One of the main grand pronouncements (Mahavakya) in Hinduism based on Vedic scriptures is Tat Tvam Asi that literally means “You are that” or “That you are.” However in the contemporary context, the meaning develops and expands to:”I am you” and “you are me.” It refers to the concept of equality, tolerance, solidarity, brotherhood and so on.

It contains fundamental things. In other words, there is a noble and universal value on how human beings should behave towards the environments, both natural and social environment at their surroundings. Provision of this philosophical education is actually given by our ancestors. It is not just pronouncements, slogans or whatever people name it that is wonderful to be spoken but not in practice.

I am you and you are me. This poses a reflection. When we are looking at a mirror, we do not only see our face in it, but also the face of others. We feel in the same way when others feel such a thing. When others are in distress, we feel empathy as if we also experienced it. We have a concern and attention to environment. Whatever they are, we live in a society having social and ethical values. We are bound to it. It is not only in the context of positive law as well as religious and social norms but also psychologically.

In the current development, when human beings begin to devote themselves to material things they begin to fortify themselves with a partition. People do not only protect their home with high fence, fearing of outside danger but the worse thing is that when they begin to fortify themselves with selfish attitude that do not care and do not have the sense of self-belonging and it is contrary to the concept of tat tvam asi itself. By all means, it is a negation and should not happen.

Tat tvam asi, however, is very beautiful when it is just spoken. And it will be much more beautiful when it is applied in our daily life. When Balinese humans are increasingly concerned with others and the environment, of course the echo of the grand pronouncement must be continuously disseminated. Concern about nature, human, culture and environment in wider context will certainly beneficial for the future. We are not just going to love ourselves and family, but also others in the surrounding community. It happens because of the Tat Twam Asi, namely I am you and you are me.