Day 2: "Aham Brahmasmi" – I Am Brahman
Shloka (Sanskrit):
अहं ब्रह्मास्मि
"Aham Brahmasmi"
(I am Brahman)
— Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
This mantra affirms the unity of the self (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). It is a declaration of spiritual empowerment, recognizing that the divine essence exists within each of us.
Story from the Upanishads:
Once, Sage Yajnavalkya, a revered seer, decided to renounce his worldly possessions and embrace a life of asceticism. Before departing, he divided his wealth between his two wives, Maitreyi and Katyayani. While Katyayani accepted the wealth, Maitreyi, a deeply spiritual woman, posed a question:
"Will this wealth grant me immortality?"
Yajnavalkya responded, "No, my dear. Wealth can provide comfort but not immortality. Only the realization of the self can lead to eternal freedom."
He then imparted the teaching of "Aham Brahmasmi" to Maitreyi. He explained, "The self, your true essence, is not separate from the infinite. To know the self is to know Brahman—the eternal, unchanging reality. This realization alone brings liberation."
Maitreyi, enlightened by his words, understood that her true identity was not her body, mind, or possessions but the divine consciousness that pervades all existence.
Moral:
The realization of "Aham Brahmasmi" empowers us to transcend ego and material attachments, recognizing our divine nature. It teaches us that the key to eternal peace lies in self-awareness and unity with the infinite.
Prayer (Hindi):
मेरा अस्तित्व है ब्रह्म का प्रकाश,
मुझमें बसा है अनंत का आभास।
न मैं तन हूँ, न मन, न वस्त्र का आकार,
मैं ब्रह्म हूँ, यही सत्य का आधार।
अहं ब्रह्मास्मि, यही मेरा नारा,
हर जीव में देखूं ब्रह्म का सहारा।
Bhajan (Hindi):
✨ अहं ब्रह्मास्मि, मैं हूँ वही,
जग में जो है, वो मुझमें सही।
न मन, न तन, बस चेतना हूँ,
अहं ब्रह्मास्मि, अनंत पथ का मैं जतन हूँ।
✨ प्रकाश हूँ मैं, ब्रह्म का ज्ञान,
मुझमें ही सारा सृष्टि का प्रमाण।
हर कण में दिखे ब्रह्म का रूप,
अहं ब्रह्मास्मि, मेरा परम स्वरूप।
