In his seminal book, ‘Who Am I?’, Yogi Protoplasm (Swami Prajna Aranyaji) bridges the gap between the laboratory and the lotus. A disciple of Ramana Maharshi and Yogi Rama, he carries the torch of Self-inquiry into the corridors of modern science. He was a biology professor before he took sanyasa and was famous for explaining deep Vedantic truths simply in terms of science. As a result, this slim book is an extraordinary synthesis iof biology, physics, and Vedanta – a reminder that the microcosm within mirrors the macrocosm beyond.
The Living Cell as a Spiritual Metaphor
Yogi Protoplasm’s scientific search begins with the humble cell. Under the microscope, he sees what the sages intuited: all life is made of protoplasm – a common, living substance pulsating in every plant, animal, and human. For him, this biological fact is a divine revelation.
“All cells are made up of protoplasm… Through its discovery, scientists are corroborating the Vedantic principle that there is one soul in all.”
Just as protoplasm takes many forms yet remains one, so too consciousness manifests as countless beings while remaining indivisible. This forms the philosophical and scientific heartbeat of the book – cell is one, energy is one.
Matter, Light, and the Unity of Energy
In one of his most thought-provoking reflections, Yogi Protoplasm contemplates the creation of matter from light, drawing from both quantum science and Vedic cosmology. To him, energy and matter are merely two expressions of the same cosmic intelligence.
Even gravity, he proposes, is not just a physical force but a spiritual glue – the unseen love that holds all creation together, echoing the Vedantic idea of unity beneath multiplicity.
Thus, with the help of human circulatory and skeletal systems, protoplasm, electromagnetic spectrums and galaxies, Yogiji takes the seeker on a fascinating journey of Self-discovery.
The Brainwaves of Stillness
A captivating chapter in the book, “Brainwave Activity During Meditation”, brings neuroscience into the dialogue. Yogi Protoplasm illustrates how meditation alters brain activity — decreasing Beta waves (linked to thinking and stress) and increasing Alpha, Theta, and Delta patterns associated with relaxation, intuition, and deep transcendence.
Here, science serves as a faithful witness to spirituality, confirming that the journey inward not only transforms consciousness but also alters the very rhythms of the brain.
Beneath his scientific language lies an unmistakably human message:
“Love everyone as your own self.”
For Yogi Protoplasm, understanding protoplasm’s unity is not merely intellectual – it’s an ethical revolution. If every being shares the same living substance, compassion ceases to be optional.
A Contemporary Vedantic Vision
‘Who Am I?’ is not just a spiritual text; it’s a manifesto for the harmony of science and spirituality. The editing by Satchitananda Vandana Khaitan, founder of the Vande Krsna Foundation, preserves the authenticity of Yogi Protoplasm’s lectures from his Atma Parisodhana Yoga Sadhana Saptaham retreat. Together, they offer readers a lucid, sincere, and transformative work that carries the fragrance of both the ashram and the research lab.
Professor J.S. Rajput (honored with Padma Shri by the Indian government) beautifully summarizes the spirit of this book:
“It presents a unique synthesis of science and spirituality and will appeal especially to the youth around the globe.”
Meditation camps, as devised by Yogi Protoplasm
Yogi Protoplasm was not just a theorist. He taught an ancient meditation technique called Pranava Nada Anusandhan, or 6 Steps of Chanting Om. Om is a Moksha Mantra but it has healing powers too. Yogiji was famous for conducting intensive meditation retreats. His close disciples continue to regularly hold camps at SVyasa University near Bangalore in India.
For seekers, ‘Who Am I?’ resonates with the Lotus In The Mud’s mission — to balance inner awakening with outer understanding. In a world splintered by differences, this book reminds us that beneath every face and form, every atom and idea, there is one luminous field of awareness connecting us all.
‘Who Am I?’ is a luminous guidebook for anyone curious about consciousness — whether you approach it through the microscope or the mantra. It’s best read slowly, one reflection at a time, allowing each idea to ripple through thought and silence alike.
Essential Reading for:
- Seekers interested in uniting science with spirituality
- Readers of Ramana Maharshi, Swami Vivekananda
- Young minds exploring consciousness and the nature of life
Book to film
Besides compiling and editing the book, Satchitananda Vandana Khaitan, Yogi Protoplasm’s devotee, has also produced a 70-minute animation film based on the book. The film can be viewed on VANDEKRSNA channel on YouTube.
‘Who Am I?’by Yogi Protoplasm (Swami Prajna Aranyaji), is compiled and edited by Satchitananda Vandana Khaitan, published by Vande Krsna Foundation (in collaboration with Notion Press), 140 pages, Rs 399. Website: www.vandekrsnafoundation.org. Available on Amazon India, Kindle, Flipkart, Infibeam, Google Play.
Leave a Reply