The One Identity That Transcends All
In the labyrinth of identity, where the self is often lost amidst the numerous labels and societal constructs, “Aham Brahmasmi” emerges as a beacon of profound insight. Translated as “I am Brahman”, it’s a phrase from the Upanishads, the ancient philosophical texts of India, that redefines the very essence of selfhood. A bold assertion of unity with the Absolute, it declares the individual self as non-different from the ultimate reality or cosmic principle, Brahman.
The phrase posits a paradox: it is both a declaration of identity and a negation of it. While it identifies the self with Brahman, it simultaneously obliterates all other identities that are predicated on the dualistic perception of reality. It deciphers the enigma of existence by presenting a radical understanding of the self that transcends all conventional forms of identity-based on religion, ethnicity, gender, or nationality.
In the assertion of “Aham Brahmasmi”, the identity becomes the Universe itself, simultaneously making it ‘The One Identity’. Yet, by embracing the entirety of the cosmos, it becomes ‘No Identity’ – for it is no longer confined by the limitations of individuality. It surpasses the perceived boundaries of the self and ventures into the realm of absolute oneness, a non-dual reality beyond all bifurcations.
This concept embodies the pinnacle of self-realization, where the ego-self is annihilated and one awakens to the inherent divinity within. It’s a state where there is no ‘other’. The knower, the known, and the process of knowing merge into one seamless entity, eliminating the subject-object dichotomy. It is a proclamation of the undifferentiated consciousness that pervades all existence.
Understanding “Aham Brahmasmi” prompts us to question the notion of ‘identity’ as we ordinarily understand it. It urges us to look beyond the surface, to delve deep into the essence of who we truly are. It seeks to elevate our consciousness from the transitory, ephemeral identities towards the eternal, changeless Self. It encourages the shift from multiplicity to unity, from diversity to oneness, from illusion to reality.
To comprehend and embrace “Aham Brahmasmi” is to transcend the shackles of perceived identity. It is to immerse oneself into the boundless ocean of consciousness, realizing that the waves of individuality are but manifestations of the same, unified reality. It is to witness the grand cosmic dance of existence and to understand that we are not mere spectators, but the dance itself.
This timeless wisdom reminds us of our inherent potential to realize the ultimate truth. It is an invitation to journey inwards, into the core of our being, to discover our true nature. It is to affirm that we are more than our physical bodies, more than our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. “Aham Brahmasmi” is the realization that we are that – the boundless, the infinite, the eternal. It is the unlearning of all we thought we were, to understand who we truly are.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation/Bodhi in the Brain, Available Now!
https://linktr.ee/morganosmith
Morgan O. Smith 