Mahakavya Upanishad is attached to the Atharvaveda and is classified as one of the 20 Yoga Upanishads. The text describes the nature of Atman (self, soul) and  Brahman (ultimate reality), then asserts that they are identical and liberation is the state of fully understanding this identity. The title of the text refers to  Mahavakya, which refers to great summary sentences or sacred utterances found in the Upanishads. The Mahavakya Upanishad is a short text that discusses the nature of Atman  (self, soul) and Brahman (metaphysical reality), their oneness, and the nature of knowledge and ignorance. The text asserts that Yoga and introspection are the way to spiritual knowledge, with the help of a guru. The Upanishad is notable for characterizing Vedic rituals and chasing sensual pleasures as a mark of darkness within, that this darkness can be shed with the radiance of knowledge, the discovery of self as light. This, states the text, is why yoga is started with  Gayatri mantra and yogins assert “hamsa-so’ham” (I am he, he is I). Supreme self is Satchidananda, or “truth-consciousness-bliss”, states the Upanishad. There is no other means to liberation other than realizing the identity of Atman and Brahman,  asserts the text.