Understanding Atman and Brahman: The Heart of Hindu Philosophy and Spiritual Practices

In the rich tapestry of Hindu philosophy, Atman and Brahman occupy central roles. These concepts are essential in understanding the profound spiritual teachings that underpin Hinduism and other related traditions. Let's delve into what Atman and Brahman mean, their interrelationship, and how they are perceived in different spiritual contexts.

Defining Brahman/Brahm

Brahman, often spelled Brahm, is a fundamental concept in Hinduism. It can be understood as the unmanifest or most condensed form of the cosmos. This term is synonymous with the ultimate reality that pervades all existence. Brahman is often described as formless and infinite, containing the entire cosmos in an unmanifest state. Just as a seed contains the potentiality of a whole tree, Brahman contains all manifestations of the universe.

Brahman is not to be confused with the idea of emptiness. Instead, it is the ultimate ground of all being and the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. From this unmanifest form, matter and spirit manifest, giving rise to the vast and boundless cosmos that we experience. This process of manifestation is continuous and cyclic, with the cosmos eventually returning to the unmanifest state in a cyclical fashion.

The Significance of Atman

Atman, on the other hand, refers to the essence or true self of an individual. In spiritual traditions such as Advaita nonduality, the path of knowledge, it is taught that Atman is identical to Brahman. This means that the true nature of the individual self is one with the ultimate reality of the universe.

Just as a sophisticated machine is useless without electricity, the material cosmos is devoid of value without Atman. Atman is the source of all experiencing, consciousness, and awareness. Without Atman, the material world lacks the essential spark of life and understanding.

The Concept of Turiya

Turiya refers to a state of consciousness that is beyond the three ordinary states of wakefulness, dreaming, and deep sleep. In many spiritual traditions, Turiya is understood to be the 4th state, but it is more accurately described as the background state that is always present, constant, and beyond the fluctuations of the other three states.

Turiya can also be equated with Brahman. This state of consciousness is not a fourth state but a deeper understanding of the underlying reality. It is through spiritual practices such as self-inquiry and meditation that one can experience this state, revealing the true nature of oneself.

Interpreting Advaita Nonduality

Advaita nonduality, also known as the path of knowledge, posits that the one and only Atman or Brahman is the ultimate reality. This reality is described as:

Eternal and timeless Infinite and dimensionless Indivisible and whole Innately peaceful and absolutely fulfilled Without qualities, form, beginning, or end Absent of actions, vibrations, or will Aware of itself without any medium

This supreme reality has the inherent power to project different minds, through which it experiences itself. Minds, bodies, and other known or unknown objects, including time and space, are ultimately manifestations of this one and only Atman or Brahman. It is as if there is a mirror projection where the true self (Atman) is watching the movie of the universe.

The Role of Spiritual Practices

Because of past conditioning, the mind may not recognize its true nature. This false identification with a finite self leads to feelings of lack, incompleteness, discontent, and insecurity. Spiritual practices such as self-inquiry, contemplation, and abidance are aimed at dispelling this apparent ignorance.

By consistently engaging in these practices, the false belief in a separate self can be neutralized. This neutralization leads to a recognition of one's true nature as the one and only Atman or Brahman. Once this recognition is made, one can experience a state of inherent peace and fulfillment. This state is not an event in time and space but a continuous recognition of oneself by being oneself.

This understanding is a birthright for every individual, inherent in the very nature of one’s existence. It is not dependent on external events or experiences but is a recognition of the intrinsic nature of one's being.