Who Am I? Shankaracharya’s Answer to the Biggest Question of Human Life

Manika | May 21, 2025, 17:20 IST

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There was a time—not too long ago—when I thought I had everything figured out.A decent career, people who loved me, things I could call "mine." And yet, after a certain point, that question started showing up uninvited... in the silence between two thoughts, in the middle of a good day, and oddly enough, right after a win.Who am I, really?Not my name, not my degree, not my job title. Not even the roles I play—daughter, friend, dreamer.Then who?It was during one of these restless nights that I stumbled upon the ancient teachings of Adi Shankaracharya—the great Indian philosopher who asked the same question centuries ago. But unlike most of us, he found the answer.This article is for every seeker, every soul secretly wondering if life is more than just surviving.Because it is.And Shankaracharya’s answer isn’t just profound—it’s liberating.

The Man Who Asked: “Who Am I?”

Adi Shankaracharya, born in 8th-century Kerala, wasn’t just a spiritual genius—he was a revolutionary.

Before age 32, he had:

Traversed the length of India on foot
Revived Sanatana Dharma
Set up the four Mathas (spiritual centers)
Authored soul-shaking commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahmasutras

But what really shook the world was his question—
“Who am I?”
And more importantly—“Who am I not?”

Why This Question Matters More Than Ever in 2025

In a world obsessed with identities—Instagram bios, resumes, societal labels—we’re drowning in what we are, but starving for who we are.

Great. But remove all that, and what’s left?

This is not philosophy. It’s reality.
Mental health struggles, identity crises, anxiety, and burnout all stem from a loss of self-awareness.

We’re not broken. We’re just disconnected from our true selves.
And that’s exactly where Shankaracharya’s wisdom comes in.

Shankaracharya’s Answer in One Word: “Neti, Neti”

Shankaracharya didn’t start with who you are.
He started with who you are not.

In the Atma Bodha and Vivekachudamani, he explained that self-realization begins with peeling away the false layers:

You are not the body
You are not the mind
You are not your thoughts
You are not your memories
You are not your roles or traumas

This process of negation is called “Neti, Neti” — “Not this, not this.”

So… Who Are You Then?

According to Shankaracharya, you are pure, formless, infinite consciousness—unchanging, eternal, blissful.

You are:

Not your emotions, but the one witnessing them
Not your achievements, but the awareness behind them
Not your pain, but the presence that never leaves, no matter what

You are Atman—not separate from Brahman, the ultimate reality.

Why This Isn’t Just Spiritual Poetry—It’s Life Advice

You might think,
“Okay, sounds cool, but how does this help me pay bills, fix my relationships, or stop overthinking?”

Here’s how:

1. Less Attachment = Less Suffering

If you’re not your job, failure won’t shatter you.
If you’re not your body, aging won’t scare you.
If you’re not your past, regret can’t define you.

2. Inner Peace Becomes Accessible

You stop searching for peace in places it doesn’t exist—like promotions or people. You start finding it within.

3. You Become Emotionally Resilient

You still feel pain, joy, and anger—but you’re no longer a slave to them. You observe. You process. You let go.

Real-Life Applications of Shankaracharya’s Wisdom

1. During an Identity Crisis:

Say to yourself:

Example: Lost your job?
You didn’t lose yourself. That was just a role.

2. In Moments of Overthinking:

Pause.
Repeat:

Watch the chaos lose its grip.

3. When Struggling with Body Image:

Look in the mirror.

Instant perspective shift.

The Practice of Self-Inquiry: Ask Yourself “Who Am I?”

Inspired by Shankaracharya’s Vedanta, this ancient tool is simple yet transformative.

Whenever you’re overwhelmed:

Sit in silence.
Ask: Who is feeling this?
Watch the answer rise—not from your mind, but your awareness.
Keep peeling: Who is observing the mind?
Eventually… silence.

And in that silence—you meet yourself.

Modern Voices Echoing Shankaracharya

▪️ Ramana Maharshi

Revived “Who Am I?” self-inquiry as a daily spiritual practice.

▪️ Eckhart Tolle

Says your true self is the space between thoughts.

▪️ Jiddu Krishnamurti

Warned about the dangers of identifying with anything external.

Even neuroscience today supports that the “self” is not fixed—it’s a fluid awareness behind everything else.

A Poetic Recap: Nirvana Shatakam (Translation)

This isn’t renunciation. It’s realization.

The Final Takeaway

In this age of noise, confusion, and constant comparison, we need Shankaracharya’s clarity more than ever.

When the world defines you, un-define yourself.
When you're overwhelmed by emotion, step into the observer’s seat.
When your life feels small, remember—you are vast, formless, infinite.

Because the truth is…

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Manika