandogya Upanishad, in the Saama Veda, comes “Tat Twam Asi”, known as upadesa vakya.
- From the Mundaka Upanishad, in the Atharva Veda, comes “Ayam Atma Brahma”, known as mukti vakya.
- From the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, in the Yajur Veda, comes “Aham Brahma Asmi”, known as anubhava vakya.
