What is the Concept of Atman? (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
The Concept of Atman
What is the Atman
The word atman is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘real self’ or ‘inner self’
All living beings in this world have an atman inside of them
All Hindus believe that the real self, the atman, is eternal and made of spirit, Brahman
Some believe that the atman is the same as Brahman, because Brahman is all-powerful and able to be everywhere at the same time
Others believe that the atman contains only part of Brahman, because if it was exactly the same as Brahman then he would not be supreme
Atman, the spirit of vision, is never born and never dies. Before him there was nothing, and his is one for evermore. Never-born and eternal, beyond time gone or to come he does not die when the bodies dies’ (Katha Upanishad 2.18)
Hindus believe that although you cannot physically see or touch the atman, it is present in everyone
To explain Brahman and the atman to his son, Svetaketu, his father asked him to put a lump of salt in water overnight. In the morning, Svetaketu could not find the salt as it had dissolved. The water all tasted salty but could not be seen. His father said, ‘In the same way, O my son, you cannot see the Atman, but in truth is here. Brahman, or the spirit of the whole universe, is like an invisible and subtle essence (Chandogya Upanishad 6.12)
Hindus believe that there is a little part of Brahman in each of us, and that this is what is united with Brahman when Moksha is achieved
Worked Example
Explain two ways in which belief in the atman influences Hindus today
[4 marks]
Answer:
Hindus believe that the atman is eternal and therefore they believe that when they die, the atman lives on and so the way they live their lives influences what happens after death (2 marks)
Hindus believe that the atman is Brahmin meaning that they are more likely to value all life if God is within every living thing (2 marks)
Reasoning:
Two correct reasons with relevant explanation
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The permanent nature of the atman relates to Hindu beliefs about reincarnation, karma and the cycle of samsara
Learn these key terms and how they relate to each other
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