ātman

Definition

Ātman is a fundamental concept in Indian philosophy, referring to the true self or soul of an individual. It represents the essence of one's being, often equated with consciousness and the ultimate reality. This idea connects deeply with various philosophical schools, influencing debates on the nature of existence and liberation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Advaita Vedānta, ātman is considered non-dual with Brahman, suggesting that realizing one's true self leads to understanding one's unity with the universe.
2. Madhyamaka philosophy argues against the inherent existence of ātman, emphasizing emptiness and the idea that all phenomena, including self, lack an independent essence.
3. The Nyāya school critiques Buddhist views on ātman by defending its existence as an essential component of cognition and experience.
4. The concept of ātman is central to discussions of liberation (mokṣa), with the realization of ātman's true nature being key to overcoming ignorance and suffering.
5. In various texts, ātman is often described as eternal and unchanging, contrasting with the impermanent nature of the material world.

Review Questions

• How does Advaita Vedānta's interpretation of ātman influence its understanding of reality?
  • Advaita Vedānta posits that ātman is non-dual with Brahman, meaning that one's true self is ultimately identical to the universal consciousness. This interpretation emphasizes that realizing this unity leads to liberation from ignorance and suffering. By understanding that the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same, practitioners can attain mokṣa and transcend the limitations imposed by the material world.
• What are Nyāya's critiques regarding Buddhist philosophy's stance on ātman?
  • Nyāya philosophers critique Buddhist views by defending the concept of ātman as essential for explaining cognition and personal identity. They argue that without a permanent self, it becomes challenging to account for continuity in experiences and moral responsibility. Nyāya maintains that while the self may undergo changes, an underlying ātman persists, providing coherence to our understanding of consciousness and perception.
• Evaluate how Madhyamaka's perspective on emptiness challenges traditional notions of ātman in Indian philosophy.
  • Madhyamaka challenges traditional notions of ātman by asserting that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence, including the self. This perspective suggests that what we consider the 'self' is merely a collection of aggregates (skandhas) without any enduring essence. By promoting the idea that attachment to a fixed notion of self leads to suffering, Madhyamaka invites a reevaluation of ātman's role in achieving liberation, proposing instead that recognizing emptiness is essential for overcoming dualistic thinking and grasping reality as it truly is.

Related terms

Brahman:

Brahman is the ultimate, unchanging reality in Hindu philosophy, often identified with the cosmic spirit that pervades the universe.

Māyā: Māyā refers to the illusion or appearance of the physical world that obscures the true nature of reality, particularly in Advaita Vedānta.

Nirvāṇa: Nirvāṇa is a state of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsāra) and is achieved when one realizes the true nature of ātman and its unity with Brahman.