Atman

Definition

Atman refers to the individual self or soul in Hindu philosophy, often understood as the true essence of a person that is eternal and beyond physical existence. This concept is deeply connected to ideas of Brahman, the universal spirit, emphasizing the belief that the atman is fundamentally one with Brahman, revealing a profound spiritual unity within the universe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atman is a central concept in several ancient Hindu texts, including the Upanishads, which explore its nature and relationship to Brahman.
2. The realization of one's atman as being identical to Brahman is considered essential for achieving moksha, or spiritual liberation.
3. Different philosophical schools within Hinduism interpret atman differently; for instance, Advaita Vedanta emphasizes non-dualism, while Dvaita Vedanta focuses on dualism between atman and Brahman.
4. The exploration of atman raises questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality in Hindu philosophical discussions.
5. Atman is often contrasted with the physical body (deha), highlighting the distinction between transient material existence and the eternal spiritual self.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of atman relate to the idea of Brahman in Hindu philosophy?
  • Atman and Brahman are intimately connected in Hindu philosophy, where atman represents the individual self and Brahman signifies the universal spirit. The key teaching is that atman is not separate from Brahman; rather, they are ultimately one. This unity implies that understanding one's atman leads to a realization of being part of a greater whole, fostering a sense of connection to all existence.
• Discuss how the understanding of atman influences concepts such as karma and moksha within Hindu thought.
  • The understanding of atman plays a crucial role in shaping concepts like karma and moksha in Hindu thought. Since karma refers to the actions that influence the future state of one's atman across lifetimes, realizing one's true self as atman can lead to better choices aligned with spiritual growth. Achieving moksha requires recognizing this true nature and liberating oneself from the cycles dictated by karma, ultimately transcending physical existence.
• Evaluate how different interpretations of atman among various Hindu philosophical schools reflect broader questions about identity and reality.
  • Different interpretations of atman among schools like Advaita Vedanta and Dvaita Vedanta highlight diverse philosophical perspectives on identity and reality. Advaita Vedanta's non-dualism asserts that individual atmans are illusions distinct from Brahman's singular reality, challenging traditional notions of self. In contrast, Dvaita Vedanta's dualistic view maintains a clear distinction between atman and Brahman. These contrasting views provoke deeper inquiries into personal identity, consciousness, and our understanding of existence itself.

Related terms

Brahman: The ultimate, unchanging reality in Hinduism, considered the source of all existence and synonymous with the universal spirit.

Karma: The principle of cause and effect in Hindu belief, where a person's actions in this life influence their fate in future lives, affecting their atman.

Moksha: The liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), achieved through realizing the true nature of atman and its unity with Brahman.