Akhaṇḍārtha-Vākya | Identity Statement

Akhandartha-Vakya

Akhaṇḍārtha-Vākya (IAST)
Translation: "identity statement"

A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy
Sanskrit: अखण्डार्थवाक्य
Transliteration: Akhaṇḍārtha-Vākya
Translation: "identity statement"
Definition:

1. A sentence where the subject and the predicate refer to the same entity. Each word has its own meaning and yet, both of them refer to one entity; e.g., "That thou art" (Tat Tvam Asi) or "This is that Devadatta" (So'yaṃ Devadattah).
2. According to Advaita Vedānta, it is a literal expression of the non-dual Reality.
3. Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta holds that the grammar of language is the grammar of Reality and thus, unlike Advaita Vedānta, it posits that identity statements indicate a qualified Reality.

Reference:

1. Grimes, John (1996). A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy: Sanskrit Terms Defined in English. Albany: State University of New York Press