“Idam na mama” – “this is not mine. This is not (only) for me…”

[amritha varshini]

From: "Sarma Sastrigal" <sarmasa...@gmail.com>
Date: 15 Jun 2015 15:35
Subject: “Idam na mama” – “this is not mine. This is not (only) for me…”
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Q. " In Vaidika karmas we often pronounce the words “idam na mama”. What is the underlying concept of this phrase?" A friend asks me.

A. Excellent question. In all the Vaidika observances including homam and Veda parayanam, big or small, public or private, we hear the karta chant the words ‘idam na mama’ not only at the end but a few times in between as well. And at the end the karta follows this with the mantra “kaayena vaacha, manasa indriyair vaa,.......Om tatsat BrahmaarpaNamastu”, chanted while taking a few drops of water in the palm and pouring it down.

This minor procedure has great significance.

The literal meaning of ‘idam na mama’ is “this is not mine. This is not for me…” and the couplet that follows means “whatever I have done with my body, my mind and my senses is not for my benefit alone, it is BrahmaarpaNam i.e. its benefits may please go to the entire community”.

The sacrifice underscored in this mantra and process step is indescribably beautiful. The true Brahmin practices Veda and performs Vaidika karmas not for himself and his family but for the whole world and its wellbeing. This alone is sufficient proof of the sayings of great saints that Hinduism is not a religion, it is a dharma that transcends all religions.

Maha Periava:
Let me exemplify the idea by quoting Maha Periyavaa on this phrase:
“We must give. That’s what Vedas urge us to do all the time, everywhere. The Vedas ordain the karta not to think in a self-centred fashion and take credit for all the karmas he does. He has to specifically remind himself from time to time that the fruits of his karma should be ceded for the welfare of the world at large and not only him.”
“After doing a Vaidika karyam or a daanam if the Brahmin were to gloat over it saying ”see what I have done” it will negate the favourable effect of all that he has done. This is why he is made to say ‘idam na mama’. You should not only do sacrifices, but you should also sacrifice the thought that you did it.”

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