In verses 9 to 12, the Mandukya Upanishad enumerates fourfold etymological roots of the syllable "Aum". It states that the first element of "Aum" is "A", which is from "Apti" (obtaining, reaching) or from "Adimatva" (being first). The second element is "U", which is from "Utkarsa" (exaltation) or from "Ubhayatva" (intermediateness). The third element is "M", from "Miti" (erecting, constructing) or from "Mi Minati, or apīti" (annihilation). The fourth is without an element, without development, beyond the expanse of universe. In this way, states the Upanishad, the syllable Om is the Atman (the self) indeed.