Subtler than the subtle, greater than the great — the Ātman is hidden in the cave of the heart of this being. Free from desire, free from sorrow, one sees the glory of the Ātman through the grace of the Creator (or: through the serenity of the senses).

This verse, one of the most quoted from the Upaniṣads, expresses the essential paradox of the Ātman: it is simultaneously the smallest and the greatest, transcending all measurements.

Aṇoḥ aṇīyān — subtler than the subtle. The Ātman is smaller than the atom (aṇu), finer than the most minute particle. It cannot be grasped by the senses because it lies beyond all material division.

Mahato mahīyān — greater than the great. Simultaneously, the Ātman is vaster than the entire universe. This paradox indicates that the Ātman is not an object with dimensions but consciousness itself that contains all dimensions.

Nihito guhāyām — hidden in the cave. The guhā (cave) of the heart is the secret space where the Ātman can be realized. It is the center of being, accessible only through deep interiorization.

Akratu — without desire, without intention (kratu). Only one who has abandoned egoic volitions can see the Ātman. Desire projects the mind toward external objects; its absence allows the return to the Self.

Vītaśoka — free from sorrow. Sorrow arises from identification with the impermanent. One who knows the immortal Ātman is liberated from suffering.

Dhātu-prasādāt has two traditional readings: through the grace of the Creator (dhātṛ), or through the serenity of the constituent elements (dhātu), meaning the pacification of body, senses, and mind. Both interpretations are valid: grace acts when the instrument is prepared.