As the story goes Svetaketu, having returned home after completing his studies, was filled with pride about his learning. Sensing his son’s arrogance, Uddalaka sought to impart a deeper understanding to him. He asked Svetaketu whether he had learned that knowledge by which the unheard becomes heard, the unthought becomes thought, and the unknown becomes known.
Upon Svetaketu’s admission of ignorance, Uddalaka began his teachings. He explained the fundamental unity underlying the universe, stating that everything is interconnected and ultimately stems from the same source. To illustrate this, Uddalaka used the metaphor of clay and various clay objects, emphasizing that all forms are nothing but modifications of the same substance, clay (copper and iron is also mentioned).
Finally, Uddalaka uttered the profound statement “tat tvam asi” (You are That). The interpretation of this statement, whether it means “You are that clay” or “You are that Brahman,” can vary depending on how one approaches scripture. The idea was that Svetaketu becomes a seeker of Brahman to become Brahman.
The commenter also noted that in the Vedic tradition, sin is attributed solely to individual sinful actions, with interpretations differing among individuals. However, within the belief centered around Jesus, he is regarded as the atonement for sin. Consequently, rituals like yagnas or penance (found in Catholicism) are deemed unnecessary, as Jesus is considered to have made the ultimate payment for the sins of the entire world.
Returning to the concept of Prajapati, in the Rigveda, Prajapati is initially depicted as a personification of the creative power and as the progenitor of all beings. As Hinduism evolved, Prajapati became associated with Brahman, although interpretations vary. In the Rigveda (10.121), specifically in the Hiranyagarbha Sukta, Prajapati is equated with Hiranyagarbha, described alternatively as the golden embryo or cosmic egg, depending on the interpreter’s perspective.
