Understanding Atman and Brahman

 

 

Before we can even begin to understand the Atmabodha and the way to
self-knowledge, it is necessary to understand the concept of Atman.
In our reading, this particular passage sums up the basic definition
of Atman and the quest for Brahman:

The word "Atman" is generally rendered here as "Soul" or "Self."   

The Sanskrit word really cannot be translated. Atman is the deathless,

birthless, eternal, and real Substance in every individual. 

​

It is the unchanging Reality behind the changing body, sense-organs,

mind, and ego. It is Spirit, which is Pure Consciousness and is unaffected

by time, space, and causality; therefore It is limitless and One without a

second. As the unchanging Reality in the individual is called Atman,

so the unchanging Reality in the universe is called Brahman.

​

Brahman, too, is beyond time, space, and causality and is
all-pervading spirit. Vedanta states that Brahman and Atman are one
and the same. The knowledge of this identity or non-difference is
called Self-Knowledge, which confers upon a man the boon of
liberation from the bondage and suffering of the world (Atmabodha
118).

Basically, Atman is changeless reality, absolute knowledge, and
everlasting bliss (135). Atman is knowledge itself. Atman is
the "nut" that remains constant in ourselves. It is our stability.

Atman is present in the "embodied" soul (jiva), yet is distinct from
it. Atman interpenetrates the body, sense-organs, etc., yet is
totally different from these things. Atman is Unchanging
Consciousness (vs.17). Atman is merely a witness to reality. It is
not active (vs. 18). Atman is free from all human experience,
feeling, and emotion. These things are attributed to the body,
senses, and mind.

 

The essential nature of Atman is Eternity, Purity,
Reality, Consciousness, and Bliss. It is important to note that
these things are not "qualities." They are a part of the nature of
Atman. They are always present (vs 23).

It is vital to understand that Atman (soul) and Buddhi (mind) cannot
be unified. No real union is possible between two contradictory
things (vs 24). Atman never undergoes change as the mind does, and
Buddhi is not endowed with consciousness as Atman is. Atman
manifests itself in all material objects, but cannot be manifested
by them. Atman manifests itself (vs. 27-8). Atman and Brahman are
non-dualistic entities.

 

"What is necessary for the attainment of Liberation is actual realization

of the knowledge of the non-duality
of Atman and Brahman" (p. 145). We cannot believe one is greater
than the other, just as we cannot believe in the duality of Brahman
and ourselves. They are one.

The great Vedic Aphorisms help a person to realize the oneness of
the individual soul and Brahman (Supreme Soul). These aphorisms are:
1) That thou art 2) This Atman is Brahman 3) Consciousness is
Brahman 4) I am Brahman The realization of identity of the
individual soul and Brahman enables one to attain the Highest Good
(vs. 29-30). When we truly understand these aphorisms, we realize
identity.

A good summary of Atman can be read in verse 34 of the Atmabodha: 

"I am without attributes and action, eternal and pure, free from stain
and desire, changeless and formless, and always free" (vs 34 p.
148).
 

 

 

 East-Religions.2.11: Amy Newton (anewton) Wed, 01 Oct 1997 10:37:28
CDT (66lines)