Any identity is called Ahamkara (ego). Aham + Aakara = Ahamkara. Aham means I/me/my. Ahamkara means binding ourselves to some Aakara (identity). Aakara means shape, which is always limited. Similarly, any identity of ourselves is limited.

For example, I am Indian. “Indian” is my identity, which separates me from people of other countries. Identity shapes my actions and emotions. Another example is “This is my family.” By saying this, I feel more responsible toward my family first before others. Any identity drives specific actions and emotions. That is why it is very important how vast our identity is.

A Contradiction of “I am”

In Indian scriptures, it is said:
“अहं ब्रह्मास्मि” – I am Brahman.
This means I am the ultimate reality of this universe. I am the same consciousness as the universe itself, the same force as God.

The second aspect of ego is: I am nothing in this infinite universe. I am like an atom, insignificant. The universe is self-driven. There is nothing important about me. There is nothing to worry about!

Both aspects—“I am everything” and “I am nothing”—are universal truths. We just need to be aware of them.