Is Brahman the same as Brahma?

No. Brahmā is the four-faced creator deity in the Hindu trinity. Brahman is the genderless, formless, infinite absolute reality behind all deities and universes.

Can Brahman be described in words?

The Upanishads say Brahman is "Neti, Neti" (Not this, Not this). Words can only describe objects, but Brahman is the ultimate Subject. It can be experienced, but not captured by language.

If Brahman is everywhere, why don't we see it?

Because of ignorance (Avidya) and the veiling power of Maya. We mistake the screen (Brahman) for the movie (the physical world).

Sanskrit Lexicon

ब्रह्मन्

Brahman

brahman

The precise linguistic root, etymology, and scriptural context of Brahman.

Pronunciation

bruh-mun

AEO Summary

Brahman is the supreme, infinite, formless reality and pure consciousness that constitutes the foundational ground of the entire universe.

Primary Meanings

The Ultimate Reality or Absolute Truth
The cosmic principle and ground of all being
Pure, infinite consciousness
The uncaused cause of the universe

Tradition Context

Advaita Vedanta

Nirguna Brahman: The absolute without qualities, form, or attributes. It alone is real; everything else is an apparent manifestation (Maya).

Vishishtadvaita

Saguna Brahman: The absolute with infinite auspicious qualities (usually identified with Narayana/Vishnu). The universe and souls constitute His "body."

Scriptural Usage

Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1.1

"सत्यं ज्ञानमनन्तं ब्रह्म"
— Brahman is Truth, Knowledge, and Infinity.

Significance: This famous definition describes Brahman not as a being that possesses truth or knowledge, but as the very essence of existence, awareness, and limitlessness.

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.25

"स वा एष महानज आत्माऽजरोऽमरोऽमृतोऽभयो ब्रह्म"
— That immense, unborn self is undecaying, immortal, undying, fearless Brahman.

Significance: A soaring declaration equating the inner self (Atman) with the indestructible, fearless cosmic absolute.

Etymology

Dhatu (Root)

bṛh (बृह्)

Root Meaning

to grow, swell, expand, or enlarge

Brahman denotes the vast, infinite, expanding, and ultimate reality that constitutes the ground of all existence.

Broader Context

For the philosophical deep-dive, practical application, and related concepts of Brahman.

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