THIS is the crux of and core of Indian philosophy -- Aham Brahmasmi (I am the Brahman!), stated, of course, in words as simple as these. That is the special attribute of Ramdhari Sinh ‘Dinkar’. With whatever he wrote in his lifetime, the iconic poet created new milestones of literary expression in Hindi. In the process, he left behind a mind-boggling spread of imagery underlining the quintessential Indianness of culture and history. In these six lines, ‘Dinkar’ demonstrates his total awareness of self -- in all its facets and nuances: The sky is encompassed within him. The winds, too, flow into his being. Life resonates in him in full range, and the entire universe is concentrated into him. Yes, immortality blossoms in him, as well.

 

Despite this, he is aware of the menacing propensity of destruction he possesses. What a fine expression to a wonderful gamut of the positive and the negative that often resides in every person, every being. It shows a realisation of the massiveness, the limitlessness of the space ensconced within each being. And what a range of possibilities and potentials that space within offers! What a feeling the whole thought gives rise to -- Aham Brahmasmi! This is the essence of the wisdom the Vedas gave birth to. This is how the rishis thought -- of themselves and of all the human individuals. Through these vaidic ideals, the ancient sages reminded the human race of its limitless potential. Other vaidic enunciations, too, offer similar ideals woven around self in its fine dimensions: Tat Tvam Asi (You are that)!; Pradnyanaam Brahma (Intellect is Brahman)!; and Ayamata Brahma (My atma -- soul -- is Brahman)!

 

In six simple lines, Ramdhari Sinh ‘Dinkar’ captures the ancient wisdom the human race has accumulated over time. It is this awareness of self in all its dimensions that has been at the core of human progress. For, this ideal proposes that I am the maker -- or breaker -- of my own life and of everything else in the world. If the skies and the winds and resonance are concentrated in me, integrated with me, I also have the dangerous propensity of destruction of everything with my thoughtlessness, senselessness, insensitivity. But when I am aware of the totality of my ‘self’, then I become the Brahman! Life begins and flowers in that nuclear space -- of self -- and wilts there!