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Understanding the Profound Significance of 'Aham Brahmasmi' in Advaita Philosophy

What is "Aham Brahmasmi"? Spiritual Meaning & Life Lessons

What is "Aham Brahmasmi"? Discover its importance, spiritual meaning, the message of the Upanishads, and its influence on our means of life in this article.

MEDITATIONSELF-DISCOVERY

4/7/202513 min read

I: Introduction

Many of us journey through life with questions such as, 'Who am I?' and 'What is our true nature?' The most important of the Mahavakyas that answer these questions is "Aham Brahmasmi." It is one of the most profound spiritual messages from the Upanishads.

Importance of "Aham Brahmasmi"

'Aham Brahmasmi' means' I am Brahma' or 'I am the embodiment of Parabrahman.' It is a crucial aspect of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. This Mahavakya hides the concept that we are not just bodies or minds; our true nature is Brahman. Understanding and living by this truth can foster a sense of unity and harmony in our society as we recognise the same divine essence in all beings.

Understanding 'Aham Brahmasmi' is a philosophical concept and a transformative tool. It empowers us to transcend fear, misunderstanding, and feelings of insignificance. This understanding leads us to true happiness and peace, offering a practical solution to every problem and suffering. It's a beacon of hope, inspiring us to strive for a better, more fulfilling life.

The place of "Aham Brahmasmi" in the Upanishads

The verse "Aham Brahmasmi" is a cornerstone of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, a foundational text in Hindu philosophy. It is one of the four Mahavakyas, or 'great sayings', essential for all Vedanta texts; we can gain spiritual knowledge by knowing them. These Mahavakyas are profound statements that encapsulate the core teachings of the Upanishads, guiding us towards self-realisation and spiritual enlightenment.

These are the four great sayings:

1. Prajnanam Brahma – "Knowledge is Brahma" (Rigveda)

2. Aham Brahmasmi – "I am Brahma" (Yajurveda)

3. Tattvamasi – "You are that Supreme Truth" (Samaveda)

4. Ayam Atma Brahma – "This Self is Brahma" (Atharvaveda)

These profound sayings convey great spiritual messages that reveal the essence of Brahma, self-knowledge, and our oneness with the Supreme Brahman.

Importance of these great sayings in spiritual evolution

These great sayings serve as a guide for spiritual growth. By knowing "Aham Brahmasmi", we can recognise the infinite power, imperishability, and perfection within us.

We are not ordinary beings, but our proper form is that of the unborn, immortal Brahman. We are not just the body, mind, or emotions; Beyond these is the infinite form of consciousness.

When we know this truth, fear, dissatisfaction, and instability lose their grip on our lives. True happiness arises from within rather than from external sources, instilling a sense of hope and optimism. We know that true happiness does not come from outside but from within.

Incorporating the idea of 'Aham Brahmasmi' into our everyday lives can lead to a significant transformation. By recognising our true nature as the eternal soul and understanding that we are one with the infinite power of Brahman, we can cultivate a sense of peace, joy, love, and perfection in our lives. We can accomplish this by engaging in practices such as Meditation, self-reflection, and performing kind acts that reflect our connection with all living beings. By living and experiencing this spiritual truth, we empower ourselves to lead a life filled with fulfilment and purpose.

Incorporating the 'Aham Brahmasmi' Concept into Yoga Practice for Spiritual Growth and Self-Realization

II: Word-by-word explanation

The phrase 'Aham Brahmasmi' is a composite of three keywords. Understanding the essence of each word is crucial to grasping the profound message encapsulated in this phrase.

1. What is "Ego"? – Personal Form

"Ego" means "I". The concept of "ego" is embedded in the words we use daily, such as "I, mine, to me." But we usually think of myself as the body; I am my name; I am my mind.

For example:

I am a student

I am an employee

I am a mother, father

I am happy

I am getting angry

What is this "I" that you say?

Body – the body changes, wrinkles appear, and ages.

Mind – our emotions and thoughts change.

Name, family, job – all these are temporary in life.

"I" is not all these.

The real "I" is the existence that stands above the body, mind, and emotions —the soul. That is the "ego".

That is consciousness, vital energy, inner self. Even if we sleep, our mind stops, or our body changes, our faithful "I" remains unchanged.

2. "Brahma" – the principle of the Supreme Soul

"Brahma" means infinite power, the ultimate truth, the root power that drives this universe.

The nature we see, the planets, the stars, the oceans, and the winds are all born from the same root truth. That is Brahman.

Brahman means the beginning, the end, the changeless, the eternal, the omnipresent (present in everything)

For example, if you take a glass of water and add salt to it, the salt is not visible in the water. But if you taste the water, it tastes salty.

Similarly, Brahman is present in everything that we see. However, we see only the external forms; we cannot recognise the self hidden within. This Brahman is our proper form!

3. "Asmi" – the concept of unity

"Asmi" means "I am this" or "I am that".

The "I" - the "ego" - is not this body, the mind. The Parabrahman "Brahma" is my proper form.

"Aham Brahmaasmi" means "I am Brahman." I do not need to remain in this small individual life. I am one with the infinite Brahman.

Example: Just as a small drop of water merges into the ocean, we merge with Brahman. A drop of water is not something else; it is born in the sea. Similarly, we are born from this Brahman and merge again into the same Brahman. That is, we are infinite, eternal, like Brahman!

The meaning of the phrase "Aham Brahmasmi" is this:

"I" (Aham) - my actual form is not the body, the mind; it is the eternal soul.

"Brahma" - this is the ultimate truth, the great power that runs this world.

"Asmi" - means I am the same Brahman.

We understand the great truth when these three words come together: "I am not a separate person; I am the infinite power united with Parabrahman!"

This concept enables us to live without fear, attain eternal happiness, and lead our lives with genuine meaning. If we understand this truth and make it a reality, we can achieve true freedom, perfection, and happiness.

III: Vedanta perspective

Vedanta's teachings provide a profound understanding of the true meaning of the sentence "Aham Brahmasmi." This philosophy seeks to comprehend the essence of the Vedas, the truth of life, and our true nature.

Familiarity with Advaita Vedanta is essential for a comprehensive understanding of this sentence. Advaita means oneness. Everything in this universe is one; there is no difference.

1. The meaning of "Aham Brahmasmi" in Advaita Vedanta

Shankaracharya significantly promoted Advaita Vedanta. The main point that Advaita Vedanta says is,

"This world is only Maya. The real truth is one – that is Brahman. We are that Brahman!"

The world we see does not exist; it is temporary. When we dream, it seems real, but when we wake up, we realise it's not real, right? Similarly, this world is also an illusion (not unreal, but changing).

Only one thing is absolute – Brahman (the soul, the Supreme Truth).

"The soul – the Supreme Soul is one."

Now, we seem different from Brahman, but actually, we are Brahman. We have forgotten our original form and live with the small concepts of body and mind.

Advaita Vedanta tells us:

We are not separate from Brahman. We are not the body, we are not the mind, we are not the emotions. Our original form is Brahman – eternal, unchanging, blissful!

2. The relationship between personality and Brahman

The concept that we have come to know profoundly is our idea of "I".

"I am small, I am big, I am weak, I am afraid, I get angry, I like, I don't like" – we keep talking in our minds every day.

But what does Advaita Vedanta say?

You are not separate. All the concepts I lack are yours. Your original form is Parabrahman.

For example, a golden glass, ring, and chain are all gold. Although the glass, ring, and chain appear different, they share the exact source of gold.

Similarly, we look at the body, but our original form is Parabrahman. The relationship of a human being with Parabrahman can be understood as follows:

The living entity is – a minor contract

Parabrahman is – an ocean

This contract ultimately merges into the sea. We are born from Brahman and ultimately become one with Brahman.

3. Moksha practice through self-knowledge

Now, we have come to know – that our proper form is Brahman. But to turn this into an experience, self-knowledge is necessary.

What is self-knowledge?

Knowing that my body is temporary, but my soul is eternal. My emotions, sorrows, and joys all change, but my proper form does not. Experiencing that I am Brahman, that I am completely independent.

What is moksha?

Moksha does not mean leaving the body. Nothing in the external world needs to change – we need to change within ourselves. We should remember that we can attain moksha within this life – experiencing a state beyond happiness and sorrow.

How to achieve it?

Meditation: We should question ourselves daily to discover our true nature.

Study: We can gain insight into ourselves by reading the Upanishads and Vedanta texts.

Devotion & Fearless Living: If we live with the belief that "I am the embodiment of the Supreme Soul", all feelings of fear, pain and inferiority disappear.

Satsangam: We can move forward on the right path by being in the company of wise individuals and spiritual guides.

"Aham Brahmasmi" is a simple sentence and a guiding principle for life.

We transcend the body and free ourselves from illusion. We are not the mind – emotions do not need to destroy us. We are Brahman – infinite power, eternal bliss.

Only when we understand this truth can we attain true salvation. We can live beyond happiness and sorrow, fearlessness and perfect happiness. Once we experience "Aham Brahmasmi," our life changes completely.

Exploring the True Meaning of 'Aham Brahmasmi': A Journey to Self-Realization and Oneness

IV: Application in daily life

"Aham Brahmasmi" is not just a philosophical concept but a way of life we should follow daily. If we apply this daily, we can live fearlessly, joyfully, and completely free from fear.

But how should we apply this to our life? How can we transform it into an engaging experience?

1. Experience through Meditation, self-reflection, and practice

Through practice, we should firmly instil the truth of "Aham Brahmasmi" in our hearts. For this, Meditation, self-reflection, and practice are necessary.

How to do Meditation?

We should sit in a quiet place, close our eyes, and softly think, "I am not the body; I am the form of the Supreme Soul."

We should constantly focus on our breath and experience peace within ourselves. If we softly repeat the great phrase "Aham Brahmasmi," our minds will be free from weaknesses.

How do you do self-reflection?

We should ask ourselves what our actual form is every morning or night. If we ask, "What is permanent in me?" the answer will be "my pure soul."

Our natures and minds change, but the soul remains unchanged - we must remember.

Why is spiritual practice necessary?

The mind overflows with fears, misunderstandings, and false beliefs. If we meditate and reflect regularly, we can overcome these fears. Through this practice, we can see our life in a new light.

2. Its role in eliminating fears and misunderstandings

There are many fears in our lives –

Fear of the future

Fear of illness, death

Fear of what society will think of us

Fear of failure, immorality, ignorance

But, after knowing the truth of "Aham Brahmasmi", we clearly understand –

"I am not the body; I am not my mind. I am the eternal Brahman."

The body has fear, but the soul has no fear. The mind becomes worried, but Brahman remains calm. Society and the world change, but Brahman remains unchanged. Similarly, misunderstandings also disappear when we realise Brahman.

For example,

the feeling of "I am making mistakes, I am a lesser person" disappears.

The misinterpretation of "My life has no meaning" also disappears.

The false desires of "I want more money, more relatives, a big name" will naturally decrease.

The experience of "Aham Brahmasmi" reduces these fears and misunderstandings within us, enabling a person to live fearlessly, peacefully, and happily.

3. How can we adopt a sattvic lifestyle in today's society?

Society should know and follow the knowledge of "Aham Brahmasmi." We should strive for a static, spiritual, and productive life.

1. Do not look down on others, but treat them equally

Since we are the embodiment of Parabrahma, everyone is Brahma. We should not be looked down on or hated. There are no differences in race, religion or status - everything is Brahma! Therefore, we should live in harmony, love and kindness.

2. We should serve the world

We should use our facilities to benefit others and help those in need. Since Brahman is all-encompassing, we should live with mutual help and cooperation.

3. One should live in moderation and with virtues

One should live with pure food, pure thoughts, and pure life. One should give up cruelty, falsehood, and arrogance. One should do good deeds and be pious.

4. One should have a proper understanding of wealth and success

Money, name, and prestige alone are not true success. Peace of mind, knowledge, and service are true wealth. Wealth should not be misused but used for the benefit of society.

"Aham Brahmasmi" is not just a philosophical concept but a great way of life.

We should change ourselves through Meditation and self-reflection, eliminate fears and misunderstandings, and strive to live in a society of love, tolerance, cooperation, and humanity.

Suppose every person who realises this truth lives fearlessly, peacefully, happily, without offending others, and with a service attitude. In that case, our society will become a divine place.

The experience of "Aham Brahmasmi" purifies our way of life, providing liberation. 🚩✨

V: Perspective of Yoga and Dharma

The great phrase "Aham Brahmasmi" is crucial in our yoga and Dharma practices. It is a philosophical concept and a profound truth that influences our thinking, practice, Dharma, and way of life.

To embody this phrase in our lives, we should practice it through yoga and the principles of Dharma.

1. How does the "Aham Brahmasmi" concept help in yoga practice?

Yoga is not just a physical exercise. It is a divine way of uniting the mind, soul, and Parabrahman.

"Yoga" means union. The goal of yoga is to unite us with Brahman, our original form. The concept of "Aham Brahmasmi" helps us in the practice of yoga in the following way:

1. Yama & Niyama (moral rules)

Yama (non-practices): We should abandon violence, lying, greed, and falsehood.

Niyama (practices): One should follow cleanliness, contentment, penance, self-study, and worship of God.

If we understand the truth of "Aham Brahmasmi", we can live without greed and with satisfaction. Violence and hatred will decrease.

2. Asanas (body control)

Our body is a tool that helps in practice. Only if the body is healthy can the mind be peaceful. With the concept of "Aham Brahmasmi," we should consider the body to be the temple of Parabrahm and protect it.

3. Pranayama (breath control)

Pranayama can help us control our minds. If we observe our breath, our restlessness will decrease. If you chant the mantra "Soham" for breathing, "So" means "He" (Paramatma), and "Ham" means "I." It reflects the meaning of "Aham Brahmasmi."

4. Dharana & Dhyanam (stabilisation of the mind)

Dharana is maintaining the mind's focus on a single thought. Dhyana means to calm the thoughts and experience the Parabrahman principle. By meditating on "Aham Brahmasmi," a person can recognise their true nature.

5. Samadhi (final stage – Brahmanubhuti)

Samadhi means to be absorbed in Parabrahman without the sense of ego. It is Shiva's philosophy, as presented in the "Nirmamo Nirahankarah" concept outlined in Krishna's Bhagavad Gita.

When the feeling of "Aham Brahmasmi" is perfectly attained, a person's life becomes a state of salvation.

2. The importance of this great saying in the practice of Dharma

Following Dharma is critical in a person's life. Dharma is about adhering to religious rituals and living by the principles of truth and justice.

How does the concept of "Aham Brahmasmi" affect Dharma?

1. Following one's own Dharma

Dharma is different for everyone.

A teacher's Dharma teaches knowledge, a king's Dharma protects the people, and a farmer's Dharma works the land. If we feel "Aham Brahmasmi," we can practice our Dharma without pride or selfishness.

2. Avoiding falsehood, lying, and hatred

Truth is Dharma. If we know "Aham Brahmasmi", we cannot lie or tolerate falsehood. We can live with love and equality without violence, hatred, and differences.

3. Establishing equality in society

When we know that "everyone is Brahman", then class, caste and religious differences have no meaning. We can eliminate hatred and live in harmony. We can build a society that lives with mutual help and cooperation.

4. Karma Yoga – Selfless Service

The Bhagavad Gita advises us to do our work without expecting immediate results. If we know "Aham Brahmasmi," we can perform our work with a spirit of service rather than pride. We can practice Dharma without selfishness.

5. Fearless Dharma Development

The primary aspect of practising Dharma is fearlessness. If we are honest and righteous, there is no need to be afraid. The feeling of "Aham Brahmasmi" gives us courage and stability.

"Aham Brahmasmi" transforms a person, influences society, and impacts the world. Through the practice of yoga, we can experience Brahman. Through the practice of the Dharma, we can create a peaceful society.

We can promote actual knowledge, fearlessness, and humanity. The experience of "Aham Brahmasmi" transforms a person into a complete being, characterised by spiritual freedom, salvation, and perfect happiness. 🚩✨

VI: Conclusion

"Aham Brahmasmi" is a profound philosophical statement and an authentic experience that profoundly changes our lives. Through this, we can attain self-knowledge, salvation, and eternal happiness. But how do we understand the real meaning of this great saying, put it into practice, and move forward towards self-realisation?

1. How do we understand the real meaning of "Aham Brahmasmi"?

Many people doubt this great saying, such as, "Is it Brahman?" Is this understandable?" However, to truly understand its meaning, we must experience it.

Three steps to understand the meaning

1. Sravana (listening to and reading the scriptures)

Read the Upanishads and Vedanta texts. Understand Vedanta through the Gurus.

2. Manana (thinking)

We should ask ourselves, "Am I the body? What is my real form?" We should constantly think, "Brahma is the source of everything."

3. Nididhyasana (making it an experience)

The phrase "I am Brahman" should reflect our behaviour and thoughts. We should experience this every day through Meditation and practice.

It's not just about reading and listening. It must become a part of our lives to achieve an accurate understanding.

2. Important instructions for putting it into practice

This knowledge should not be confined solely to the scriptures and Upanishads. We should follow in our daily life.

1. Meditation & Self-study

One should meditate on "Aham Brahmasmi" daily and remember that we are not the body, mind, or soul. It is also advisable to habitually read the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and other philosophical texts.

2. One should eliminate fears and misunderstandings

One who knows that "I am not the body, I am Brahman!" is not afraid. One should meditate on this knowledge regularly to cultivate mental strength.

3. One should live with the spirit of service

When we know that we are all Brahman, there are no differences. The ultimate goal is to help everyone and be loving.

4. There should be sattvicness in food and rituals

The body is the temple of our soul, so we should eat moderate and pure food. One should develop good habits, such as good conduct, sound association, and mantra chanting.

5. There should be constant attention & firm determination

One should not meditate for a day and stop. This knowledge should apply to our lives at all times. If our practice continues, then the real feeling will come.

For the experience of "Aham Brahmasmi" to be established in our lives, it should become a constant practice.

3. Inspiration to move forward towards self-realisation

Many of us become trapped by life's limitations and neglect self-awareness. But where are real peace, happiness, and liberation?

In the experience of "Aham Brahmasmi" itself!

Some inspiring things to move forward on this path:

1. We should know that "I am eternal; my fear is temporary."

All our lives and problems are temporary. We are the eternal Brahman, so there is no need to be afraid.

2. The external world cannot change our truth.

Regardless of the circumstances around us, our true nature remains unchanged. That is why we should learn to be calm and enjoy life fully.

3. This path is not difficult, but it does require patience.

Patience and commitment are essential for achieving self-knowledge. One should move forward by making small changes every day.

4. This is not the path of saints only; it is possible for everyone.

This knowledge is not only for sages and yogis. Householders, employees, students, and businesspeople – everyone can incorporate it into their daily lives. Our inner peace and happiness increase as we progress along this path.

Final message

"Aham Brahmasmi" is not a concept but a way of life. This excellent saying changes our lives, removing fear and giving us true happiness. Let us move forward by meditating on it constantly and practising it.

"You are Brahma! There is perfect peace, knowledge, and salvation within you. Recognise your true nature!" 🚩✨

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