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Atman is Abraham
The phrase "atman is Brahman" captures the Vedanta school's primary view about ultimate reality and our human relationship to it. The Vedanta school of Hindu thought is one of the largest and most dominant perspectives in Hindu philosophy.
Hinduism is an umbrella concept for 1000+ of various spiritual practices within India.
'Atman is Brahman' is one of the most refine idea within Hinduism and spirituality.
The usual analogy of this idea is that of an iceberg floating in the ocean.
If one see it from a dual perspective, then one see an iceberg and the ocean separately.
If one view from a mono perspective, in term of H2O molecules, then both are the same.
Most Vedantist view Brahman as the universal energy while Atman as a tighter cluster of energy which appear to be apart from the whole energy pack of the universe.
By default humans are born and mature with a consciousness of being separate and independent from everything else and this has survival values but such a state is limited.
From research like team-building one will note when one expand one's consciousness and co-share with the team rather than confine within one self [selfishness] there is synergy [1 + 1 = 3].
What is more critical with reference to a closed-consciousness of an independent self is it triggers terrible psychological anxieties [in terms of subliminal complexes] that raise the question of what will happen after inevitable mortality.
The less refined spiritualities [Abrahamic religions] provided very quick immediate relief [via bullsh:tting, placebo] by giving a promise of eternal life in heaven [virgins thrown in for some].
The more refine spiritualities [main Eastern religions] advance by altering the consciousness state of believers toward merging with the greater reality and thus genuinely resolving the psychological angst.
This alteration and the expansion of one's consciousness must entail real rewiring of brain neurons not by mere intellectual beliefs nor understanding and thus one has to work hard for it. Those who do not opt for such expansion of consciousness can rely on the cruder forms of spirituality, this is why some believers pray to idols and other external rituals.
1. Whilst it is more refined and sophisticated, the Atman-is-Brahman idea differ paradigmatically from the Buddhist's No_Atman-No_Brahman [anatman-anicca] philosophical idea and practices.
The limitation of the Atman-is-Brahman is that it leaves room for a consciousness to be attached to a residual element and thus a small possibility of psychological angst.
2. The Buddhist No_Atman-No_Brahman focus on the NOW and thus no possible trace of elements that could evoke psychological angst.
The choice between 1 and 2 is at the discretion of the individual.
Last edited by Continuum; 07-12-2015 at 03:08 AM..
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