Atman: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 13:31, 13 August 2024

Atman (Sanskrit: आत्मन्) is a fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the Vedanta school, where it is recognized as the innermost essence or soul of an individual. Atman is central to the understanding of human identity and consciousness, and is considered eternal and beyond the physical existence.

Etymology and Definitions[edit]

The term "Atman" derives from the Sanskrit root ātma, which means 'essence', 'breath', or 'self'. In the broadest sense, Atman refers to the vital force or the inner self that is the essence of an individual. It is often translated into English as 'soul' or 'self'.

Philosophical Context[edit]

In Hinduism, Atman is a key concept that reflects the idea of eternal self. It is discussed extensively in various Upanishads, where it is described as identical with Brahman, the universal spirit. This identity is encapsulated in the famous phrase "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art), found in the Chandogya Upanishad.

1. 1. Advaita Vedanta###

In Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy led by Adi Shankara, Atman is considered fundamentally indistinguishable from Brahman. The school holds that the realization of the identity of Atman and Brahman is the means to achieve Moksha (liberation).

1. 1. Dvaita and Other Schools###

Contrastingly, in Dvaita Vedanta, founded by Madhvacharya, Atman and Brahman are distinct, where Brahman is the supreme, universal spirit and Atman is the individual self. Other schools like Vishishtadvaita Vedanta by Ramanuja strike a middle ground, proposing a qualified non-dualism where Atman is part of Brahman but also distinct.

Atman in Other Dharmic Religions[edit]

The concept of Atman is also present, with variations, in other Dharmic religions such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. In Buddhism, the concept of self is analyzed and refuted in the doctrine of Anatta, which stands in contrast to the Hindu concept of Atman. Jainism also provides a unique perspective on the soul, emphasizing its potential for purification and ultimate liberation.

Philosophical and Religious Implications[edit]

The understanding of Atman affects various aspects of Hindu spirituality, including ethics, meditation, and the path to enlightenment. It is believed that understanding one's Atman is essential to spiritual development and liberation.

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-'''Atman''' ([[Sanskrit]]: आत्मन्) is a term used in [[Hindu philosophy]], particularly in the [[Vedanta]] school, to refer to the inner self or soul. It is considered the essence of an individual that is eternal, unchangeable, and identical with the ultimate reality known as [[Brahman]]. The concept of Atman is central to Hindu identity and spirituality, and it is explored in various Hindu scriptures, including the [[Upanishads]], where it is often discussed in the context of its relationship with Brahman.
+{{Hinduism}}
+{{Philosophy}}
+{{Spirituality}}
+'''Atman''' (Sanskrit: आत्मन्) is a fundamental concept in [[Hindu philosophy]], particularly in the [[Vedanta]] school, where it is recognized as the innermost essence or soul of an individual. Atman is central to the understanding of human identity and consciousness, and is considered eternal and beyond the physical existence.
 ==Etymology and Definitions==
-The word Atman, derived from the Sanskrit root ''ātma'', which means "essence" or "breath", has been translated into English as "self", "soul", or "spirit". In the Upanishads, Atman is described as the innermost essence of an individual, beyond the physical and mental layers that constitute the temporary aspects of one's being.
+The term "Atman" derives from the Sanskrit root ''ātma'', which means 'essence', 'breath', or 'self'. In the broadest sense, Atman refers to the vital force or the inner self that is the essence of an individual. It is often translated into English as 'soul' or 'self'.
 ==Philosophical Context==
-In the philosophical discourse of Hinduism, particularly within the Advaita Vedanta tradition, Atman is considered to be of the same nature as Brahman, the ultimate reality that is infinite, eternal, and beyond the dualities of the phenomenal world. This non-dualistic perspective posits that the realization of the identity of Atman and Brahman is the goal of spiritual pursuit, leading to [[Moksha]] (liberation) or self-realization.
+In [[Hinduism]], Atman is a key concept that reflects the idea of eternal self. It is discussed extensively in various [[Upanishads]], where it is described as identical with [[Brahman]], the universal spirit. This identity is encapsulated in the famous phrase "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art), found in the [[Chandogya Upanishad]].
-==Atman in Hindu Scriptures==
+###Advaita Vedanta###
-The concept of Atman is extensively discussed in the ancient Hindu scriptures known as the Upanishads. Key texts such as the [[Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]] and the [[Chandogya Upanishad]] explore the nature of Atman and its relationship with the external world and Brahman. The famous declaration "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art) from the Chandogya Upanishad encapsulates the idea that the individual soul (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman) are one.
+In [[Advaita Vedanta]], a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy led by [[Adi Shankara]], Atman is considered fundamentally indistinguishable from Brahman. The school holds that the realization of the identity of Atman and Brahman is the means to achieve [[Moksha]] (liberation).
-==Atman and the Bhagavad Gita==
+###Dvaita and Other Schools###
-The [[Bhagavad Gita]], another key text in Hindu philosophy, discusses the concept of Atman in the context of duty, action, and the path to liberation. Lord Krishna, in his discourse to Arjuna, emphasizes the imperishable nature of the Atman and advises Arjuna to perform his duty without attachment, recognizing that the true self is beyond birth and death.
+Contrastingly, in [[Dvaita Vedanta]], founded by [[Madhvacharya]], Atman and Brahman are distinct, where Brahman is the supreme, universal spirit and Atman is the individual self. Other schools like [[Vishishtadvaita Vedanta]] by [[Ramanuja]] strike a middle ground, proposing a qualified non-dualism where Atman is part of Brahman but also distinct.
 ==Atman in Other Dharmic Religions==
-The concept of Atman is not exclusive to Hinduism and appears in other Dharmic religions with varying interpretations. In [[Buddhism]], the notion of an eternal, unchanging self is rejected in favor of [[Anatta]] (not-self), which asserts the absence of a permanent soul. [[Jainism]], on the other hand, has a concept similar to Atman known as [[Jiva]], which represents the soul or life force of living beings.
+The concept of Atman is also present, with variations, in other [[Dharmic religions]] such as [[Buddhism]], [[Jainism]], and [[Sikhism]]. In Buddhism, the concept of self is analyzed and refuted in the doctrine of [[Anatta]], which stands in contrast to the Hindu concept of Atman. Jainism also provides a unique perspective on the soul, emphasizing its potential for purification and ultimate liberation.
-==Contemporary Interpretations==
+==Philosophical and Religious Implications==
-In modern times, the concept of Atman has been interpreted and incorporated into various philosophical, psychological, and spiritual discourses. It is often discussed in the context of self-awareness, consciousness, and the pursuit of inner peace and enlightenment.
+The understanding of Atman affects various aspects of Hindu spirituality, including ethics, meditation, and the path to enlightenment. It is believed that understanding one's Atman is essential to spiritual development and liberation.
-==Conclusion==
+==See Also==
-The concept of Atman remains a fundamental aspect of Hindu philosophy and spirituality, offering a profound understanding of the nature of self and its relationship with the universe. Its exploration in Hindu scriptures and its impact on other Dharmic traditions highlight its significance in the broader context of Indian religious thought.
+* [[Brahman]]
+* [[Moksha]]
+* [[Upanishads]]
+* [[Samsara]]
-[[Category:Hindu Philosophy]]
+[[Category:Hindu philosophy]]
-[[Category:Vedanta]]
+[[Category:Metaphysical concepts in Hinduism]]
 [[Category:Spirituality]]
 {{Hinduism-stub}}