Concept Explorer

What is Atman?

आत्मन् (Atman) — Self / Soul / Spirit

The innermost, eternal core of a person; the true self.

Deep Understanding

Atman is the spiritual life principle of the universe, especially when regarded as inherent in the real self of the individual. It is the eternal, unchanging, unmanifested core of conscious being, distinct from the mind, intellect, ego, and physical body. In Vedanta, recognizing the Atman is the key to liberation.

Understanding Atman is the core of Upanishadic teaching. The profound realization 'Aham Brahmasmi' (I am Brahman) points to the fundamental unity of the individual self (Atman) and the universal reality (Brahman).

Core Principles

1Eternal, unborn, and unchanging
2Distinct from the body, mind, and ego (ahamkara)
3Pure consciousness, witness to all experience
4Depending on the philosophy, either identical to (Advaita) or eternally a part of (Vishishtadvaita/Dvaita) Brahman

In Practice

Spiritual practice involves Neti Neti (Not this, not this) or Atma-vichara (Self-inquiry) to peel away the layers of false identification (body, mind, emotions) and rest in the pure awareness of the Atman.

Foundational Texts

Upanishads

Bhagavad Gita

Brahma Sutras

Keep Exploring

What is Vedanta? A Complete Beginner's Guide

Need the linguistic angle?

Explore the Sanskrit root etymology, transliteration, and precise scriptural usage for Atman in our lexicon.

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