2.3 The nature of Brahman and Atman
2 min read•july 25, 2024
Vedic philosophy introduces two key concepts: , the ultimate reality, and , the individual self. These ideas form the foundation of ancient Indian thought, shaping beliefs about existence, consciousness, and the nature of reality.
The relationship between Brahman and Atman is central to Upanishadic teachings. Understanding their connection is seen as the path to spiritual liberation, influencing ethical behavior and views on life, death, and the cosmos.
Vedic Concepts of Brahman and Atman
Brahman and Atman concepts
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Brahman – Thy Mind, O Human View original
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- Brahman embodies ultimate reality or absolute truth in Vedic philosophy transcends all limitations and forms foundation of existence ()
- Atman represents individual self or soul constitutes essence of a person persists beyond physical death ()
Brahman-Atman relationship in Upanishads
- Identity principle asserts Atman's ultimate oneness with Brahman encapsulated in Mahavakya "" (That Thou Art)
- Microcosm-macrocosm relationship portrays Atman as miniature reflection of Brahman mirrors cosmic reality within individual
- Realization process aims to recognize Atman-Brahman identity through spiritual practices leads to (liberation) from (cycle of rebirth)
Descriptions of Brahman
- (not this, not this) approach emphasizes Brahman's transcendence beyond all attributes and concepts
- characterizes Brahman as existence (sat), consciousness (chit), and bliss (ananda)
- and Brahman distinguish between attributeless (Nirguna) and attribute-possessing (Saguna) aspects of ultimate reality
- Cosmic principles associate Brahman with fundamental forces (vital force) and (space or ether)
Implications of Brahman-Atman identity
- Monistic worldview posits reality as fundamentally non-dual () explains apparent diversity as manifestation of underlying unity
- Nature of individual existence distinguishes between empirical self () and true self (Atman)
- Path to liberation emphasizes knowledge () as primary means of realization encourages meditation and self-inquiry
- Ethical implications derive from interconnectedness of all beings foster compassion and non-violence ()
- Concept of explains world as illusion or appearance attributes perception of separation to ignorance ()
- Rebirth and karma theory views cycle of birth and death (samsara) as result of ignorance defines liberation as end of this cycle
Key Terms to Review (19)
Advaita: Advaita is a non-dualistic school of thought in Indian philosophy that emphasizes the oneness of Atman (the individual self) and Brahman (the ultimate reality). This concept suggests that the apparent duality of the world is an illusion, and realizing this unity leads to liberation (moksha). The principles of Advaita can be connected to various aspects of Indian philosophical traditions, particularly through its interpretation of texts and its relationship with other schools of thought.
Ahimsa: Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence and respect for all living beings in Indian philosophy, emphasizing the importance of compassion and non-harm in thought, word, and action. This foundational concept connects deeply to ethical practices, spiritual development, and the understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.
Akasha: Akasha is a Sanskrit term that refers to the ether or space, often considered as the fifth element in various Indian philosophical systems. It is viewed as the fundamental cosmic substance that connects all things, acting as a medium for the transmission of sound and other forms of energy, while also serving as a metaphor for the limitless potential of the universe. In the context of Brahman and Atman, akasha plays a crucial role in understanding how everything is interconnected within the universal spirit and individual self.
Atman: Atman is the Sanskrit word for the 'self' or 'soul' in Indian philosophy, often understood as the true essence of an individual that transcends physical existence. It connects deeply to various philosophical developments and concepts in Indian thought, serving as a foundational idea that influences the understanding of the universe and the individual's place within it.
Avidya: Avidya refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge, particularly in a spiritual context. It is considered the root cause of suffering and bondage in various Indian philosophical traditions, leading individuals away from the true understanding of the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). Overcoming avidya is essential for achieving liberation and enlightenment.
Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, consisting of a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. This text is pivotal in Indian philosophy, addressing fundamental questions about duty, righteousness, and the nature of reality.
Brahman: Brahman is the ultimate, unchanging reality in Indian philosophy, representing the cosmic spirit or absolute consciousness that pervades everything. It serves as the foundation of existence and is closely tied to the concepts of Atman (the self) and the universe, influencing various philosophical traditions and schools of thought in India.
Jiva: Jiva refers to the individual soul or living being in Indian philosophy, particularly in the context of Jainism and other spiritual traditions. It is considered to be eternal and distinct from the body, embodying consciousness and the capacity for action. This concept connects deeply with ideas of liberation, ethical conduct, and the nature of reality across various philosophical systems.
Jnana: Jnana refers to the concept of knowledge or wisdom in Indian philosophy, particularly within the context of self-realization and understanding the ultimate reality. It is a crucial aspect in the Upanishads, where it signifies the knowledge that leads to liberation (moksha) and understanding the nature of Brahman and Atman. Jnana is not just intellectual understanding; it involves a deep, experiential insight into the essence of existence and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Maya: Maya is a fundamental concept in Indian philosophy, particularly in the context of Vedanta, referring to the illusion or deceptive appearance of the phenomenal world that obscures the true nature of reality. It is often described as the veil that hides the ultimate truth of Brahman and Atman, creating the perception of duality and multiplicity in existence.
Moksha: Moksha is the ultimate goal of human existence in Indian philosophy, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and union with the divine or ultimate reality. It signifies a state of eternal bliss and freedom from all forms of suffering, where the individual soul (Atman) realizes its oneness with Brahman, the universal spirit.
Neti neti: Neti neti is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to 'not this, not that' and is used in Indian philosophy to describe a method of negation to understand the true nature of reality. This approach is primarily associated with the exploration of Brahman and Atman, emphasizing that one cannot define the ultimate reality or self through positive assertions but must instead identify what it is not. By employing neti neti, individuals can move beyond limited concepts and attributes to reach a deeper understanding of existence.
Nirguna: Nirguna refers to the concept of Brahman that is without attributes or qualities. It is a central idea in Indian philosophy, particularly in Advaita Vedanta, where Brahman is seen as the ultimate reality that transcends all forms and limitations. In this context, nirguna emphasizes the formless nature of the divine, contrasting with saguna, which signifies a Brahman with attributes and personal characteristics.
Prana: Prana is a vital life force or energy that permeates the universe and is fundamental to life and existence. In various Indian philosophies, prana is often associated with breath and the act of breathing, serving as a link between the physical and spiritual realms. Understanding prana is crucial when exploring the nature of Brahman and Atman, as it signifies the dynamic energy that connects individual souls with the universal spirit, and it also plays a key role in practices such as Bhakti and Tantra that emphasize personal devotion and transformative experiences.
Saguna: Saguna refers to the concept of the divine or ultimate reality that possesses attributes and qualities. In contrast to Nirguna, which denotes a formless and attribute-less absolute, Saguna represents Brahman as a personal God with specific characteristics, making it more accessible for devotion and worship. This notion is crucial in understanding the nature of Brahman and Atman, as it illustrates how individuals can relate to the divine through its manifested forms and qualities.
Samsara: Samsara refers to the continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth that all sentient beings experience in Indian philosophy. This cycle is driven by karma, and understanding it is essential for grasping concepts of liberation and enlightenment within various philosophical traditions.
Sat-chit-ananda: Sat-chit-ananda is a fundamental concept in Indian philosophy that refers to the nature of ultimate reality, characterized by three qualities: sat (truth or existence), chit (consciousness or awareness), and ananda (bliss or happiness). This triad highlights the inseparable connection between existence, consciousness, and bliss, suggesting that true understanding and experience of reality encompass all three aspects as a unified whole.
Tat tvam asi: Tat tvam asi is a profound phrase from the Upanishads, translating to 'that you are' or 'you are that.' This expression encapsulates the essential unity between the individual self (Atman) and the universal reality (Brahman), highlighting the idea that the essence of one's being is not separate from the ultimate reality. This concept is pivotal in understanding the relationship between personal identity and the cosmos in Indian philosophy.
Upanishads: The Upanishads are ancient philosophical texts that form the concluding part of the Vedas, which are the oldest sacred scriptures of Hinduism. They explore profound spiritual concepts such as the nature of reality, self, and the ultimate purpose of life, connecting key ideas about Brahman and Atman with various philosophical interpretations and practices.