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Major Upaniṣads · 4.18
सर्वाणि भूतानि त्वेव त्वमेवेदं ब्रह्म त्वमेवेदं ब्रह्म

sarvāṇi bhūtāni tva eva tvam eva idaṃ brahma tvam eva idaṃ brahma

All beings are indeed You, and this Brahman is indeed You.

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

sarvāṇi bhūtāni tva eva tvam eva idaṃ brahma tvam eva idaṃ brahma

Anvaya — prose reordering

Tvam(you) areeva(alone)sarvāṇi(all)bhūtāni(beings)Tva(you) areeva(alone)idaṃ(this)brahma(Brahman)Tvam(you) areeva(alone)idaṃ(this)brahma(Brahman)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
sarvāṇisarvāṇiadjectiveall
bhūtānibhūtāninounnominative · plural · neuterbeings
tvatvapronounnominative · singular · neuteryou
evaevaindeclinableindeed
tvamtvampronounnominative · singular · neuteryou
evaevaindeclinableindeed
idaṃidaṃpronounnominative · singular · neuterthis
brahmabrahmanounnominative · singular · neuterBrahman
tvamtvampronounnominative · singular · neuteryou
evaevaindeclinableindeed
idaṃidaṃpronounnominative · singular · neuterthis
brahmabrahmanounnominative · singular · neuterBrahman

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is pivotal in establishing the non-dual nature of reality, as it unequivocally states that all beings and the universe (Brahman) are nothing but the ultimate reality itself. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Praśnopaniṣad, emphasizes that the phrase 'sarvāṇi bhūtāni tva eva' underscores the idea that the individual self (ātman) and the cosmic reality (Brahman) are not separate entities but are, in essence, one and the same. This interpretation is in line with the Advaitic principle of 'Tat Tvam Asi' (That Thou Art), which suggests an ultimate identity between the individual and the universal. By asserting 'tvam eva idaṃ brahma,' the verse points to the illusory nature of the duality between the subject and the object, advocating for a direct realization of this unity as the path to liberation.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita and Madhvācārya's Dvaita, interprets this verse with a focus on the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). While both traditions acknowledge the ultimate reality of Brahman, they differ in their understanding of the nature of this reality. Rāmānuja sees the universe and all beings as the body of Brahman, emphasizing a qualified non-dualism where the distinction between the soul and God is real but not absolute. Madhva, on the other hand, interprets the verse through the prism of dualism, where the jīva and Īśvara are eternally separate, yet the jīva's realization of its dependence on Īśvara is key to liberation. For both, devotion and knowledge of this relationship are essential for spiritual progress.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse in a highly inclusive and practical manner. They see in it a call for recognizing the divine in every being and the universe, emphasizing the unity and interdependence of all existence. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often highlighted the importance of realizing this unity as a means to overcome social, religious, and national divisions, advocating for a universal brotherhood based on the understanding that 'all beings are indeed You.' Rādhākrishnan, echoing this sentiment, emphasized the importance of this realization for personal and social transformation, suggesting that acknowledging the divine in all leads to a more compassionate and equitable society. This interpretation aligns with their broader project of revitalizing Vedāntic thought for contemporary challenges and aspirations.

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