Atman

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Atman

Usually translated "Soul" but better rendered "Self." In the Hindu religion, Atman means the union of the collective human soul with God (Brahma), eventually merged in the absolute totality of Brahman. It is believed that the soul is neither body nor mind, nor even thought, but that these are merely conditions by which the soul is clouded so that it loses its sense of oneness with God. In the Upanishads it is said, "The Self, smaller than small, greater than great, is hidden in the heart of the creature" and "In the beginning there was Self."

Sources:

Davis, Roy Eugene. The Path of Soul Liberation. Lakemont, Ga.: CSA Press, 1975.

Mishra, Shri Ramamurti. Self Analysis and Self Knowledge. Lakemont, Ga.: CSA Press, 1977.

Prabhavananda, Swami, with Frederick Manchester. The Spiritual Heritage of India. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1963.

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