The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad Dhyana Mantra refers to the meditative verses found in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, which is the largest and one of the most important of the principal Upanishads. It belongs to the Shukla Yajurveda and is associated with the sage Yajnavalkya. The Upanishad contains the great sayings (mahavakyas) 'Aham Brahmasmi' (I am Brahman) and the teaching 'Neti Neti' (Not this, not this), which are central to Advaita Vedanta. The dhyana mantra is chanted for contemplation on the identity of the individual self (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman), leading to liberation (moksha). According to the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad itself (e.g., 1.4.10, 2.5.19), the mantra 'Aham Brahmasmi' is a direct declaration of this identity. The 'Neti Neti' method is described in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 2.3.6 and 3.9.26 as a way to negate all attributes to realize the true nature of the Self. The dhyana mantra is traditionally chanted during meditation, especially in the early morning or during Vedantic study sessions. The recommended count is 108 repetitions, often preceded by the chanting of Om. There are no specific ritual restrictions, but it is advised to be chanted with a clear understanding of its meaning and under the guidance of a qualified teacher. The mantra is not associated with any particular deity but is directed towards the formless Brahman/Atman. The phonetics of the mantra emphasize the resonance of 'Om' and the clarity of the mahavakyas. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (3.8.1-12) also includes the dialogue between Yajnavalkya and Gargi, highlighting the pursuit of knowledge. The dhyana mantra serves as a tool for realizing the teachings of the Upanishad, as expounded in the Shankara Bhashya (commentary by Adi Shankaracharya). Chanting this mantra is believed to purify the mind, remove ignorance, and bestow spiritual wisdom. It is considered a direct path to self-realization and is revered in all traditions of Vedanta.
Yajnavalkya teaching Maitreyi, the great sayings of the Upanishad.