Meaning & Origin
Atman refers to the eternal soul or self in Hinduism. It is the inner essence of an individual, often described as the 'real you' or the 'deepest self'.
Spiritual meaning
Symbol of the eternal soul and inner self.
Language details
आत्मन
Self, Soul
आत्मा
आत्मा (Atmā)
ஆத்மன்
ஆத்மன் (Ātman)
ఆద్మన్
ఆద్మన్ (Ādman)
Atman
हिंदू नाव म्हणजे Breath, Soul
Atman
হিন্দু নাম যার অর্থ Breath, Soul
Pronunciation & Numerology
Pronunciation
ah-tman
/ət̪mə/
Lucky number
2
Lucky day
Monday
Lucky colors
Life path
11
Lucky stone
Ruby
Cultural & Spiritual notes
In Hinduism, Atman is not just an abstract concept but an integral part of daily life. The pursuit of understanding, realizing, and fulfilling one's Atman is a continuous process. Many Hindu practices, such as meditation, yoga, and self-study, aim to help individuals connect with their Atman and find inner peace and enlightenment.
The concept of Atman is rooted in the belief that every being has an inherent divinity and a connection to the supreme cosmic consciousness (Brahman). Recognizing and nurturing one's Atman is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling the ultimate goal of human existence, which is transcending the material world and merging with the divine.
Vedic name • Root: Sanskrit/Mythology/Vedic • The concept of आत्मन (Atman) is a fundamental aspect of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, representing the individual soul and the ultimate reality of the universe.
Historical references
The Upanishads, a collection of texts primarily in the form of dialogues between teachers and students, contain the earliest known usage of the term 'Atman'. These texts were composed between 800 BCE and 500 BCE in the Indian subcontinent. In these texts, the Atman is described as the ultimate reality and the true self of every individual.
800 BCE - 500 BCE
According to the Bhagavad Gita, an Indian epic poem and part of the Hindu scripture Mahabharata, the Atman is the eternal, individual soul that exists within every being. It is believed that the Atman is not the body, nor the mind, nor the senses, but rather the consciousness that animates them. This concept is discussed extensively in the Bhagavad Gita, which was most likely composed between 300 BCE and 200 CE.
300 BCE - 200 CE
Notable people with this name
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