Definition
In several Hindu traditions, the person's deep self or principle, whose nature and relationship to the absolute vary according to the schools.
For Advaita, the ātman is ultimately identical to the brahman; for other Vedānta, the self remains distinct or dependent on God. Critical Buddhism the idea of a permanent ātman with the teaching of dāanattā.
To be retained
- Distinguish the schools of Vedānta
- Avoid automatic equivalence with soul or ego
- Compare with anattā without simplifying
- Separate metaphysical and neuroscience
Origin of the term and context
Why does it matter?
- Distinguish the schools of Vedānta
- Avoid automatic equivalence with soul or ego
- Compare with anattā without simplifying
- Separate metaphysical and neuroscience
How can it be explored or practised?
- Read an Upani
- Identify what is involved in the role, memory and consciousness
- Compare Advaita and Dvaita
- Do not use "true self" to disqualify emotions
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Hinduisms do not share a single doctrine of self.
- L-ātman is not the "higher self" of marketing.
- An experiment of unity does not cut off metaphysical debate.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Advaita: ultimate identity of the man and the brahman.
- Viśi的ādvaita: real self dependent on personal absolute.
- Buddhism: a critique of all self permanent and independent.
To go further
- Upanisad — a commentary on the translation
- A Sourcebook in Indian Philosophy — Radhakrishnan and Moore