By: Abdhesh Jha
One of the most profound questions in life is: “Who am I?” This question not only leads to self-realization but also introduces us to the Brahmic state. The entire endeavor of the Upanishads and Vedanta revolves around this realization — the search for Brahman, the knowledge of which leaves nothing else to be known.
Two States: Brahman and Abrahman. There are two ongoing states in life — the Brahmic state, where the soul dwells in its true essence, and the Abrahman state, where the soul, veiled by illusion (Maya), forgets its real nature. Until the soul realizes Brahman, all its actions remain bound within the cycle of birth and death. The Brahmic state is the path to liberation, ultimate peace, and completeness.
In a dialogue with Justice Rajendra Prasad, former Judge of the Patna High Court, he remarked, “All scriptures proclaim that you are Brahman, but unless this truth is accepted and lived in practical life, the state of Abrahman persists. Once this realization dawns, all actions become ‘Brahma Karma’ — divine actions — and life aligns with the Brahmic state.”
In this context, the Chandogya Upanishad (6.8.7) declares — “Tat Tvam Asi” — You are That (Brahman). This is not merely a philosophical statement but an invocation to remember your true Self.
Brahman: Beyond All States
The Mandukya Upanishad (7) describes it clearly:
“Shantam Shivam Advaitam Chaturtham Manyante Sa Atma Sa Vijneyah”
— It is peaceful, auspicious (Shiva), non-dual — the fourth state (Turiya), beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. This ‘Turiya’ is the state of Brahman, where there is no duality, no bondage — only the eternal essence of being.
Brahman is the origin of nature. Just as a tree arises from a seed, bears fruit, and finally dissolves back into the seed-form, so too does the soul — enchanted by life and nature — become bound by attachment and delusion. But with knowledge, it naturally returns and merges back into Brahman.
As the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (4.4.19) states:
“Where the triad of knowledge, meditation, and realization unite — there is the direct experience of Brahman. But even these are only means; the ultimate goal is Brahman itself — which lies beyond all of them.”
A Call to Liberation
Just as an innocent calf entangles itself more in the rope by struggling, so too does the ignorant soul entangle itself more in the bonds of Maya. But a realized soul — one who is liberated — not only becomes free but also has the power to liberate others.
Such a one may manifest as Brahman itself, a guru, or in any other form — always abiding in the Self and leading others towards that same Brahmic realization.
This world is an open field — roam freely, unbound by illusion. Brahman is not a part of any state or form. It is the cause of all, yet beyond all.
Therefore — “Know Brahman, abide in Brahman.” This is the ultimate aim of life, the true Dharma of the Self, and the essence of Brahma Karma.
That which is not bound by the three qualities (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) — that alone is Brahman, that alone are you.
“The nature of Brahman is beyond experience — it is pure consciousness, eternal, and the ultimate Truth.”
(Author Abdhesh Jha is a dedicated scholar of Jyotish (Vedic astrology), Yoga, and Vedantic philosophy.)
