Compare Shankaracharya and Sri Aurobindo’s Interpretation of ‘Tat Tvam Asi’
Introduction
“Tat Tvam Asi” is one of the Mahavakyas (great sayings) from the Upanishads, which translates to “That Thou Art.” This profound expression conveys the essential unity of the individual self (Atman) and the universal reality (Brahman). Both Shankaracharya and Sri Aurobindo offer interpretations of this phrase, though their philosophical frameworks differ significantly.
Shankaracharya’s Interpretation
Shankaracharya, the proponent of Advaita Vedanta, interprets “Tat Tvam Asi” as a declaration of absolute non-duality. He posits that the individual soul (Jiva) is not different from Brahman in essence. According to him, the world of multiplicity is Maya (illusion), and the realization of the identity between the self and the universal leads to liberation (moksha).
For Shankara, this realization comes through knowledge (Jnana). He believes the apparent individuality of the soul is due to ignorance (Avidya), and once this ignorance is removed through scriptural study and meditation, the truth of non-duality is revealed. Thus, “Tat Tvam Asi” becomes the core insight into the oneness of existence.
Sri Aurobindo’s Interpretation
Sri Aurobindo, while respecting the non-dualistic insights of Vedanta, presents a more dynamic and evolutionary interpretation of “Tat Tvam Asi.” He does not consider the world as an illusion but as a real and divine manifestation. His philosophy is rooted in Integral Advaita, where the world, soul, and God are all real and interconnected aspects of the same divine truth.
According to Aurobindo, “Tat Tvam Asi” signifies the realization of one’s divine nature through the evolution of consciousness. He views this Mahavakya as a call to discover the divine within while engaging with the world in a transformative manner. The divine “Tat” is not remote but present in every individual, awaiting awakening and manifestation.
Key Differences
- Ontology: Shankara sees the world as illusionary; Aurobindo affirms its reality and divinity.
- Epistemology: Shankara emphasizes detachment and renunciation; Aurobindo encourages participation and transformation.
- Liberation: For Shankara, liberation is the cessation of individual identity; for Aurobindo, it is the realization of the divine while continuing to act in the world.
Conclusion
While both Shankaracharya and Sri Aurobindo agree on the essential unity of the self and the divine, their interpretations of “Tat Tvam Asi” differ based on their metaphysical and spiritual outlooks. Shankara’s Advaita leads to withdrawal from the world, whereas Aurobindo’s Integral Advaita urges engagement and transformation, making his approach more dynamic and inclusive in the modern context.