Aham Brahmasmi (I Am Brahman) — Word-by-Word Meaning
अहं ब्रह्मास्मि
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ब्रह्म
brahma
Brahman, the supreme Reality
वै
vai
Indeed, verily
इदम् अग्रे आसीत्
idam agre āsīt
This (universe) was in the beginning
तत्
tat
That (Brahman)
आत्मानम् एव
ātmānam eva
Its own Self alone
अवेत्
avet
Knew, realized
अहम्
aham
I
ब्रह्म
brahma
Brahman, the Absolute
अस्मि
asmi
Am
इति
iti
Thus (it knew, 'I am Brahman')
तस्मात्
tasmāt
Therefore, from that (realization)
तत् सर्वम् अभवत्
tat sarvam abhavat
It became all this (the whole universe)
अहं ब्रह्मास्मि
aham brahmāsmi
'I am Brahman' — the great saying (mahavakya) realizing the Self as the Absolute
Complete Translation
In the beginning this was Brahman alone. It knew only its own Self, thinking, 'I am Brahman.' Therefore it became all this. (Whoever among gods or men awakened to this likewise became the All.)
Origin & History
Source: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Verse 1.4.10
Author: Traditional (Upanishadic)
Period: Vedic / Upanishadic
In the first chapter of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the seer describes the dawn of Self-knowledge: in the beginning there was only Brahman, and knowing its own Self it declared, 'Aham Brahmasmi — I am Brahman,' and thereby became all this. The text goes on to say that whoever among the gods, sages or men awakened to this same truth likewise became the All, while those who worship the divine as separate remain limited. It thus sets out the supreme teaching that the knower of Brahman becomes Brahman itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aham Brahmasmi mean?▼
Aham Brahmasmi means 'I am Brahman'. It is the realization that the innermost Self is not a limited individual but is identical with Brahman, the infinite Reality underlying all existence.
Where does Aham Brahmasmi come from?▼
It is from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.4.10) of the Shukla Yajur Veda, one of the oldest and largest Upanishads. The verse describes how Brahman, knowing itself as 'I am Brahman', became all that exists.
Is saying 'I am Brahman' egotistical?▼
No. It is the opposite of ego. The 'I' here is not the body-mind personality but the pure consciousness that is one with the Absolute. Realizing it dissolves the small ego entirely, replacing it with the infinite Self.
How is Aham Brahmasmi used in spiritual practice?▼
As one of the four Mahavakyas it is given for contemplation. The seeker, after hearing (shravana) and reflection (manana), meditates (nididhyasana) on its truth until the direct knowledge 'I am Brahman' arises as living experience, conferring liberation.
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