AtmanBrahman

AtmanBrahman is a term used to describe the relationship between atman, the inner self, and Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy. Atman denotes the true self, often described as pure consciousness or self-awareness that transcends the ego. Brahman denotes the universal, formless ground of all existence, the source from which the cosmos arises and to which it returns.

Different Hindu traditions interpret their relationship in different ways. Advaita Vedanta, most closely associated with Adi Shankaracharya, holds that Atman and Brahman are ultimately identical; there are not two realities, only one. In this view, ignorance (avidya) causes individuals to mistake themselves for limited selves; realization that Atman is Brahman leads to liberation (moksha).

In contrast, other schools such as Vishishtadvaita (Ramanuja) and Dvaita (Madhva) teach qualified non-dualism or dualism, maintaining some distinction between individual self and the supreme reality.

Key scriptural statements from the Upanishads, such as Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman) and Tat Tvam Asi (That Thou Art), are cited to illustrate the unity of self and reality, though the precise interpretation varies by school. The Brahman concept is also described as the infinite, unborn, eternal principle underlying multiplicity.

Historically, these ideas appear in the Upanishads, were systematized in medieval Vedanta, and continue to influence Hindu philosophy, yoga, and modern spiritual discourse. In practice, approaches range from self-inquiry and discernment to devotional worship aimed at realizing the identity of Atman and Brahman or acknowledging their relationship within a theistic framework.