self worth
Self-worth is the deep understanding and appreciation of one’s own value as
a human being. It's how much you respect, accept, and love yourself—not in
an arrogant or egoistic way, but as a recognition of your inherent dignity
and uniqueness.
When viewed through the lens of Hinduism, self-worth takes on a deeper,
spiritual meaning rooted in the philosophy of the Atman (Self) and its
connection with Brahman (Supreme Reality).
------------------------------
What is Self-Worth? (General Understanding)
In psychological or modern terms, self-worth is:
- The belief that you are worthy of love, respect, and happiness.
- Independent of your achievements, looks, status, or other external
validations.
- A foundation for mental health, confidence, and life satisfaction.
It differs slightly from:
- Self-esteem (how you evaluate yourself in specific areas),
- Confidence (your belief in your abilities),
- Ego (often a more inflated or defensive self-image).
But now, let's go deeper.
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Self-Worth in Hinduism
1. Atman = True Self = Infinite Worth
- In Vedanta philosophy, every individual has an Atman—the true Self,
which is eternal, pure, and divine.
- This Atman is not your body, your mind, your name, or your status.
- Your true identity is divine, unchanging, and infinite—which means
your worth is not based on external things.
Bhagavad Gita 2.20:
*“The soul is never born, nor does it ever die; it is eternal,
ever-existing and primeval. It is not slain when the body is slain.”*
This implies: Your worth is intrinsic, spiritual, and cannot be diminished.
------------------------------
2. Tat Tvam Asi (तत् त्वम् असि) – "You Are That"
This Upanishadic mahavakya (great saying) means that your inner self is not
separate from Brahman, the ultimate reality.
- You are not a small, unworthy creature in a vast universe.
- You are one with the Divine, inherently sacred.
That’s the highest affirmation of self-worth.
------------------------------
3. Karma Yoga and Dharma: Worth from Action and Duty?
While Vedanta says your ultimate self is divine, Hindu ethics (karma yoga)
teaches that:
- Your value in society comes from living your dharma (righteous duties).
- But doing your dharma without attachment to outcomes (Gita 2.47)
protects your inner peace and self-worth from failure or success.
This means: your value does not increase or decrease based on external
success. What matters is how sincerely you act.
------------------------------
4. Ahimsa (Non-Violence) Begins With the Self
Hinduism promotes Ahimsa, or non-violence—not just physically, but in
thought and speech.
- This includes not harming yourself through negative self-talk, guilt,
or shame.
- You are expected to treat yourself with compassion, recognizing your
divine essence.
------------------------------
5. Maya and False Self-Worth
In Hindu thought, Maya is the illusion that makes us think:
- We are only our body or achievements.
- Our worth depends on wealth, beauty, fame, etc.
This illusion causes suffering and low self-worth.
True liberation (Moksha) comes when you see through Maya and realize:
"I am not the body, not the mind. I am the eternal Self."
------------------------------
Practices to Realize Self-Worth (Hindu Perspective)
1. Jnana Yoga – Self-inquiry: "Who am I?"
2. Bhakti Yoga – Loving devotion to God, realizing your sacred connection.
3. Meditation – Connecting with the inner self.
4. Chanting mantras – Affirming your divinity, e.g., *So'Ham* ("I am
That").
5. Seva (selfless service) – Realizing the divine in others, which
reflects your own.
------------------------------
Summary: What Hinduism Teaches About Self-Worth
Concept
Insight on Self-Worth
Atman
You are eternal, pure, and divine
Brahman
Your true self is One with the Supreme
Tat Tvam Asi
You are not limited—you are That (divine)
Maya
Illusion causes false self-worth
Dharma
You’re worthy when living truthfully and righteously
Karma Yoga
Act without attachment; don’t tie self-worth to results
Ahimsa
Self-kindness is spiritual practice
Bhakti
God loves you unconditionally—so should you
1. Scriptural Quotes Affirming Your Divine Self-Worth
These are not just poetic lines—they are core spiritual truths. You can
reflect or meditate on these to anchor your self-worth in your true
identity (Atman).
------------------------------
Bhagavad Gita 2.20
*“Na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ...”*
*"The soul is neither born, nor does it die; it is eternal, ever-existing,
and primeval."*
Affirmation:
*“I am eternal and beyond all fear, failure, and judgment.”*
------------------------------
Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7 – *Tat Tvam Asi*
*“Tat Tvam Asi”* – *"Thou art That"*
Affirmation:
*“I am not lacking. I am That — whole, complete, divine.”*
------------------------------
Isha Upanishad 1
*“Īśāvāsyam idam sarvaṁ yat kiñca jagatyāṁ jagat”*
*"The Divine pervades everything in the universe."*
Affirmation:
*“Divinity flows through me; I am never separate from the sacred.”*
------------------------------
Bhagavad Gita 6.5
*“Uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet...”*
*"Elevate yourself by your own self, do not degrade yourself. The self
alone is the friend of the self, and the self alone is the enemy of the
self."*
Affirmation:
*“I choose to uplift myself. I am my greatest friend.”*
------------------------------
2. Daily Affirmations Rooted in Hindu Philosophy
You can repeat these as part of meditation, prayer, or journaling. Use
Sanskrit mantras or English affirmations depending on your comfort.
Sanskrit-Inspired Affirmation
Meaning
So’Ham (सोऽहम्)
"I am That (the divine)"
Aham Brahmasmi (अहम् ब्रह्मास्मि)
"I am Brahman (the Absolute Reality)"
Shivoham (शिवोऽहम्)
"I am Shiva (the pure Self)"
I am not this body. I am the eternal soul.
Helps detach from superficial identity
My worth is not earned—it is revealed.
Based on the Atman
I am divine. I am whole. I am love.
Bhakti-based affirmation
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3. Practices to Build Self-Worth Spiritually
Practice
How it builds self-worth
Meditation on Atman
Realize you are not your thoughts or flaws
Bhakti (devotion)
Feel unconditionally loved by the Divine
Seva (selfless service)
Connects you to your sacred role in the world
Svadhyaya (Self-study)
Studying scriptures reminds you of your true nature
Satsang (spiritual company)
Being with others who reflect your divine worth
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4. Self-Worth vs Ego in Hinduism
It’s important to clarify:
Ego
Self-Worth
Based on pride and separation
Based on oneness and truth
Says “I am better”
Says “I am sacred, as is everyone”
Feels threatened
Feels peaceful, secure
Is temporary
Is eternal (Atman-based)
True self-worth in Hinduism is humble yet powerful. It comes not from
boasting but from realizing:
🕉 *“I am the eternal Self, and so is everyone else.”*
------------------------------
Daily Self-Worth Ritual?
Here’s a 5-minute daily practice you can do:
1. Sit quietly for 2 minutes. Close your eyes. Breathe slowly.
2. Repeat an affirmation: e.g., *“Aham Brahmasmi”* or *“I am divine and
complete.”*
3. Visualize light in your heart expanding outward.
4. Offer gratitude: "Thank you for this divine life."
5. End with a smile — honoring yourself as a child of the Divine.
K RAJARAM IRS 161025
On Thu, 16 Oct 2025 at 06:27, Jambunathan Iyer <[email protected]>
wrote:
> You don't find your worth in the opinions of others. You find your worth
> within and then the opinions of others don't matter.
>
>
>
> *N Jambunathan , Chennai " What you get by achieving your goals is not as
> important as what you become by achieving your goals. If you want to live a
> happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things "*
>
>
>
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