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.




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!" 🚩✨