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Anatman In Hinduism – The Not Self

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In Hinduism, the concept of ‘anatman’ or ‘anātman’ (Sanskrit: अनात्मन्) translates to ‘not-self’ or ‘non-self’. This term is primarily discussed in contrast to ‘atman’ (Sanskrit: आत्मन्), which means the ‘Self’ or the ‘soul’. The inquiry into the nature of the self and the origin of the world has been a central theme in various Hindu philosophies, particularly in the Vedanta tradition.

The Vedanta Philosophy

Vedanta is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy and is based on the teachings of the Upanishads, which are the concluding part of the Vedas. Vedanta emphasizes the idea that the true essence of every individual is the Atman, which is identical with Brahman, the ultimate reality or world soul. This non-dualistic perspective, known as Advaita Vedanta, posits that there is no fundamental difference between the individual self and the universal self.

Atman and Anatman

In Vedanta, Atman refers to the true self, which is eternal, unchanging, and beyond physical form. It is the innermost essence of an individual. Everything that is not the Atman is referred to as Anatman. Although anatman can encompass the entire external world and all its objects, in Vedanta, it more specifically refers to:

  1. The Body (Sharira): The physical form that we often mistakenly identify as our true self.
  2. The Sense Organs (Indriyas): The faculties through which we interact with the world.
  3. The Mind (Manas): The seat of thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences.
  4. The Intellect (Buddhi): The aspect of the mind responsible for reasoning and discernment.
  5. The Ego (Ahamkara): The sense of individuality and personal identity that creates a separation from the true self.

The Illusion of Anatman

Vedanta teaches that identifying with the anatman leads to ignorance (avidya) and attachment (raga). This ignorance is considered the root cause of human suffering (dukkha) because it obscures the true nature of the Atman. The process of spiritual liberation (moksha) involves the realization that the self is not the body, mind, or any other aspect of anatman, but is the eternal, unchanging Atman.

Practices for Realizing Atman

To overcome the illusion of anatman, various spiritual practices are recommended in Hinduism:

  1. Meditation (Dhyana): Cultivating a deep state of inner stillness to transcend the identification with the body and mind.
  2. Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara): A method popularized by Ramana Maharshi, which involves persistent questioning of ‘Who am I?’ to peel away the layers of the anatman.
  3. Detachment (Vairagya): Developing a dispassionate attitude towards worldly pleasures and possessions.
  4. Discrimination (Viveka): Differentiating between the real (Atman) and the unreal (Anatman).

Comparison with Buddhism

Interestingly, the concept of anatman in Hinduism has a counterpart in Buddhism, where ‘anatta’ (Pali) or ‘anātman’ (Sanskrit) also means ‘not-self’. However, the Buddhist interpretation is different. In Buddhism, anatta signifies that there is no permanent, unchanging self. The belief in a permanent self (atman) is seen as a delusion, and understanding anatta is essential for attaining Nirvana, the ultimate liberation.

In conclusion, the concept of anatman in Hinduism serves as a crucial philosophical tool to guide individuals towards recognizing their true nature as the Atman. By differentiating between the self and the non-self, adherents of Vedanta aim to transcend the illusions created by identifying with the physical and mental aspects of existence, ultimately realizing their unity with the infinite Brahman.