aham brahmasmi
Meaning: I am Brahman
The statement "I am Brahman" is both a postulation on the state of Brahman at anintellectual level and an expression of an enlightened yogi ( Brahmajnani) in a state of self-realization. The first comes out of an insight through study that "I am" is the state of "Brahman". The second comes out of an inner experience that "I am indeed none other than Brahman". One is a philosophical insight gained through vichara (thinking) and the other an awareness experienced in a transcendental state of samadhi or union.
The statement "aham brahmasmi" does not vouch that "Atman (self) is Brahman", but "I am Brahman". It is an expression of "I am ness", not Atman, in relationship with Brahman. This distinction is important because different schools of Hinduism interpret the relationship between Atman and Brahman differently, which we will discuss in the last part of this essay. 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".
The Five States of "I am ness"
We can discern at least five different states of "I am ness" in beings (jivas). These states are neither sequential nor consequential. A being may experience one or more of these at different times in its existence or at the same time in different dimensions of consciousness. There may be even divisions and subdivision with in each state. We are confining here our discussion to a general description of the five states, which are explained below.
- 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.
· 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 week's old baby. In the macrocosm it is the state of most of the animals and birds.
· 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.
· 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 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.
· The fifth one is the state of "I am I am". I do not know any other than by 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.
