Atman

In Hinduism, Atman is one of the most basic concepts. Atman is a Sanskrit word that refers to the universal self, identical with the eternal core of the personality that after death either transmigrates or reincarnation to a new life or attains release (moksha) from the bonds of existence. The first known mention of atman is in the Rig Veda, the oldest texts. Atman is also a major topic in the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita.

There are six major schools of Hinduism such as Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta. Although all six stresses the importance of atman and interprets slightly differently, but generally it is known to be: –

• Separate from ego or personality;
• Unchanging and unaffected by events;
• The true nature or essence of oneself; and
• Divine and pure.

Atman is eternal and imperishable, distinct from the physical body, mind and consciousness. Atman is within all living being, however some individual does not recognize this true self due to ignorance or illusion (Maya).

One of a simple way to understand about atman can be referred in Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2) where Arjuna asked Lord Krishna how could he strike people such as Bheeshma, Drona and sons of Dhritaraasthra with arrows in Kurukshetra. Here is where Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna in such a beautiful way which can be summarised as atman is unborn, eternal, permanent and indestructible. It is not destroyed when the body is destroyed. Like how a person puts new clothes once discarding the old ones, similarly atman acquires new bodies after casting away the old bodies. Therefore, there is no reason to grieve as there was never a time all the living beings and living things did not exist or shall we ever cease to exist in the future.

Atman is in every living being which acquire a childhood body, adult body and old age body during this life. As such atman also acquire another body after death. Therefore, why one should grieve when the body dies since atman still exist and permanent. However, when atman obtained a new body, the previous life memories are not brought to the new body for an ordinary human being. Just imagine if all the memories of previous life were carried on to the new body, the new body cannot accept it and possibility one can go insane. Despite of that, it is believed that one should not do anything against the nature.

In addition to that, one can use their inner strength to calm atman and destroy their enemy which is difficult to defeat in the form of desire. The ultimate goal of many spiritual practices including yoga is the achievement of atman. Yoga helps the practitioners to show service to Supreme. It also unites the practitioners to attain moksha, in which the atman becomes one with Supreme or Brahman.

A yogi who is entirely in touch with his/her spiritual side deeply connected to atman. To the truly enlightenment, moksha is the main goal. When this is accomplished, the cycle of reincarnation or transmigrate will end as the atman unites with the Supreme (Brahman).

In conclusion, atman is the ultimate goal of human life. While people struggle and strive in the mortal world with unfulfilled desires, a few manage to achieve the almost impossible dream of knowing who they are and the world worship them.

By S. THILAGAVATHY,

YIC 13, SAKTHI SCHOOL OF YOGA