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Brahman- The Ultimate Reality

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Overview

Brahman is a concept in Hinduism that refers to the ultimate reality or the absolute truth that underlies all existence. It is described as an unchanging, eternal, and infinite being that transcends time, space, and causality. Brahman is considered to be the source and foundation of everything that exists in the universe, including all living beings, matter, and energy.

History & Significance

The concept of Brahman has its roots in the ancient Vedic texts of India, particularly in the Upanishads, which were composed between 800 BCE and 500 BCE. The Upanishads describe Brahman as the underlying reality that is beyond the reach of ordinary perception and knowledge. The concept of Brahman evolved over time and became central to Hindu philosophy, particularly in the schools of Vedanta.

Brahman is a fundamental concept in Hinduism and is considered to be the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. The realization of Brahman is seen as the highest attainment of human life and is said to bring about liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death. The path to realizing Brahman is through spiritual disciplines such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion.

Connected Topics

Brahman is connected to various other concepts and practices in Hinduism.

Atman

Atman

The individual self that is identical to Brahman.

Maya

Maya

The illusion of the phenomenal world that veils the true nature of Brahman.

Yoga

Yoga

The spiritual discipline that aims to realize the unity of Brahman and the individual self.

Bhakti

Bhakti

The devotional practice that seeks to attain union with Brahman through love and devotion.

Quotes

Quotes on Brahman

"Brahman is the only truth, the world is unreal, and there is ultimately no difference between Brahman and the individual self."

- Adi Shankara

"Brahman is without attributes and beyond description. It can only be realized through direct experience."

- Ramakrishna

"The true nature of Brahman can never be fully grasped by the mind or words, only by direct realization."

- Swami Vivekananda

Types and Definition

There are different ways of understanding and defining Brahman in Hindu philosophy.

The ultimate reality

The ultimate reality

Brahman is the ultimate reality that is beyond all distinctions and dualities.

The Sustainer

The Sustainer

Brahman is the source and sustainer of all things, both manifest and unmanifest.

The supreme consciousness

The supreme consciousness

Brahman is the ground of being that underlies all experience and consciousness.

The supreme self

The supreme self

Brahman is the supreme self that dwells within all beings and is identical to the Atman (the individual self).

What is Brahman?

Get detailed information on Brahman- The ultimate reality.

Mentioned in Books

Mentioned in Books

Brahman is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras. The Upanishads, in particular, contain numerous discussions and teachings on Brahman.

FAQs

FAQs

Q: Is Brahman a personal God? 
A: Brahman is not a personal God in the traditional sense, as it is beyond all distinctions and dualities.

Q: Can Brahman be realized through intellectual understanding? 
A: Intellectual understanding is a necessary but not sufficient condition for realizing Brahman. It requires direct experience through spiritual practice.

Related Deities

In Hinduism, Brahman is sometimes identified with the deity Brahma, who is considered to be the creator of the universe. However, Brahman is also seen as transcending all deities and forms of worship.

References

The Principal Upanishads

The Principal Upanishads

Radhakrishnan, S. (1995). The Principal Upanishads. HarperCollins Publishers India.

Brahma Sutras.

Brahma Sutras.

Sivananda, S. (2005). Brahma Sutras. The Divine Life Society.

Conclusion

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brahman is a fundamental concept in Hinduism that represents the ultimate reality and source of all existence. Its complexity and multifaceted nature have inspired seekers of truth and wisdom for thousands of years, and continue to do so today.

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