Atman vs. Brahman

Attribute	Atman	Brahman
Ultimate reality	Individual soul	Universal soul
Immutable	Yes	Yes
Transcendent	Yes	Yes
Immanent	No	Yes
Creator	No	Yes

Introduction

Atman and Brahman are two fundamental concepts in Hindu philosophy that are often discussed in relation to each other. While both are considered to be ultimate realities, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between Atman and Brahman.

Definition of Atman

Atman is the individual soul or self in Hindu philosophy. It is believed to be eternal, unchanging, and indestructible. Atman is considered to be the essence of an individual, separate from the physical body and mind. It is often described as the innermost essence of a person, the true self that transcends the limitations of the material world.

Attributes of Atman

One of the key attributes of Atman is its eternal nature. It is believed to be beyond birth and death, existing before and after the physical body. Atman is also considered to be unchanging, unaffected by the fluctuations of the material world. Another important attribute of Atman is its connection to the divine. It is seen as a spark of the divine that resides within each individual.

Definition of Brahman

Brahman, on the other hand, is the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy. It is often described as the universal soul or cosmic consciousness. Brahman is believed to be the source and essence of all existence, the underlying reality that permeates everything in the universe. It is considered to be infinite, eternal, and unchanging.

Attributes of Brahman

One of the key attributes of Brahman is its all-pervasive nature. It is believed to be present in everything and everyone, connecting all beings in the universe. Brahman is also considered to be the ultimate source of creation, sustaining and nourishing all living beings. Another important attribute of Brahman is its transcendence. It is beyond the limitations of time, space, and causality.

Relationship between Atman and Brahman

While Atman and Brahman are often discussed as separate entities, they are also believed to be intimately connected. In Hindu philosophy, it is said that Atman is Brahman. This means that the individual soul is ultimately identical to the universal soul. The goal of spiritual practice is to realize this identity and experience the oneness of Atman and Brahman.

Similarities between Atman and Brahman

Despite their differences, Atman and Brahman share some common attributes. Both are considered to be eternal, unchanging, and infinite. They are also believed to be beyond the limitations of the material world, transcending time, space, and causality. Both Atman and Brahman are seen as the ultimate reality that underlies all existence.

Differences between Atman and Brahman

While Atman and Brahman are ultimately considered to be the same, there are some key differences between them. Atman is the individual soul, while Brahman is the universal soul. Atman is associated with the personal self, while Brahman is associated with the cosmic self. Atman is the experiencer, while Brahman is the ultimate reality that is experienced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Atman and Brahman are two fundamental concepts in Hindu philosophy that represent the individual and universal aspects of reality. While they have distinct attributes, they are ultimately believed to be one and the same. The realization of this unity is considered to be the goal of spiritual practice, leading to liberation and enlightenment.