“Sarvam idam vibhati” (सर्वमिदं विभाति) means “All this shines” or “Everything is illumined,” a key phrase from Vedic scriptures like the Katha Upanishad, signifying that the entire universe’s light and existence come from a single, self-revealing divine source, the Supreme Brahman or Self (Atman), which lights up the sun, moon, senses, and everything else. It points to the ultimate reality being self-effulgent and the source of all other illumination, even though we often mistake worldly objects for the source of light and happiness.
Meaning and Context
- Source: Primarily found in the Katha Upanishad (2.2.15) and echoed in the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita.
- Literal Translation: Sarvam (all) idam (this) vibhati (shines/is illumined).
- Deeper Meaning: It’s a concept of self-luminosity (Svayam-Prakash). Just as the sun needs no other light to shine, but makes everything else visible, the Supreme Reality (Brahman/Atman) is the ultimate light source, without which nothing could be perceived or exist.
- Spiritual Implication: Our senses and mind only function because they reflect this inner, divine light. The phrase encourages looking beyond fleeting material brightness to the eternal light of the Self.
Key Verse (Katha Upanishad 2.2.15)
na tatra sūryo bhāti na candratārakaṁ
nemā vidyuto bhānti kuto ’yamagniḥ
tam eva bhāntam anubhāti sarvaṁ
tasya bhāsā sarvam idaṁ vibhāti
- Translation: “There the sun shines not, nor the moon and stars, nor these lightnings, how then this earthly fire? All that shines, shines after Him, by His light all this is illumined”.
Know Thyself 