atman

Atman is a Sanskrit term used in Hindu philosophy to denote the inner self or soul—the essential, unchanging essence that underlies mental and physical phenomena. In the Upanishads, the atman is presented as the true self, eternal and conscious, often described as pure consciousness (chit) or bliss (ananda). The term is distinguished from the body, mind, and ego, though it is experienced through them.

Etymologically connected to breath and life, atman is treated in various schools as either identical with or distinct from the ultimate reality Brahman. In Advaita Vedanta, the major nondual school, the atman and Brahman are ultimately one; realization of that unity through inquiry and discernment leads to moksha, liberation from ignorance. In other Vedantic and theistic traditions such as Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita, the atman is real and individuated, capable of union with Brahman or God through devotion, grace, and disciplined practice, while not losing its essential identity.

The concept has practical and contemplative uses, including self-inquiry, meditation on pure consciousness, and ethical living, to align the practitioner with the true self. Across Indian philosophy, the atman remains a central notion shaping views on selfhood, liberation, and the nature of ultimate reality. In contrast, Buddhist philosophies generally deny a permanently existing self (anatta), while Jainism speaks of jiiva, the individual soul, with its own karmic journey.