Question:
Why is it called as “That” (Tat) in one Upanishad and again referred to as “Brahman” (Aham Brahmasmi) at another place and again mentioned as “this” (Ayam) in another upanishad?
Does “That” means, there is a “this” also which may sound like Dvaita?
Sri Prabhuji: Upanishad teachings are given in different context. When Guru teaches disciple the teaching is called upadesha vakya (teaching). Tat team ASI is called upadesha vakya. Guru tells disciple you are That. Disciple has not yet realized the Truth. For him truth is given as object “Tat – That”. When Guru gives teaching in this form the teaching is a pointer to Truth. The teaching is called paroksha jnana ( indirect teaching) since disciple has not realized truth directly.
Disciple receives the teaching (upadesha vakya) from Guru. Disciple wants to realize Truth in a direct way. He substitutes Tat with Brahman and twam with Aham (I am). He meditates Aham Brahmasmi ( I am Brahman). Aham Brahmasmi is called nidhidhyasana vakya (meditation purpose).
I Am – Aham has a personal angle. The personal aspect of “I Am – aham” is to be realized as impersonal I am ( aham). This shift happens when disciple meditates on Aham Brahmasmi. He realizes impersonal I Am is Brahman. This is direct realization of disciple is called aparoksha jnana vakya (direct realization). Now personal I am (aham) is replaced by impersonal Iam – Ayam (This).
This the teachings of upanishad are given in different context.