Sanskrit Breakdown:

• In Sanskrit, "Ātman" (आत्मन्) can be broken down as:
  • आ (ā) - a prefix denoting closeness or immediacy.
  • त्मन् (tman) - derived from "an," meaning breath or life force.

Contexts and Concepts

Philosophical Context:

• Hinduism: Ātman is considered the innermost essence, the true self beyond the ego or individual personality. It is eternal and transcendent.
• Buddhism: Rejects the concept of an eternal soul (Ātman) and instead teaches Anatta (Anātman), the doctrine of non-self.
• Jainism: Recognizes the Ātman as the individual soul that accumulates karma and undergoes cycles of rebirth.

Scriptural Evidences

Vedas and Upanishads:

• Rigveda: Contains early references to the concept of the self.
• Upanishads: Elaborate extensively on Ātman, emphasizing its unity with Brahman, the ultimate reality. Key Upanishads discussing Ātman include:
  • Chandogya Upanishad: "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou art That) implies the identity of the individual soul with the universal soul.
  • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: Discusses the nature of Ātman as pure consciousness.

Bhagavad Gita:

• Describes Ātman as indestructible, eternal, and beyond physical death (Chapter 2, Verse 20).

Modern Context and Relevance

Spiritual Practices:

• In modern spirituality, Ātman is central to practices like meditation and self-inquiry, aiming to realize one's true nature.

Psychology and Self-Realization:

• The concept of Ātman influences contemporary psychological approaches that explore the deeper aspects of the self and consciousness.

Prominent Philosophical Views

Advaita Vedanta: