From Words to Presence: Embodying the Mantra “You are That”

For those of us walking the path of self-inquiry, it can be easy to get caught in the intellectual repetition of words—mantras like “You are That” or questions like “Who am I?” often remain in the mind, floating as thoughts rather than sinking into the depth of our being. But the true power of this practice lies not in the words themselves, but in the experience they point us toward. The invitation is to move beyond words and concepts, into a lived, felt sense of the mantra’s meaning.

When we repeat “You are That,” it’s not just a mental exercise. The real transformation begins when we allow these words to resonate through the body, beyond thought, sinking into the very space in which thoughts and sensations arise. It’s a shift that invites us into direct experience—feeling the truth of the mantra rather than just thinking it.

But how do we make that shift?

The shift happens through direct, compassionate attention. By setting the intention not just to repeat the words but to experience the felt sense behind them, we begin to move from thought into being. The mantra “You are That” becomes not just a thought, but a doorway into the presence that lies beneath the surface of the mind. This is where we begin our journey Into the Mystic—into the direct experience of the Self.

Realizing this for ourselves not only brings us peace, but it also allows us to extend compassion and understanding to the world around us. This process of moving from the intellectual to the felt sense, of shifting from thought into the deeper awareness, is, in essence, moving Into the Mystic. It is here, in the direct experience of the Self, that we transcend the boundaries of mind and enter the vastness of presence.

A Historical Note on “Tat Tvam Asi”

The mantra You are That has its roots in the ancient teachings of the Chandogya Upanishad, one of the oldest and most revered texts in Indian philosophy. In the story, the sage Uddalaka teaches his son Svetaketu about the true nature of the self, explaining that the essence of the individual is the same as the essence of the entire universe. The phrase Tat Tvam Asi—You are That—points to the non-duality of existence, revealing that the Self (Atman) and the Universal Reality (Brahman) are one and the same.

This profound teaching forms the foundation of Advaita Vedanta, a spiritual tradition that emphasizes the oneness of all beings and the ultimate reality that underlies the illusion of separateness. By repeating You are That, we are invited to realize this truth, not just as an intellectual understanding, but as a felt, lived experience.

In the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and practices like self-inquiry, the goal is often to stabilize the vrittis—the fluctuations of the mind—until the mind rests in a single, stable pratyaya or cognitive impression. For Ramana Maharshi, this practice of self-inquiry involved focusing on the question Who am I? to dissolve all other thoughts. By continually returning to the same pratyaya, whether it be “Who am I?” or You are That, we quiet the mind and allow the fixation on the ego to dissolve.

The ego itself is simply another pratyaya—a content of the mind, without inherent existence. It is the belief in separateness that creates the illusion of the ego as something real, but through self-inquiry, we come to see that it, too, will dissolve. What remains is the true self, the ever-present awareness beyond all thoughts.

Ramana Maharshi, one of the most well-known modern teachers of Advaita Vedanta, often emphasized this process of self-inquiry as a direct means to realizing the Self. Through gentle and persistent inquiry, we peel away the layers of thought and identification that obscure our true nature. As we continue, it’s not so much the ego itself that dissolves, but rather our fixation on the ego. When this attachment fades, we come to rest in the awareness that has always been present—the true Self.

Realizing this for ourselves not only brings us peace, but it also allows us to extend compassion and understanding to the world around us.

“Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”

– Ramana Maharshi

Guided Meditation: You are That

Take a moment to settle in comfortably, whether you’re seated or lying down. Close your eyes if that feels right. Now, take a deep breath in… and exhale slowly, allowing your body to soften with each breath out. Again, breathe in deeply… and gently release the breath, feeling yourself becoming more at ease.

Now, let your breath flow naturally, feeling the cool air as it enters, the warmth as it leaves. With each breath, let go of any tension you may be holding. As you exhale, feel your body relax—shoulders dropping, face softening, heart gently opening.

As thoughts arise—whether about plans, distractions, or anything else—simply let them pass like clouds drifting through the sky. There’s no need to follow them. Just allow them to come and go as you stay anchored in this moment.

Now, gently bring your awareness to the mantra: “You are That.” Silently repeat it to yourself: “You are That.” Let these words move through your awareness, not as something to hold on to, but as a gentle presence. Let the mantra begin to resonate, not just in your mind, but deep within your being.

Feel “You are That” vibrate within you—through your chest, your limbs, and deeper still, into the quiet space beneath your thoughts. This is a place of pure awareness, a space that simply watches without engaging.

In this stillness, there is nothing to figure out. No problem to solve. Just the soft, clear awareness that simply is. Rest here, in this awareness. And if your mind starts to wander, gently guide yourself back to the mantra: “You are That.”

Continue breathing naturally, staying in this space for as long as you need. Feel the stillness grow within, knowing that this peace, this presence, is always here—always within you.

When you feel ready, slowly bring your awareness back to your breath… to the room around you… and to the present moment.

🙏🕊️🙏