Atman (Hinduism)
Introduction
Atman is a key concept in Hindu philosophy, often translated into English as 'self'. It refers to the essential, eternal part of a living being, the soul, that which is divine. The concept of Atman is central to understanding the Hindu worldview and its spiritual practices.
Etymology and Definitions
The term 'Atman' (आत्मन्) is derived from the Sanskrit root 'ap' which means 'to obtain or reach'. It is often translated as 'self' or 'soul' in English. In Hindu philosophy, Atman is the individual self, known to be eternal and divine. It is considered the essence, the innermost part of an individual.
Concept in Hindu Philosophy
The concept of Atman is foundational to all six major schools of Hindu philosophy. It is considered the first principle, the true self of an individual beyond identification with phenomena, the essence of an individual. In order to attain liberation (Moksha), a human being must acquire self-knowledge, which is to realize that one's true self (Atman) is identical with the transcendent self Brahman.
Atman in Vedanta
In Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy, Atman is the individual self, or the innermost essence of each individual. It is considered eternal and beyond sensory perception. When a person identifies with Atman, they achieve self-realization and attain Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Atman in Yoga
In the Yoga school of Hindu philosophy, the Atman is viewed as the one who experiences the fruits of Karma and the one who reincarnates. The ultimate goal of Yoga is to realize this Atman, to understand its true nature, and to recognize that it is separate from the mind and body.
Atman in Nyaya
In the Nyaya school of Hindu philosophy, Atman is the subject of self-awareness, the agent of actions, and the enjoyer of the fruits of Karma. It is considered eternal, omnipresent, and evidence of its existence is inferred from cognition, self-awareness, and the experience of pleasure and pain.
Atman in Samkhya
In the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy, Atman is referred to as Purusha, the eternal, pure consciousness. It is unchangeable and unaffected by worldly sufferings and changes. The realization of Purusha leads to Moksha.
Atman in Mimamsa
In the Mimamsa school of Hindu philosophy, Atman is considered the performer of rituals and the enjoyer of its fruits. The concept of Atman here is more ritualistic than metaphysical.
Atman in Vaisheshika
In the Vaisheshika school of Hindu philosophy, Atman is the self that is the knower, the doer, and the enjoyer. It is eternal, it does not have a physical existence, but it resides in the body.
Atman and Brahman
In Hindu philosophy, Atman is often identified with the ultimate cosmic principle, Brahman. The famous declaration of the Upanishads, "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art), signifies this identity. The realization that the individual soul (Atman) and the supreme soul (Brahman) are one and the same is the key to attaining Moksha.
Atman and Reincarnation
The concept of Atman is intrinsically linked to the Hindu belief in reincarnation. It is the Atman that is reborn in a new body after death. The nature of the new birth is determined by the law of Karma, based on the actions performed by the Atman in its previous life.
Atman in Bhagavad Gita
In the Bhagavad Gita, one of the holy scriptures of Hinduism, the Atman is described as eternal, indestructible, and beyond human comprehension. It is not born, nor does it die. It is not slain when the body is slain. The realization of this truth is considered the ultimate goal of human life.
Conclusion
The concept of Atman is central to Hindu philosophy and is fundamental to understanding the Hindu worldview. It is the eternal, divine essence of a being, the true self that transcends the physical body and the material world. The realization of the Atman as one's true self is the ultimate goal of life in Hinduism.