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How do Hindu traditions connect atman with brahman?
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Hinduism
Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma (left to right) pay homage to Mahadevi (the great goddess, in white in the form of Saraswati), attended by the elephant-headed deity Ganesha, in a painting dated c. 1750.
In Hindu tradition, the connection between atman (the individual self) and brahman (the ultimate, absolute reality) is a foundational concept, particularly within the Vedanta school of philosophy.12
Atman is considered the eternal core of an individualās personality, while brahman is the infinite, all-embracing principle that serves as the source and foundation of all existence. Hindu thought posits that brahman is present in all things and is, in essence, the self of all living beings.12
The relationship is often expressed through the famous Upanishadic phrase tat tvam asi, meaning "Thou art that," which asserts the fundamental identity between the individual and the Absolute. Various traditions interpret this connection as follows:34
- Identity and Realization: Schools such as Advaita argue that the self is nothing but brahman. Human perception of plurality and separation is viewed as an illusion (maya) caused by ignorance (avidya). Spiritual release (moksha) is achieved when one realizes this inherent identity.41
- Yoga and Meditation: Practices like Yoga are employed to withdraw the senses and focus the mind, aiming to realize the identity of the personal self with the cosmic self.5