Aham Brahmmasmi

 

In Sanskrit, aham, meaning “I” and brahma, meaning “divine,” or “sacred”. While Brahms is the Hindu creator god, Asmi  translates to “I am.” Aham Brahmasmi is a term that is used in yoga philosophy to describe the unity of the Atman (individual self or soul) with Brahman (the Absolute). It reflects the ultimate goal of yoga – union with the higher self. Yoga itself means “union.” Aham Brahmasmi is one of the main Mahavakyas- the short statements known as the "Great Utterances" from the Upanishads. These utterances are considered as part of self-exploration and are used in association with prayer, meditation and mantra chanting. Jnana yoga, in particular, focuses on contemplating the Mahavakyas.

The statement "aham brahmasmi" does not vouch that "Atman (self) is Brahman", but "I am Brahman". It is an expression of "I am ness(oneness)", not Atman, in relationship with Brahman. This distinction is very important to interpret the relationship between Atman and Brahman differently. The state of "I am ness" exists in creation in different degrees, ranging from a self aware state of "I am only" to a nescient state of "I am not".

1. The first state is the state of "I am not aware that I exist". This is the unconscious state which we experience in our sleeping state and which a recently born baby experiences in its waking state. In the macrocosm, it is also the state of the inanimate objects and many lower organisms.
2. The second one is the state of "I am aware that I exist but I cannot conceptualize it". This is the semi conscious state which we experience in our dreaming state and the state of a few weeks' old baby. In the macrocosm it is the state of most animals and birds.
3. The third one is the state of "I am aware that I exist in relationship with things, beings and objects." This is the waking state of our ordinary consciousness. In this state, I have some awareness of myself, which is sufficient enough for me to conduct myself in the world and deal with it intelligently. I can identify myself with my unique features, my individuality, my physical personality, my distinct qualities, my actions, my thoughts, my desires and my emotions. It is also the state of duality and the state of a bonded soul.
4. The fourth one is the state of "I am aware that I exist. I am also aware that I am existence itself." In this state, I can experience my omnipresence. I can shift my center of awareness at will. I am detached, not bound by the limitations of ego. I am a liberated soul in its subjective state of complete awareness, fulfilled and detached. I exist not in relationship with others but by myself. This is the state of the pure consciousness and of the unlimited self, having the awareness of "I am Brahman" and "Thou art That", not as a mental notion but in a state of self-realization. This is the state of Atman.
5. The fifth one is the state of "I am I am." I do not know anyone or anything other than myself. I am absorbed in myself and exist by myself. I am limitless and absolute except when I am associated with my nature (prakriti). I have no duality. There is no instrument by which I know my existence or my otherness, except in a jiva or in a state of incarnation. I am in all and all are in me. This is the state of the supreme eternal Brahman, the state of oneness, the state of non duality, the indivisible, infinite, immeasurable, unknowable state of Being. This is a pure state of "I am only". This is the indescribable state of Brahman in its absolute aspect.

Brahman is the abstract cosmic ocean which is the source of all creations. Brahma is born from Brahman. We are all born from Brahman, so our ultimate realization is I am Brahmman or Aham Brahmmasmi.

Brahmma is called Hiranya Gharbha. Meaning he was born inside golden egg. Imagine lotus flower bud. Inside it he was like a baby in mother’s womb. Inside this 🥚 egg Brahmma was wondering what is his purpose of creation? One day the Lotus bud blossomed. The OM Universe was in complete darkness except little glow of the bud. When it blossomed, the beautiful light started spreading like Sun in our Sky.

Brahmma in eternal divine knowledge was like one day baby. When he looked around, he was scared. In all directions, pitch darkness and no creations. He called out. Finally he looked down and saw a lotus stem and it disappeared in the darkness. He got down and started sliding on the stem. It is said many kalpaas passed away but still no bottom. He abandoned that effort and climbed back. A long long time passed away. 

Sitting in the lotus flower he heard a voice suggesting to do tapas or meditation. Brahmma asked who is that? The Voice said I am Vishnu, your father. Brahmma started meditation for many many kalpaas. Finally he was able to align 3 different consciousness in this Universe. Then originated a sound OM. It sent the shock waves across the Universe. At that moment Vishnu in the form of Hayagrivaa presented Vedas knowledge. As soon he received the Sanathana Dharma that is necessary for Om Universe Creation, and realized who he is, he screamed...

AHAM BRAHMMASMI or I AM BRAHMMA and my purpose is Creation.