What is the ātman, the soul, in Hinduism?

your true self — pure consciousness, unborn and undying; schools differ on how it relates to God.

The ātman is not the body, the mind, the emotions or the personality — all of which change. It is the conscious witness behind them. The Gītā says it is never born and never dies, weapons cannot cut it and fire cannot burn it (2.20, 2.23).

The Vedānta schools agree on this much but differ on its relation to Brahman, the Supreme. Advaita (Śaṅkara) says the ātman is identical with Brahman — “tat tvam asi”, you are That (Chāndogya Upaniṣad 6.8.7) — and individuality is an appearance. Viśiṣṭādvaita (Rāmānuja) says each soul is real and eternal, inseparable from God as the body is from its indweller, yet never God Himself. Dvaita (Madhva) says souls are eternally distinct from God and depend on Him completely.

All agree on the practical point: you are more than your body and your problems. Knowing this brings courage, calm and kindness to others.

Source: Bhagavad Gītā 2.20, 2.23; Chāndogya Upaniṣad 6.8.7 · Advaita · Viśiṣṭādvaita · Dvaita

Dharma Q&A — Jyotiṣa, scriptures & modern life · Ask a Jyotishi your own question