Hindu views on atman and Brahman
There are two different ideas within Hinduism about how atmanThe essence of a being. Can refer to body, mind or soul, depending on context, but usually indicates the soul that is reborn. and BrahmanIn Hindu belief, the absolute reality that is the true essence of all existence, God. are connected.
Advaita VedantaA school of Hinduism with its roots in the Vedas and Upanishads. It is based on monism, which is belief that God and the universe are the same thing. Hindus are monismFrom the Greek ‘mono’, meaning ‘one’. The belief that reality consists of one fundamental, ultimate essence or substance. In monism, everything is ultimately one thing. Therefore, monists believe that God and the universe are the same thing.. They see the soul as one with God in every way. All the gods and goddesses are just appearances, representing aspects of Brahman, which is impersonal. In this view, Brahman is NirgunaBrahman can be known as Nirguna, a being without form or shape that has always existed. (without qualities).
Dvaita VedantaA school of Hindu thought with its roots in the Vedas and Upanishads. It is based on dualism, which is the belief that reality consists of two elements – the physical and the spiritual. Hindus are dualistsThe belief that reality consists of two elements – the physical and the spiritual. Dualisms see the soul as separate from God.. They see a separation between atman and Brahman. These Hindus usually see different aspects of the Ultimate RealityHindus believe that Brahman is the Ultimate Reality – the source of all life in the universe and the basis of all reality and existence. Brahman is uncreated, infinite and all-embracing. in the various gods and goddesses. In this view, Brahman is SagunaBrahman can be known as Saguna, which means that Brahman exists with form and shape and so can be seen. (with qualities such as personality and form).
