atman etymology

Etymology

The word "atman" comes from the Sanskrit word "atma," which means "self" or "soul." It is derived from the root "at," which means "to breathe" or "to live."

Meaning and Origin

In the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, atman refers to the innermost essence of a being, the true self that is immortal and unchanging. It is distinguished from the transient body and mind, which are subject to change and decay.

According to the Upanishads, the later Vedic texts, atman is the ultimate reality and the source of all existence. It is described as:

• Brahman: The absolute, infinite, and unchanging reality
• Purusha: The conscious, active principle of the universe
• Pratyaksha: The inner witness that is always present in consciousness

The concept of atman has been central to Hindu philosophy and spirituality for millennia. It forms the basis of the Hindu belief in reincarnation, as it is believed that the atman transmigrates from one body to another until it achieves liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

atman relate terms

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