Atman

/ˈɑtmən/ noun

Definition

The individual human soul or self in Hinduism, believed to be eternal, unchanging, and ultimately identical with Brahman (the universal absolute reality).

Etymology

Sanskrit ātman, the same root as 'atma,' but 'atman' is the more common transliteration used in English philosophical texts. The term has been central to Hindu metaphysics for over 3,000 years, appearing in the Upanishads.

Kelly Says

The Upanishads teach that your atman is not actually separate from Brahman—it's like saying a wave thinks it's different from the ocean, when really it's always been part of the same water.

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