Tat Tvam Asi | December 02, 2005

This Sanskrit phrase, meaning "Thou art that", is used in Hinduism as a mantra to represent the fundamental identity between the microcosm and the macrocosm. Tat refers to brahman, the universal principle; tvam (thou) is the atman, the individualized aspect thereof. From a Hindu perspective, the phrase reflects the selfless attitude of the ethical person, who sacrifices individual self for the sake of all others.