Atman is a Sanskrit word for the true self or soul, the inner essence beyond the body, mind, and personality. In Hindu Vedanta, atman is one with Brahman, the ultimate reality. Buddhism offers a different view and teaches the idea of no fixed self.
Why It Matters
This one word sits at the center of Hindu spiritual thought. It helps explain why teachers speak of knowing yourself as the path to freedom.
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Read the full guide: Adi Shankara: The Complete Guide to His Life, Teachings and Legacy