Eternal Self

Concept of the Eternal Self

• The concept of the Eternal Self, or Atman, is crucial within Hindu thought. The atman is the individual self.
• According to Hindu beliefs, the atman is eternal and indestructible; it is part of Brahman, the ultimate reality or divine power, and is a form of divine energy.
• The eternal Self is truly knowledgeable, beyond suffering, eternal, absolute and filled with divine bliss, unlike the physical and mental conditions which are filled with ignorance, suffering and impermanence.
• It is believed that the atman is reincarnated from life to life until moksha, or liberation, is achieved.

Connection to Reincarnation and Karma

• The Atman is subject to the law of karma, which means ‘action’ and it determines the nature of one’s rebirths depending on the moral significance of their thoughts, words and deeds.
• Good actions that are in accordance with **dharma** (moral duty or righteousness) will create good karma, resulting in a beneficial rebirth, while bad or sinful actions will lead to negative consequences.
• This continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is known as samsara.
• The goal of a Hindu’s life is to achieve moksha (release) which is the liberation from the cycle of samsara. It is believed that moksha can be achieved through the realisation of the true nature of the Eternal Self.

Atman and Brahman

• The upanishadic principle “That thou art” (Tat Tvam Asi) communicates the realization of the relationship between the Atman (Eternal Self) and the Brahman (Ultimate Reality).
• Brahman is the ultimate reality in the universe according to Hindu beliefs, and atman is part of this ultimate reality.
• For some Hindus, there is no difference between atman and Brahman; the individual self and the ultimate reality are one and the same.
• This realization of oneness leads to moksha, the end of the individual self’s cycle of death and rebirth.