The Mahāvākya - 'Aham Brahmasmi' - meansa.I am Brahmanb.That you arec.This Ātma is Brahmand.Consciousness is Brahman

The Mahāvākya "Aham Brahmasmi" is a central tenet in the Advaita Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism. Let’s break down its meaning:

1. Interpretation of “Aham Brahmasmi”: The phrase translates literally to “I am Brahman.” Here, “Aham” means “I,” and “Brahmasmi” means “am Brahman.” This statement emphasizes the identity of the individual self (Ātma) with the ultimate reality (Brahman).

2. The Significance: This Mahāvākya asserts that there is no distinction between the individual consciousness (the self) and the universal consciousness (Brahman). It conveys the idea of unity and non-duality, suggesting that the perceived separation between the individual and the cosmos is an illusion (Maya).

3. Comparison with Other Mahāvākyas: While other statements like “Tat Tvam Asi” (That Thou Art) also express the relationship between the individual and the universal, "Aham Brahmasmi" directly affirms the self’s ultimate identity with Brahman.

In conclusion, "Aham Brahmasmi" encapsulates the profound realization that at the deepest level, the individual self and the infinite consciousness are one. This insight invites practitioners to explore the nature of their existence, consciousness, and the universe, leading toward spiritual liberation (moksha).