Atman

Definition

Atman is the concept in Hinduism and other Indian philosophical traditions that refers to the individual's true self, soul, or essence. It is considered the eternal, unchanging spiritual core of a person that is ultimately connected to the universal divine consciousness known as Brahman.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atman is considered the true, unchanging self that is distinct from the temporary physical body and individual ego.
2. The realization of the identity between the individual atman and the universal Brahman is the ultimate goal of many Hindu spiritual practices.
3. Atman is believed to be eternal, imperishable, and the source of consciousness, intelligence, and life itself.
4. The concept of atman is central to the Hindu belief in the existence of the soul and the possibility of spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth (samsara).
5. The relationship between atman and Brahman is a key aspect of Hindu cosmology and the understanding of the nature of the divine and the self.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of atman is connected to the idea of self and identity in classical Indian philosophy.
  • In classical Indian philosophy, the concept of atman is closely tied to the understanding of the self and personal identity. Atman is believed to be the true, eternal, and unchanging essence of the individual, distinct from the temporary physical body and the individual ego. The realization of the identity between the individual atman and the universal Brahman is seen as the ultimate goal of spiritual development, as it leads to the liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering (samsara). The relationship between the individual atman and the divine Brahman is a central aspect of Hindu cosmology and the understanding of the nature of the self and the divine.
• Analyze the role of the concept of atman in the Hindu understanding of the existence of God and the nature of the divine.
  • The concept of atman is closely intertwined with the Hindu understanding of the existence of God and the nature of the divine. Atman is believed to be the individual's true self, which is ultimately connected to the universal divine consciousness known as Brahman. The realization of the identity between atman and Brahman is the ultimate goal of many Hindu spiritual practices, as it leads to the liberation from the cycle of rebirth and the attainment of moksha. The relationship between the individual atman and the divine Brahman is a central aspect of Hindu cosmology and the understanding of the nature of the divine, with the ultimate reality being the non-dual, absolute Brahman, of which the individual atman is a part. This view of the divine and the self is in contrast to the Abrahamic conception of a personal, transcendent God, and highlights the unique perspective of classical Indian philosophy on the nature of the divine and the self.
• Evaluate the significance of the concept of atman in the broader context of classical Indian philosophy, particularly in relation to the ideas of self, identity, and the ultimate nature of reality.
  • The concept of atman is a fundamental and far-reaching idea in classical Indian philosophy, with deep implications for the understanding of the self, identity, and the ultimate nature of reality. Atman, as the individual's true, eternal, and unchanging essence, is seen as the basis for personal identity and the possibility of spiritual liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering. The realization of the identity between the individual atman and the universal Brahman is the ultimate goal of many Hindu spiritual practices, as it represents the understanding of the non-dual, absolute nature of reality. This view of the self and the divine stands in contrast to the Abrahamic conception of a personal, transcendent God, and highlights the unique perspective of classical Indian philosophy on the nature of the self and the divine. The concept of atman is thus central to the broader philosophical and spiritual framework of classical Indian thought, shaping its understanding of the self, identity, and the ultimate nature of reality.

Related terms

Brahman:

The ultimate, transcendent reality and source of all existence in Hinduism, often described as the impersonal divine essence or absolute.

Moksha:

The liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering, achieved through the realization of the true nature of the self (atman) and its unity with Brahman.

Samsara:

The continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and other Indian religions, driven by karma and attachment to the physical world.