This Ātman cannot be attained through discourse, nor through the intellect, nor through much study. Only the one whom He chooses attains Him; to that one, the Ātman reveals His own form.

One of the most important verses of the Upaniṣads, which also appears in the Muṇḍaka.

The Ātman (the Self) cannot be reached through:

• Pravacana — discourse, eloquence, verbal skill
• Medhā — sharp intellect, analytical capacity
• Bahu śruta — much study, erudition

These means, valuable for ordinary knowledge, are insufficient for Self-knowledge.

Yam eva eṣa vṛṇute — the one whom He himself chooses. Who chooses? The Ātman. The phrase suggests grace, but not arbitrary: the Ātman “chooses” the one who is truly prepared, who has exhausted other means and surrenders.

Vivṛṇute tanūṃ svām — reveals His own form (tanū). Knowledge of the Self is not acquisition but revelation. The Self unveils itself.

The practical implication: study prepares but does not achieve. A point comes where efforts cease and grace acts.