Who Am I? Why Am I Here? – A Vedic Perspective

Introduction

From the very beginning of civilization, mankind has asked two eternal questions:“मैं कौन हूँ?” (Who am I?) and “मैं यहाँ क्यों हूँ?” (Why am I here?)

These questions are not limited to saints or philosophers — every human being asks them, sometimes silently in moments of struggle, sometimes loudly in search of meaning.

The Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita provide profound answers that help us understand our true nature and purpose.

Who Am I? (मैं कौन हूँ?)

1. Not the Body, Not the Mind

   • We say “my body, my mind, my thoughts” — which means the body and mind are possessions, not the real self.

   • According to the Isha Upanishad, the self (Atman) is beyond physical form.

2. The Eternal Soul

   • The Bhagavad Gita (2.22) explains:“जैसे मनुष्य पुराने वस्त्र छोड़कर नए धारण करता है, वैसे ही आत्मा शरीर छोड़कर नया धारण करती है।”

   • The real “I” is the Atman — immortal, changeless, divine.

3. Observer of All

   • The soul is the witness of the body, mind, and senses.

   • This awareness is why we can watch our own thoughts and emotions.

Why Am I Here? (मैं यहाँ क्यों हूँ?)

1. To Fulfill Karma

   • Each birth carries forward unfinished karma from past lives.

   • Life situations, relationships, and challenges are not accidents — they are karmic results and opportunities for balance.

2. To Walk the Path of Dharma

   • Dharma means our duty aligned with universal truth.

   • For some, it may be raising a family with love; for others, serving society, teaching, healing, or guiding.

3. For Spiritual Evolution

   • Beyond success, wealth, and relationships, the ultimate purpose is self-realization.

   • To understand: “I am not the limited self — I am the eternal Atman connected with Brahman (Supreme Consciousness).”

Layers of Human Existence (Panch Kosha)

According to Vedic philosophy, humans are made of 5 sheaths (koshas):

1. Annamaya Kosha – Physical body.

2. Pranamaya Kosha – Energy body.

3. Manomaya Kosha – Mind and emotions.

4. Vijnanamaya Kosha – Wisdom and intellect.

5. Anandamaya Kosha – Bliss, the true self.
   

Discovering “Who am I?” means going beyond outer layers and realizing the Anandamaya Kosha — the soul itself.

Practical Ways to Realize These Truths

1. Astrology & Numerology

   • Your horoscope shows karmic debts, soul lessons, and dharma.

   • Numerology reveals life path number → your core purpose.

2. Meditation & Self-Inquiry

   • Ask yourself daily: “Who am I beyond my thoughts and body?”

   • This leads to deeper awareness.

3. Bhagavad Gita Study

   • Gita gives practical tools: do your duty without attachment, surrender results to the Divine.

4. Seva (Selfless Service)

   • Helping others purifies karma and aligns you with your soul purpose.

Conclusion

Who am I? → You are the eternal soul, beyond body and mind. Why am I here? → To fulfill karma, live your dharma, and move toward moksha (liberation).

Once these truths are understood, life becomes meaningful, struggles become lessons, and every moment becomes divine.

Call-to-Action

Do you want to know your soul’s purpose, karmic debts, and life direction through Astrology & Numerology? Book your Spiritual Consultation today with Acharya Manisha Agarwal at www.numerojyotish.in | WhatsApp +919830389477