Prajnānam Brahma
The Wisdom of Consciousness in Vedanta and the Gita
Another day of traveling and posting from the Vande Bharat. I’m grateful to everyone at Indian Railways, as well as Jio, Samsung, Substack, Google, and many more for making this possible. Even as the train speeds along at 110 km/h, I’m reminded of how far our infrastructure has come—something I could hardly have imagined during my childhood.
Now, we continue our contemplation on the Mahavākyas.
Introduction
When we contemplate the vast landscape of Indian spirituality, the Upanishads stand out as luminous guides—short aphorisms and grand discourses both, they point us toward the inexpressible reality of Brahman, the Absolute. Among them shines the Mahāvākya (great saying) “Prajnānam Brahma,” found in the Aitareya Upanishad (Rig Veda) 3.3, which proclaims:
Prajnānam Brahma
“Consciousness (Pure Awareness) is Brahman.”
This Mahāvākya affirms that Consciousness itself—what we experience as the very act of awareness—is not separate from the ultimate reality of Brahman. Where some might see consciousness as merely a function of the mind, the seers of the Upanishads invite us to consider that Pure Awareness is the fundamental essence of all that exists.
The Mahāvākya in Context
In Advaita Vedanta, “Prajnānam Brahma” is traditionally listed among the four or five greatest proclamations (Mahāvākyas) that capture the heart of non-dual teachings. This pithy statement insists that the deepest part of who we are—our capacity to be aware—is not a mere byproduct of the body or brain, but is, in fact, the highest principle itself.
Resonance with the Gita
While the Bhagavad Gita is not typically classified as an Upanishad in the strict sense, it is often revered as an Upanishad for the way it distills Vedic teachings, particularly on the nature of the Self and God. A fitting verse that echoes “Prajnānam Brahma” is found in Chapter 13, where Krishna speaks about the “knower of the field” (kṣetrajña):
Transliteration
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
idaṃ śarīraṃ kaunteya kṣetram ity abhidhīyate ।
etad yo vetti taṃ prāhuḥ kṣetrajña iti tadvidaḥ ॥
kṣetrajñaṃ cāpi māṃ viddhi sarva-kṣetreṣu bhārata ।
kṣetra-kṣetrajñayor jñānaṃ yat taj jñānaṃ mataṃ mama ॥
Listen:
Bhagavad Gita 13:2-3 (summary)
“O Arjuna, this body is called the field (kṣetra), and the one who knows it is called the knower of the field (kṣetrajña). I (the Supreme) am also the knower in all fields (all bodies).”
Krishna’s revelation that He (the divine reality) is the Consciousness dwelling within all creatures closely parallels the Upanishadic idea that the supreme principle (Brahman) is Consciousness itself. In Advaita terms, the “knower” in every being is ultimately one and the same—Brahman, pure Awareness, shining in infinite forms.
The Rishi Who Gave Us “Prajnānam Brahma”
According to tradition, the Upanishad containing “Prajnānam Brahma” is attributed to Rishi Mahidasa Aitareya, hence the name Aitareya Upanishad.
Birth and Background: Rishi Mahidasa Aitareya is sometimes described as having a humble background; some legends tell us he was born to a mother named Itarā, and his patronymic “Aitareya” derived from her name.
Seeking Higher Truth: Even though social norms of his day might have tried to limit his spiritual pursuits, his intense devotion and direct insight earned him a revered place among the Upanishadic seers.
The Revelation: Within the Aitareya Aranyaka, attributed to his teachings, one finds the profound contemplation of how consciousness underlies and interpenetrates all states of being—waking, dream, and deep sleep.
His story is one of transcending societal labels and discovering that true identity is not dependent on birth but on the light of Consciousness that illumines all.
Contemplating “Prajnānam Brahma” in Daily Life
1. Self-Inquiry: Start by observing the field of your experiences. Notice how you are aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensory perceptions. Ask, “Who is aware of these passing experiences?”
2. Shift Identity: By turning inward, see if the sense of ‘I’ can go beyond the labels of body, mind, or personality. Witness how Consciousness itself remains constant amidst all changes.
3. Unified Vision: Recognize that the same Consciousness dwells in others. This recognition can foster compassion, empathy, and a sense of unity in our interactions.
A Concluding Reflection
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to mistake the chatter of the mind for our true identity. Yet, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita beckon us to look deeper—to see ourselves as Awareness itself, the imperishable seer of all that unfolds in the theater of existence. “Prajnānam Brahma” is not merely a cryptic statement of ancient philosophy; it is a direct pointer to the limitless essence pulsing at the center of every heartbeat and every breath.
May the words of Rishi Mahidasa Aitareya inspire us to look beyond fleeting forms and find refuge in the boundless Consciousness that is referred to as Brahman.
