The statement – death is an experience, not of the Atman, but of the body – encapsulates a fundamental teaching within Hinduism regarding the nature of death. In Hindu philosophy, the concept of the "atman" refers to the individual soul or self, which is believed to be eternal and transcendent of the physical body.
According to Hindu teachings, the concept of
"atman" is fundamental to understanding the nature of the self and
its relationship to the body. Atman is often translated as "soul" or
"self" and is believed to be distinct from the physical body. Unlike
the body, which is considered temporary and subject to birth, death, and decay,
the atman is eternal and unchanging.
In Hindu philosophy, the body is seen as merely a vessel or
temporary dwelling for the atman during its journey through the cycle of birth,
death, and rebirth (samsara). When a person dies, it is the physical body that
undergoes cessation and eventual dissolution, returning to the elements from
which it arose. However, the atman, being eternal and beyond the realm of
physical existence, is believed to transcend death and continue its journey,
possibly being reborn into another body in accordance with the principles of
karma.
The idea of the atman being distinct from the body
underscores the concept of moksha, or liberation, which is the ultimate goal in
Hindu spirituality. Moksha is attained when one realizes the true nature of the
atman and breaks free from the cycle of samsara, thereby achieving union with
the divine (Brahman).
Throughout various Hindu texts and traditions, the
understanding of the atman and its relationship to the body varies, but the
central theme remains consistent: the atman is eternal and transcendent, while
the body is impermanent and subject to change. This understanding shapes Hindu
views on life, death, and the ultimate purpose of existence.
Hinduism posits that the atman undergoes a continuous cycle
of birth and rebirth, known as samsara, guided by the law of karma. Karma
dictates that the actions and intentions of an individual in one life influence
their circumstances and experiences in future lives. Through this cycle of
reincarnation, the atman accumulates experiences and spiritual growth until it
achieves liberation, known as moksha, from the cycle of samsara.
Therefore, from a Hindu perspective, death is viewed as an
experience of the physical body, marking the transition of the individual from
one life to another, rather than a termination of the atman's existence. This
understanding of death underscores the belief in the eternal nature of the
atman and the transient nature of the physical body in the cycle of life and
rebirth.