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Hinduism: Beliefs and Teachings

Atman, the eternal self

  • 3 things to know
  • Component Group 1

Overview

Bhagavad Gita II 22 on death, Uddalaka's teaching to Svetaketu and the salt dissolved in water, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad III.7, Advaita, Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita views, and the yogas as routes to liberation.

What you need to know

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Key term

What do Hindus mean by the atman?

Key term

How does Bhagavad Gita II 22 describe what happens to the atman at death?

Key term

Why do Hindus teach that the atman is the part of a person liberated from samsara?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What do Hindus mean by the atman?

    Model answer

    The atman is the eternal self or soul within every living being. The atman is never born and never dies.

  2. 2

    How does Bhagavad Gita II 22 describe what happens to the atman at death?

    Model answer

    Krishna compares the body to clothing. As a person throws away worn-out clothes for new ones, the atman leaves a worn-out body for a new one.

  3. 3

    Why do Hindus teach that the atman is the part of a person liberated from samsara?

    Model answer

    The body and mind belong to the changing world and perish. The atman alone is eternal, so the atman is what attains moksha.

  4. 4

    What does Uddalaka teach his son Svetaketu in the Chandogya Upanishad?

    Model answer

    Uddalaka teaches that the finest essence in all things is the self. Uddalaka repeatedly concludes "tat tvam asi", meaning "you are that".

  5. 5

    How does Uddalaka use salt dissolved in water to teach Svetaketu about Brahman?

    Model answer

    The salt cannot be seen, yet every sip of the water tastes of it. Brahman likewise cannot be seen but pervades everything, including Svetaketu himself.

  6. 6

    What does Brihadaranyaka Upanishad III.7.15–23 teach about the self?

    Model answer

    Yajnavalkya describes an inner controller dwelling within all beings, the breath, speech, sight and mind. The inner controller is the immortal self, unseen yet the one who sees.

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