Vedic philosophy introduces two key concepts: Brahman, the ultimate reality, and Atman, the individual self. These ideas form the foundation of ancient Indian thought, shaping beliefs about existence, consciousness, and the nature of reality.

The relationship between Brahman and Atman is central to Upanishadic teachings. Understanding their connection is seen as the path to spiritual liberation, influencing ethical behavior and views on life, death, and the cosmos.

Vedic Concepts of Brahman and Atman

Brahman and Atman concepts

• Brahman embodies ultimate reality or absolute truth in Vedic philosophy transcends all limitations and forms foundation of existence (Upanishads)
• Atman represents individual self or soul constitutes essence of a person persists beyond physical death (Bhagavad Gita)

Brahman-Atman relationship in Upanishads

• Identity principle asserts Atman's ultimate oneness with Brahman encapsulated in Mahavakya "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art)
• Microcosm-macrocosm relationship portrays Atman as miniature reflection of Brahman mirrors cosmic reality within individual
• Realization process aims to recognize Atman-Brahman identity through spiritual practices leads to moksha (liberation) from samsara (cycle of rebirth)

Descriptions of Brahman

• Neti neti (not this, not this) approach emphasizes Brahman's transcendence beyond all attributes and concepts
• Sat-chit-ananda characterizes Brahman as existence (sat), consciousness (chit), and bliss (ananda)
• Nirguna and Saguna Brahman distinguish between attributeless (Nirguna) and attribute-possessing (Saguna) aspects of ultimate reality
• Cosmic principles associate Brahman with fundamental forces prana (vital force) and akasha (space or ether)

Implications of Brahman-Atman identity

• Monistic worldview posits reality as fundamentally non-dual (Advaita) explains apparent diversity as manifestation of underlying unity
• Nature of individual existence distinguishes between empirical self (jiva) and true self (Atman)
• Path to liberation emphasizes knowledge (jnana) as primary means of realization encourages meditation and self-inquiry
• Ethical implications derive from interconnectedness of all beings foster compassion and non-violence (ahimsa)
• Concept of maya explains world as illusion or appearance attributes perception of separation to ignorance (avidya)
• Rebirth and karma theory views cycle of birth and death (samsara) as result of ignorance defines liberation as end of this cycle