This mahavakya, ayam Atma Brahma, appears in the second mantra of the Mandukya Upanishad. This identity, this oneness, should really be our ideal, and all of our priorities and values should be based on this vision. Inasmuch as you and I are the same, what is common within us should become the basis of their interaction, rather than what divides. There are many things that separate us, but there is also something that is common.
What is identical in everyone should, as much as possible, form the basis of our vyavahara, interaction with others. This vision of oneness is the basis of karma Yoga. If I were really a limited individual, then being a consumer would be justified. Being a contributor is based on the fact that yours is not different from my self. When I am contributing to you, I am contributing to myself. That is the ideal behind being a contributor.
This unity in diversity forms the basis of the Vedic culture and values. All values are taught based on this identity. The value of non-violence is based on this identity, because nonviolence is treating others as I treat myself. That is the ideal of non- violence. Treat others as you treat yourself, meaning that the self of the others is not different from your own self. You start with aligning your behaviour with values such as non-violence, based on this recognition of our inherent identity. This recognition ultimately grows into the recognition of the fundamental identity as expressed in ayam Atma Brahma.
Om Tat Sat
