231. Om Tat Sat



The seventeenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is titled Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga where Krishna explains about the three sides of each aspect of life and existence. Krishna says, "'Om Tat Sat' is considered the threefold representation of the Supreme Absolute Truth -Brahma.  From them came the knowers of truth (Brahmins), scriptures (Vedas), and sacrificial rites (yagna)" (17.23). 'Om Tat Sat' is the most commonly used phrase in the context of Vedanta.

Om is a fundamental sound or vibration but not a word and hence, no meaning is assigned. It is believed that the world was created out of these vibrations and science confirms that every matter is in the state of vibration which is called frequency. This vibration of Om consists of three syllables of A-U-M. 

'Tat' is translated as 'that'. It looks natural to call Paramatma as you -either in singular or plural form. Accepting paramatma as 'you' implies that 'I' in us will remain and hence, Krishna mentions 'tat'. 'Tat' is what remains when both you and I unite like the melting of a salt doll to be the ocean. Essentially, it is being one with existence. 'Tatva masi'  -you are that, is often used to describe the relationship between man and Paramatma. 

Krishna further says, "Therefore, acts of daan (charity), tapah (austerity) and yagna (sacrifice), as prescribed in scriptures, are begun always uttering Om (17.24). The seekers of liberation without desiring results perform various daan, tapah and yagna while concentrating on 'tat' "(17.25).

While seeking or desiring is bondage, this verse talks about the desire for liberation (moksha) which looks paradoxical. The first stage is the desire for material things, the next one is the desire for moksha and the final stage is dropping the desire to attain moksha. Basically, it is moving from Kindergarten to post graduation and Krishna guides us through this gradual transition.

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