Atman and Brahman

By Santosh Chaudhary , M.Sc (Physics) Nalanda Open University   According to some Hindu traditions, such as Samkhya and Yoga, there is a concept of subtle body ( Sukshma Sharira ) that is distinct from the physical body ( Sthula Sharira ) and the Atman . The subtle body is composed of mind ( Manas ), intellect ( Buddhi ), ego ( Ahamkara ), and vital energy ( Prana ). The subtle body is the carrier of impressions ( Samskaras ) and desires ( Vasanas ) that are accumulated from one's actions ( Karma ) in previous lives. The subtle body is also the vehicle of transmigration, as it moves from one physical body to another after death, until it is purified and liberated by the grace of God or by self-realization. Some Hindu traditions, such as Advaita Vedanta, reject the idea of a separate subtle body, and instead regard the mind, intellect, ego, and vital energy as modifications or projections of the atman. According to this view, the atman itself is not affected by any impressions or de...

  By Santosh Chaudhary , M.Sc (Physics) Nalanda Open University   According to Hinduism, the atman or the soul is the eternal and unchanging essence of a living being. The atman carries the impressions (samskaras) of one's actions (karma) from one life to another. These impressions determine the nature and quality of the next body that the atman will inhabit. The process of reincarnation (samsara) is driven by the atman's desire for material enjoyment and liberation from suffering. There are different views on how the atman transfers from one body to another. Some Hindu schools believe that the atman leaves the body at the time of death and travels to a subtle or astral plane, where it awaits for a suitable new body. Other schools believe that the atman directly enters a new body without any intermediate state. Some schools also believe that the atman is accompanied by a subtle body ( sukshma sharira ) that contains the mind, intelligence and ego. The subtle body carries th...