What is "atmane"?

Atman, also known as Atmane in some Eastern philosophies, is a crucial concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Atman can be understood as the inner self or soul, which is believed to be eternal and unchanging. It is often described as the true self, the essence of an individual that transcends the physical body and mind.

In Hinduism, the concept of Atman is central to the understanding of the self and the universe. According to Hindu philosophy, Atman is the ultimate reality, the underlying essence of all living beings. It is believed to be eternal, unchanging, and interconnected with the divine or the universal consciousness, known as Brahman. The Upanishads, ancient Hindu scriptures, describe Atman as the innermost essence of an individual, which is beyond the limitations of the physical body and mind. It is the source of consciousness, awareness, and existence.

In Buddhism, the concept of Atman is viewed differently. In contrast to Hinduism, Buddhism rejects the idea of a permanent, unchanging self or soul. The Buddha taught that all phenomena are impermanent and devoid of a permanent self. This concept is known as Anatta, which means non-self. According to Buddhist philosophy, the belief in a permanent self leads to attachment, suffering, and ignorance. Instead of identifying with a fixed self or soul, Buddhists emphasize the impermanent and interconnected nature of all phenomena. The goal of Buddhist practice is to realize the true nature of reality, which is characterized by impermanence, suffering, and non-self.

In Jainism, the concept of Atman is also central to the understanding of the self and the universe. Jains believe in the existence of a permanent, unchanging soul or self, known as Jiva. However, unlike Hinduism, Jains do not equate the soul with the divine or the universal consciousness. Instead, they believe that each individual soul is distinct and independent. Jains emphasize the importance of self-realization, self-discipline, and spiritual purity in order to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The concept of Atman has profound implications for understanding the nature of reality, the purpose of life, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. It raises fundamental questions about the nature of consciousness, identity, and existence. It challenges us to explore the depths of our inner being, to unravel the mysteries of our true self, and to realize our interconnectedness with all living beings.

One of the key teachings of Atman is the idea of unity in diversity. Despite the apparent differences among individuals, cultures, and religions, Atman reminds us of our common humanity, our shared essence, and our interconnectedness with all living beings. It encourages us to transcend the boundaries of ego, nationality, and religion, and to cultivate a sense of compassion, empathy, and unity with all beings.

In contemporary times, the concept of Atman continues to inspire and influence people from various cultural and religious backgrounds. It has been a source of inspiration for artists, philosophers, scientists, and spiritual seekers. It has inspired countless works of art, literature, music, and philosophy that explore the nature of the self, consciousness, and existence.

For example, the concept of Atman has been a central theme in the works of famous Indian philosophers such as Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, and Jiddu Krishnamurti. These thinkers have explored the nature of the self, the mind, and consciousness from a spiritual, philosophical, and psychological perspective. They have emphasized the importance of self-realization, self-awareness, and self-transformation in order to attain spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.

In the field of psychology, the concept of Atman has also influenced the development of theories of self-identity, self-awareness, and self-actualization. Psychologists such as Carl Jung, Abraham Maslow, and Ken Wilber have drawn upon Eastern philosophies, including the concept of Atman, to explore the depths of the human psyche, the nature of consciousness, and the process of personal growth and transformation.

Moreover, the concept of Atman has also inspired contemporary spiritual teachers, mindfulness practitioners, and meditation instructors to explore the nature of the self, the mind, and consciousness in order to cultivate inner peace, mindfulness, and self-realization. Practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are based on the principles of self-awareness, self-transformation, and self-realization, which are rooted in the concept of Atman.

In conclusion, the concept of Atman is a profound and timeless teaching that invites us to explore the depths of our inner being, to realize the interconnectedness of all life, and to awaken to the true nature of reality. It challenges us to transcend the limitations of the ego, to embrace the diversity of existence, and to cultivate a sense of unity, compassion, and harmony with all beings. By exploring the teachings of Atman, we can deepen our understanding of the self, consciousness, and existence, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-transformation, and spiritual enlightenment.