The Essence of Hindu Philosophy: Brahman, Atman and Ishvara
Hindu philosophy is deeply rooted in understanding the interconnectedness of the universe, and three key concepts form the core of this wisdom: Brahman, Atman, and Ishvara. These concepts are not just theories but practical ways to attain a higher level of consciousness and align oneself with the universal order.
Brahman: The Supreme Reality
Brahman refers to the supreme reality that permeates the entire universe. For Hindus, Brahman is the ultimate reality, the essence of existence, and everything that is. Brahman is often personified as the creative force that brings forth the universe and all its creatures.
Atman: The True Self within
Atman signifies the individual soul or self within every living being. According to Hindu philosophy, Atman is the eternal, unchanging part of each individual that remains constant even as the body and mind change. The goal of spiritual practice is to realize the oneness of Atman with Brahman, achieving a state of enlightenment or moksha.
Ishvara: The Personalized Supreme Being
Ishvara is a form of Brahman that is personal and approachable. In the context of Hindu tradition, Ishvara often refers to Lord Shiva or other manifestations such as Vishnu. Ishvara is the deity that represents the creative and destructive powers of the universe, and is worshipped as a means to connect with the ultimate reality.
Path to Unity with the Universe
The journey towards realizing the oneness with Brahman involves multiple spiritual practices. One of the key practices is meditation, which helps in awakening the power of the top chakra (ajna chakra) located in the forehead. This helps in aligning oneself with the universal consciousness, broadening the outlook, and elevating the level of thinking.
When one is in tune with the universe, their thoughts become aligned, and the subconscious mind becomes more active. This can lead to improved foresight, clairvoyance, and a well-developed sixth sense. On the other hand, when one is not in tune, the physical mind dominates, and thoughts are centered around basic desires such as food, sex, and money. An enlightened being remains aware of such desires but can prioritize them and keep them in check when necessary.
Aligning with Higher Consciousness
Let us explore the concept of Brahman, Atman, and Ishvara in more detail. Brahman can be seen as the thinking mechanism of the conscious mind, providing a framework for understanding the universal order. Atman, on the other hand, represents the unified power supply of all thoughts in our life. Consciousness is the state of mind where all thoughts are in harmony, reflecting the oneness and interconnectedness of the universe.
Ishvara is essentially a synonym for Brahman, representing a more personalized approach to the ultimate reality. Shiva or other forms of Ishvara are the manifestations of Brahman that Hindus worship. Understanding the similarities and unity among these concepts is crucial, rather than focusing on differences, which is often the approach of materialistic thinking.
The Hindu sages, inspired by deep contemplation and spiritual experience, have left behind numerous scriptures and scriptures. Rig Veda, one of the most revered texts, contains 10600 verses, reflecting the continuous pursuit of understanding the nature of Brahman, Atman, and Ishvara. The essence of Hindu philosophy lies in these ancient teachings and the continuous effort to integrate them into daily life.