In Hinduism, “Brahman” is the ultimate, supreme, and unchanging reality that underlies and pervades the entire universe. It is the absolute, formless, and infinite principle that transcends all distinctions, including time, space, and individuality.
Key aspects of Brahman in Hinduism include:
- Ultimate Reality: Brahman is considered the highest and most fundamental reality in Hindu philosophy. It is described as the source and essence of everything that exists, both manifest and unmanifest.
- Formless and Transcendent: Brahman is beyond attributes, forms, and limitations. It is formless, infinite, and incomprehensible by the human mind. It cannot be fully described or understood through ordinary perception or intellect.
- Immanence and Transcendence: While Brahman is transcendent and beyond the physical realm, it is also immanent within everything in the universe. It is present in all beings and objects, permeating the entire cosmos.
- Unity of Existence: Brahman is the underlying unity behind the apparent diversity of the world. Despite the multiplicity of forms and beings, Brahman is the unifying force that connects everything in existence.
- Manifestations and Forms: Brahman is believed to manifest in various forms and aspects. Deities worshipped in Hinduism, such as Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), Shiva (the destroyer), and various goddesses, are considered manifestations or aspects of Brahman.
- Individual Self (Atman) and Brahman: Hindu philosophy teaches that the individual soul (atman) is essentially identical to Brahman. Each individual’s true essence, the atman, is not separate from the universal consciousness, Brahman. Realizing this unity between atman and Brahman is a central goal in Hindu spirituality.
- Pathways to Realization: Hindu scriptures and teachings offer different spiritual paths (yogas) to realize the unity with Brahman, including devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), meditation (dhyana), and selfless action (karma).
Brahman is a foundational concept in Hinduism, representing the highest truth and the underlying reality of the cosmos. Understanding Brahman involves transcending worldly limitations and realizing the unity of all existence, leading to spiritual awakening and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) towards ultimate union with the divine.