The Chandogya Upanishad, belonging to the Samaveda tradition, is one of the principal Upanishads that expounds the profound philosophy of Om (Udgitha) and the mahavakya 'Tat Tvam Asi' (That Thou Art). The text is structured as a dialogue between sages, notably Sanatkumara and Narada, and is revered for its teachings on the unity of the individual self (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The mantra 'Om ityetadaksharam udgitham upasita' (Chandogya Upanishad 1.1.1) instructs one to meditate on the syllable Om as the Udgitha, the essence of the Sama Veda chants. This single syllable is analyzed as comprising three matras: A, U, M, representing the three Vedas, the three worlds, and the three states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, deep sleep).
The Upanishad further declares 'Tat Tvam Asi' (Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7) in the context of the dialogue between Uddalaka Aruni and his son Shvetaketu, establishing the identity of the individual soul with Brahman. According to the Mantra-Yoga-Samhita, the chanting of these mantras purifies the mind and leads to self-realization. The traditional purpose of reciting the Chandogya Upanishad mantras is to attain knowledge of the non-dual Brahman, overcome the cycle of birth and death, and experience unity consciousness. Recommended chanting context includes daily meditation at dawn or dusk, with a count of 108 repetitions using a rudraksha mala, preferably in a quiet, clean space facing east.
The Udgitha is often chanted as a prelude to Sama Veda recitations. Cautions: These mantras are considered highly potent and should be chanted with proper pronunciation and understanding; initiation from a qualified guru is traditionally advised to avoid misinterpretation. The Devi Mahatmya also references the power of Om as the source of all mantras. The Lalita Sahasranama extols the goddess as the embodiment of the Pranava (Om).
Thus, the Chandogya Upanishad mantras serve as a foundation for Vedantic meditation and the realization of the oneness of existence.
One should meditate on this syllable Om as the Udgitha.
The mantra is centered on the syllable Om, which is the primordial seed-sound (bīja) comprising three mātrās: A, U, M. It is not a compound bīja mantra but the root of all mantras.