Why do the Hindus use the term I AM instead of God?

[Honza]

Hindus tend to use the words I AM to indicate God. They tend to equate the "I" with God too. This has caused me endless problems in the past; but after 10 years of soul searching and discussion here at SF I finally grokked it.

However - I do wonder why they have this inclination towards "I" instead of God!!!!

[Vinayaka]

Originally Posted by Honza

Hindus tend to use the words I AM to indicate God. They tend to equate the "I" with God too. This has caused me endless problems in the past; but after 10 years of soul searching and discussion here at SF I finally grokked it.

However - I do wonder why they have this inclination towards "I" instead of God!!!!

Only in Advaita Vedanta. In bhakti schools, it's all glories to Sri Krishna, Sri Murugan, Amman, etc. God is everywhere, and it's more likely to see the use of the particular God's name than the term, 'God'.

"So I'm off to see Ganesha at His temple." is way more common than 'I', or 'We're off to see God."

So this inclination you see is in one philosophical school only.

It's also quite normal, (because Indians often don't get around much, or read much outside their school) to have it portrayed as 'This is Hinduism" when really it isn't. It's just one school.

[LadyMay]

Originally Posted by Vinayaka

It's also quite normal, (because Indians often don't get around much, or read much outside their school) to have it portrayed as 'This is Hinduism" when really it isn't. It's just one school.

This is interesting. That explains a lot.

As for the original OP, the 'I AM' bit comes from the understanding that 'I AM THAT'.
'THAT' is what you see or seek outside yourself. So if you are that too, then all that remains is 'I AM'.. does that make sense?

[Vinayaka]

Originally Posted by ScarlettHayden

This is interesting. That explains a lot.

The ethnocentrism within the Hindu community is kind of sad for people learning about Hinduism. There is great variety in Hindu temples, for example, and if a person (newcomer) goes to only one, they think that that is Hinduism. (naturally) So it may be best to go to three or 4 temples, as it'll give you a better picture. India is more comparable to Europe for culture. There are some 20 odd languages with over 40 million speakers.

For similar reasons, many people think the Gita is an overall Hindu scripture, even THE scripture. In reality it's the Vedas, and the Gita, although popular is a sectarian (Vaishnava) scripture.

So personally, I try to give two answers, the overall view, and maybe that of my own school.

[Jatd]

Originally Posted by ScarlettHayden

This is interesting. That explains a lot.

As for the original OP, the 'I AM' bit comes from the understanding that 'I AM THAT'.
'THAT' is what you see or seek outside yourself. So if you are that too, then all that remains is 'I AM'.. does that make sense?

YES!! This makes absolute sense. Thanks for this bit of info!

[ajay00]

Originally Posted by Honza

Hindus tend to use the words I AM to indicate God. They tend to equate the "I" with God too. This has caused me endless problems in the past; but after 10 years of soul searching and discussion here at SF I finally grokked it.

This is a part of Jnana Yoga ( yoga of the intellect ). Yes, it is bound to be confusing initially to those who lack training in meditation and Vedanta ( Hindu metaphysics ).

Originally Posted by Honza

However - I do wonder why they have this inclination towards "I" instead of God!!!!

The "I" here actually denotes consciousness or awareness.

As per Vedanta, God is all pervading consciousness.

Instead of searching God outside, one can find Him in one's own consciousness.


This has also been stated in other religious traditions.

Jesus has said thus,"Be still and know that I am God". "He who is pure of heart shall see God."

Muhammad said, "God is closer to you than the vein in your neck."


The consciousness becomes clear when it is still and pure through meditation, undisturbed by thoughts,desires or cravings.

[Honza]

That is very helpful. Thankyou!

[Vinayaka]

Originally Posted by ajay00

This is a part of Jnana Yoga ( yoga of the intellect ).

There are two quite divergent views on what jnana yoga is. One is what you said, and the other is probably almost the exact opposite. In the other far more mystical view, it is knowledge that comes from within, not book knowledge at all. So the yogi or mystic who gains insight from meditation is a jnani, or jnana yogi. In this view, the other view is practiced only by scholars, not mystics.

Many of our greatest saints didn't read books at all, bit accessed the place within that holds knowledge.

you're asking why some word gets translated into another word ?

you're not familiar with languages & translations are you ?

every translation is always "best fit". there is almost never a translation between different languages that is exact.

[ajay00]

Originally Posted by Vinayaka

There are two quite divergent views on what jnana yoga is. One is what you said, and the other is probably almost the exact opposite. In the other far more mystical view, it is knowledge that comes from within, not book knowledge at all. So the yogi or mystic who gains insight from meditation is a jnani, or jnana yogi. In this view, the other view is practiced only by scholars, not mystics.

Many of our greatest saints didn't read books at all, bit accessed the place within that holds knowledge.

I would say both meditation and Vedanta are part of Jnana Yoga where philosophical understanding plays a major role.

The mystical part, precisely speaking, would be more in tune with Raja Yoga.