This expansive statement describes the omnipresence of the true Self (Atman), implying it is the pervasive essence of all existence. It encourages one to perceive the divine Self not as separate, but as intrinsically woven into the fabric of everything, everywhere.
Quote by Chandogya Upanishad: “The Self is indeed below, above, behind, before, right, and left. The Self is all this.”
The Self is indeed below, above, behind, before, right, and left. The Self is all this.
Insight
Historical Context
This passage reinforces the Upanishadic teaching that the individual self is identical with the universal Brahman, guiding seekers to realize this all-encompassing truth through meditative understanding during ancient philosophical discourse.
About the Author
One of the principal Upanishads of ancient Indian philosophy, believed to have been composed between 800 and 600 BCE during the Vedic period. It contains some of the most important early formulations of Vedantic philosophy, including the mahavakya (great sayings) that became central to Advaita thought. The text is embedded in the Sama Veda tradition.
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