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Meaning Of Atman - Swami Vivekananda Explains

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Swami Vivekananda explains the meaning of the word Atman in Hinduism.

I will not translate this word to you in English because the idea does not exist in Europe; it is untranslatable. The modern attempt of German philosophers is to translate the word Atman by the word ‘Self’, and until that word is universally accepted, it is impossible to use it. So, call it as Self or anything, it is our Atman. This Atman is the real man behind. It is the Atman that uses the material mind as its instrument, its Antahkarana as is the psychological term for the mind.

Vedanta Kesari Magazine published by Ramakrishna Mission, Chennai, Explains more about the term and what Swami Vivekananda meant

Etymologically the term Atman means that which is eternal (from the Sanskrit root word  att, ‘that which exists always’).

So, eternal soul means Atman. Is there also non-eternal soul? In a way, yes, and that is called Jiva which is Atman plus body and mind (so it becomes jivatman).

While Atman is never born or grows or decays and dies, in its embodied state it seems to undergo change, and the most expressive manifestation of this change is birth and death. In reality, however, Atman is the birthless, deathless, eternal core of human personality.

Additional Information 

Swami Vivekananda's explanation of the concept of Atman is deeply rooted in the philosophical and spiritual traditions of Hinduism. According to him, the Atman is the true essence of an individual, transcending the physical body and mind. This idea, central to Vedanta philosophy, is that the Atman represents the innermost self, the unchanging, eternal reality that exists within every being.

Atman in Hindu Scriptures

In Hinduism, the concept of Atman is profoundly explored in several key scriptures, such as the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras.

  1. Upanishads: The Upanishads, which are the philosophical sections of the Vedas, repeatedly emphasize the idea of the Atman as the inner self. One of the most famous declarations, "Tat Tvam Asi" (You are That), found in the Chandogya Upanishad, teaches that the individual self (Atman) is identical to Brahman, the ultimate reality. This non-dualistic perspective is a core principle of Advaita Vedanta, where the realization of this truth is the path to moksha or liberation.

  2. Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna that the Atman is indestructible and eternal. Krishna says, "The soul is neither born, and nor does it die; nor, having once existed, does it ever cease to be. The soul is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying, and primeval. It is not slain when the body is slain." (Bhagavad Gita 2:20). This highlights the Atman's nature as beyond physical death, a central tenet in understanding the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism.

  3. Brahma Sutras: The Brahma Sutras, a foundational text for Vedanta, also discuss the Atman, reinforcing that it is not different from Brahman. The sutras argue that understanding the true nature of the Atman leads to the realization of oneness with Brahman, the ultimate goal of human life.

Similar Thoughts in Hinduism

In addition to the concept of Atman, Hinduism also offers the idea of Jivatman and Paramatman. The Jivatman refers to the individual soul, which is a reflection of the Atman in the context of an individual living being. The Paramatman, or Supreme Soul, refers to the universal Atman, often identified with Brahman. This distinction allows for an understanding of the microcosm (individual) and macrocosm (universal) as inherently interconnected.

Importance of Atman

The importance of Atman in Hindu philosophy cannot be overstated. It is the foundation of the belief in the eternal nature of the soul, which is central to concepts like karma, dharma, and moksha. The realization of the Atman’s true nature leads to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of samsara, the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Comparison with Western Thought

Swami Vivekananda mentioned the difficulty of translating Atman into Western languages because the concept does not have an exact equivalent in European philosophy. The closest approximation might be the concept of the soul or self, but these terms often carry different connotations, especially in the context of Christian theology where the soul is seen as distinct from the body and destined for judgment after death.

German philosophers like Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche have engaged with concepts somewhat similar to Atman. Schopenhauer, influenced by Eastern philosophy, spoke of the will as a fundamental aspect of existence, but his pessimistic view contrasts sharply with the Hindu understanding of the Atman as pure, blissful consciousness. Nietzsche’s idea of the Übermensch or Overman could be seen as an attempt to transcend ordinary human limitations, but it lacks the spiritual depth associated with the Atman.

Relevance Today

The concept of Atman remains relevant in modern spiritual practices, not just in Hinduism but also in various new age movements and non-dual philosophies that emphasize the discovery of one's true self. Meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices are often aimed at quieting the mind and experiencing the Atman directly, leading to self-realization and inner peace.

Swami Vivekananda's explanation of Atman as the "real man behind" encapsulates a central idea of Hindu philosophy that the true self is beyond the physical and mental planes. The Atman is the core essence, unchanging and eternal, connected to the universal reality of Brahman. Understanding and realizing the Atman is the key to spiritual liberation, a concept that resonates throughout Hindu scriptures and continues to inspire spiritual seekers around the world.