Advaita Vedanta, one of the philosophical schools of Hinduism, expounds profound teachings on the nature of the atman or soul. According to Advaita, the atman is not a separate entity but is intricately connected to Brahman, the ultimate reality or Absolute. Here are some key aspects of Advaita teachings on the atman:
Eternality and Infiniteness: Advaita asserts that the atman
is eternal, transcending the boundaries of time and space. It is not subject to
birth or death and remains constant throughout existence. Its infiniteness
implies that it is beyond any limitation or restriction.
Pure Consciousness: The atman is described as pure
consciousness (chaitanya). It is devoid of impurities, limitations, and
attributes. This pure consciousness is considered the essence of the atman and
the source of all subjective experience.
Identity with Brahman: According to Advaita, the ultimate
realization is that the individual atman is identical to Brahman, the Absolute
reality. The apparent separation is an illusion caused by ignorance (ajnana).
The goal of life is to overcome this ignorance and recognize the inherent
oneness of the atman with Brahman.
Ignorance (Ajnana) and Bondage: Advaita posits that the
atman is bound by ignorance (ajnana), which creates a false sense of
individuality and separation from the ultimate reality. This ignorance leads to
the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and the experiences of pleasure and
pain.
Liberation through Knowledge (Jnana): Liberation (moksha) in
Advaita is not something to be achieved; it is the realization of the atman's
true nature. The removal of ignorance through knowledge (jnana) is the key to
liberation. By understanding that the atman is Brahman, one breaks free from
the cycle of birth and death.
State of Bliss (Ananda): Upon realizing its true nature, the
atman is said to experience unalloyed bliss (ananda). This bliss is not
dependent on external factors but is intrinsic to the atman's nature.
Liberation is described as the restoration of the atman to its original state
of bliss.
No Transformation, Just Recognition: Advaita emphasizes that
the atman does not undergo any transformation or change during the process of
liberation. Instead, it involves the removal of ignorance to recognize the
eternal and infinite nature of the atman.
In summary, Advaita Vedanta teaches that the atman is not a
separate entity but is fundamentally one with Brahman. Liberation is the
realization of this truth, leading to a state of eternal bliss and the end of
the cycle of birth and death.