In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, many people suppress their quest for a more profound sense of self and inner silence. With day-to-day demands and chaos, the purpose of inner peace has become increasingly important. This journey involves exploring the profound depths within, seeking serenity, and embracing spiritual growth.
Defining Atman
At the heart of many spiritual traditions lies the concept of “Atman,” which signifies the individual soul or self. The Atman is the eternal and unchanging essence of every living being, and it is a reflection of its creator. Although the body is born and dies, the soul is immortal, understandable, and primaeval. Focusing the mind on the soul, rather than the five sense organs, involves transcending the superficial layers of everyday life to tap into an infinite well of wisdom, love, and purpose. It is a journey of self-discovery that goes beyond the external roles you play and connects you to the essence of your being, filled with light and joy.
Atman is distinct from the physical body, mind, and emotions, representing the true self that transcends the limitations of the material world. The Upanishads, ancient Indian scriptures, extensively discuss the nature of Atman and its relationship with the ultimate reality, Paramatman.
Nature of Being
In every experience, you can discover a capacity or aspect of your soul, revealing your true nature as Being. Life often appears as dualities or opposites, but upon closer examination, these apparent opposites reveal themselves as varying degrees of a singular entity.
For example, the absence of light is known as darkness. No entity is called “darkons”; darkness is simply the lack of light. Similarly, the fundamental reality is the existence of your true nature, brimming with joy and love. There is a relative scarcity of happiness and love when you encounter sadness or fear. Your experiences are not polarities but varying expressions of the same essence, just as darkness is the absence of light. Understanding that your true nature is abundant joy and love reframes your perceptions of sorrow or fear, recognising them as mere fluctuations in the continuum of happiness and love.
The realisation of this consciousness is known as self-realisation. During these moments, you recognise that you extend beyond your past, image, or perceived outer identity (ego). Irrespective of the name you use to refer to the supreme being – whether it is God, Spirit, Jahve, Allah, Shiva, or any other term that aligns with your beliefs – those moments of perfectness you encounter uncover a particular aspect of yourself that is you can’t express through language. This higher “self” permanently resides within you and can emerge and be recognised through the proper practice. This infinite, formless and indestructible part of you is known as your Atman.
