Uddalaka

Uddalaka Aruni was a prominent Vedic sage who features in several important Upanishads, most notably the Chandogya Upanishad. He is often depicted as a guru imparting profound philosophical knowledge to his students. His teachings are central to understanding the concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality, and Atman, the individual soul, and their relationship.

A significant portion of Uddalaka's teachings focuses on the idea that the entire universe arises from a single, fundamental substance or principle. He uses analogies to illustrate this, such as the way a seed grows into a tree or how clay can be shaped into various objects, all while remaining fundamentally clay. This emphasizes the underlying unity and oneness of all existence.

Uddalaka is also known for his dialogues with his son, Shvetaketu, in the Chandogya Upanishad. These discussions, particularly the famous "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art) instruction, are considered foundational in Advaita Vedanta philosophy, asserting the identity of the individual self with the universal consciousness. His teachings explore the nature of consciousness, the illusion of duality, and the path to liberation through self-knowledge. His wisdom continues to be a cornerstone of Hindu philosophical thought.