Asango'ham Asango'ham (Sacchidananda Rupo'ham) — Word-by-Word Meaning
असङ्गोऽहम् असङ्गोऽहम् (सच्चिदानन्दरूपोऽहम्)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
असङ्गः
asaṅgaḥ
unattached, unbound, free from all association / contact
अहम्
aham
I am, I
पुनः पुनः
punaḥ punaḥ
again and again, repeatedly
सत्
sat
Being, pure existence, the ever-existent
चित्
cit
Consciousness, pure awareness
आनन्द
ānanda
Bliss, unconditioned joy
रूपः
rūpaḥ
of the nature / form of
सच्चिदानन्द-रूपः अहम्
sac-cid-ānanda-rūpaḥ aham
I am of the very nature of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss
अहम् एव अहम्
aham eva aham
I alone am I (the one true 'I'), I am verily myself
अव्ययः
avyayaḥ
imperishable, immutable, undecaying
Complete Translation
I am unattached, I am unattached, I am unattached — again and again. I am of the very nature of Existence, Consciousness and Bliss; I alone am the one true, imperishable Self.
Origin & History
Source: Advaita Vedanta tradition (a classic self-affirmation / nididhyasana verse)
Author: Traditional (Advaita Vedanta)
Period: Ancient / classical
This verse belongs to the cherished tradition of Advaitic affirmations meant for nididhyasana — deep, repeated meditation on one's true nature. By declaring oneself 'unattached' and then 'of the nature of Sat-Chit-Ananda,' the seeker counters the lifelong habit of mistaking the Self for the body and mind, and abides instead in the ever-free, imperishable Reality. Such affirmations are widely taught by Vedantic masters as a daily means to ripen Self-knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'asango'ham' mean?▼
It means 'I am unattached' or 'I am free from all association.' In Advaita Vedanta, the true Self is the witnessing Consciousness, ever untouched by the body, mind, actions and the world — like space, which pervades everything yet clings to nothing.
Why is 'asango'ham' repeated three times?▼
The threefold repetition is for emphasis and for deepening conviction, gently dissolving the deep-rooted habit of identifying with the body and mind. Repeating it 'again and again' (punah punah) trains the mind to abide naturally in its unattached nature.
What is Sat-Chit-Ananda?▼
Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss) is the classic Vedantic description of the absolute Reality and of one's own true Self: Sat (pure Being that never ceases to be), Chit (pure Awareness), and Ananda (unconditioned Bliss). The verse affirms 'I am of that very nature.'
How is this affirmation used in practice?▼
It is used as a contemplative affirmation in self-inquiry and meditation. The seeker repeats it to withdraw from false identifications and to settle into the recognition of the Self as the unattached, imperishable Sat-Chit-Ananda.
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