What Is the Meaning of Atma?
"Atma," or more properly "atman," is an important concept in Hinduism. Though not emphasized in early Hindu literature, its meaning gradually developed. India gave birth to the concept, but the idea of atman has taken root in other lands.
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Grammatical Information
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"Atma" is a form of the Sanskrit word "atman." Sanskrit words can be masculine, feminine or neuter. Atma is a masculine word. Sanskrit forms can be either singular, dual or plural. Atma is singular. Sanskrit has eight cases that show the relationship of a given word to the rest of the sentence. The case of atma is nominative, which means that it can be used either as the subject of a sentence or of a clause or as a predicate nominative, according to "A Sanskrit Manual for High Schools."
Etymology and Definition
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Probable etymology traces atman back to an Indo-European word that denotes the process of breathing, according to "A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature." The basic definition of the Sanskrit word atman is "self," according to "A Sanskrit Manual for High Schools." Others define it as the spirit or soul, according to the Mimi website.
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The Concept's Origin
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The Upanishads are writings that supplement the Vedas, the principal sacred texts of the Hindus. These Upanishads began to explain the meaning of atman. The concept was fully developed in an Indian classic called the "Bhagavad Gita," according to the Hindu website.
Hindu Theological Emphases
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One branch of Hindu thought does not distinguish between God (Brahma) and the world. In this school of thought, the individual soul (atman) is identical to the world soul. Another branch of Hindu thought distinguishes sharply between Brahma and the world. According to this theology, the individual soul is distinct from the world soul. On the other hand, Buddhism does not agree with either branch of Hindu thought. Buddhists believe that all worldly phenomena, including the human soul, are illusions, according to the Hindu website.
An Important Application
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In yoga, the concept of atman merges with an introspective meditation. It comes to mean an understanding or knowledge of one's inner self, according to Mimi and Atman Yoga.
Geographical Notes
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The concept atman is most meaningful in India, where it has rooted itself deeply in traditional culture. But Hinduism spread to other areas, such Burma and Bali, and wherever Hinduism established itself, the people grew to cherish the concept of atman. Hindu laborers brought the concept to such places as Latin America and various islands of the Pacific. And thanks to the popularity of yoga, the concept has reached the United States and elsewhere.
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