In Sanatan Dharma, Brahman (ब्रह्म) is the ultimate, formless, and infinite reality that underlies the entire universe. It is the absolute cosmic principle that transcends all attributes, forms, and limitations. Brahman is considered the source, sustainer, and ultimate goal of existence, and it pervades all of creation. Understanding Brahman is central to the spiritual philosophy of Sanatan Dharma, as it offers a path to realizing the nature of the universe and the true self.
Meaning and Nature of Brahman
The term Brahman is derived from the root “Brih,” which means “to grow,” “to expand,” or “to swell.” This indicates that Brahman is the expansive, all-encompassing reality that is the foundation of the universe. It is beyond the material world and beyond human comprehension, existing independently of time, space, and causality.
Key Characteristics of Brahman:
- Nirguna (Without Attributes): Brahman is beyond any form, quality, or limitations. It is formless and devoid of specific attributes, often described as Nirguna Brahman. It is pure consciousness and the ultimate truth.
- Saguna (With Attributes): Although Brahman itself is formless, it can also be conceptualized with certain divine attributes, often referred to as Saguna Brahman. In this form, Brahman is manifested as a personal deity such as Vishnu, Shiva, or Shakti.
- Infinite and Eternal: Brahman is eternal, changeless, and unfathomable. It is the source and end of everything, the unchanging essence that persists through all creation, sustenance, and destruction.
- Immanent and Transcendent: Brahman is both immanent in everything (pervading all aspects of existence) and transcendent (existing beyond the physical world and all human understanding).
- Unified Source of the Universe: Everything in the universe, both material and immaterial, is an expression of Brahman. It is the underlying unity that connects all living beings, objects, and energies.
The Relationship Between Brahman and Atman
In Sanatan Dharma, the concept of Atman (आत्मा) refers to the individual soul or self, while Brahman is the supreme cosmic soul or reality. The relationship between Brahman and Atman is foundational to understanding the nature of existence.
1. Tat Tvam Asi (That Thou Art)
One of the key teachings from the Upanishads, such as the Chandogya Upanishad, is the famous Mahavakya (great saying), “Tat Tvam Asi,” which translates to “That Thou Art.” This declaration emphasizes that the individual soul (Atman) is ultimately identical with Brahman. While Atman may appear separate due to ignorance (Avidya), the ultimate realization is that Atman and Brahman are one, and the apparent difference between them is due to illusion (Maya).
2. Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman)
Another important saying from the Upanishads is “Aham Brahmasmi,” which translates to “I am Brahman.” This realization comes when one transcends the ego and understands that the true self is identical with the supreme reality. This teaching underlines the idea that the essence of every individual is the same as Brahman, and realizing this unity leads to Moksha (liberation).
Brahman in the Vedas and Upanishads
The Vedas and Upanishads are the primary sources of knowledge about Brahman. The Vedas refer to Brahman as the highest principle of the universe, and the Upanishads provide deep philosophical insights into its nature.
In the Vedas
In the Rigveda, Brahman is mentioned as the supreme, all-encompassing reality. The hymns praise Brahman as the cosmic principle that transcends all creation and pervades everything in the universe. For example, the Purusha Sukta speaks of Brahman as the universal consciousness from which all beings have originated.
In the Upanishads
The Upanishads delve deeper into the nature of Brahman, focusing on its metaphysical and spiritual aspects. They explain that Brahman is beyond human perception and understanding, yet can be realized through self-inquiry, meditation, and spiritual discipline. The famous Upanishadic statements like “Neti Neti” (not this, not this) describe the indescribable nature of Brahman—pointing out that it cannot be grasped by the senses or mind.
Brahman and the Concept of Maya
In Sanatan Dharma, the concept of Maya (illusion) plays a significant role in understanding Brahman. Maya refers to the illusory nature of the physical world, which creates the appearance of separateness and diversity, even though everything is ultimately Brahman. The world we perceive through our senses is not the true reality, but an illusion created by Maya.
Brahman, in its essence, is beyond Maya and is eternal and unchanging. However, due to Maya, beings experience the world of change and duality, leading to a sense of separation from Brahman. The realization that everything is Brahman, and that Maya is a veil obscuring this truth, leads to the liberation of the soul.
Paths to Realize Brahman
There are several spiritual paths outlined in Sanatan Dharma to realize Brahman, each suited to different temperaments and levels of spiritual development. These paths include:
- Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge): This path emphasizes self-inquiry and wisdom. Through deep meditation and study of the scriptures, a seeker comes to the realization of their true nature as Brahman.
- Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): Through devotion to a personal form of the divine (such as Vishnu, Shiva, or Devi), practitioners cultivate love and surrender to the supreme reality, recognizing that their beloved deity is a manifestation of Brahman.
- Karma Yoga (Path of Action): This path involves selfless action performed in accordance with dharma, without attachment to the results. Through this path, one gradually transcends the ego and experiences the oneness with Brahman.
- Raja Yoga (Path of Meditation): This path focuses on meditation and controlling the mind to experience a direct connection with Brahman, leading to self-realization.
Brahman and the Creation of the Universe
According to Sanatan Dharma, Brahman is the source of creation, and the universe emerges from it in a cyclical process. Brahman, in its formless state, manifests the material world through its divine will. The process of creation, preservation, and dissolution occurs in infinite cycles, known as Kalpas. Despite the cycles of creation and dissolution, Brahman remains unchanged, eternal, and beyond all transformations.
Conclusion
Brahman is the eternal, formless, and infinite reality that is the foundation of the entire universe in Sanatan Dharma. It is the ultimate truth that transcends all material existence and forms the essence of all things. Understanding Brahman leads to the realization of one’s own divine nature and brings the individual closer to spiritual liberation, or Moksha. Through practices such as Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga, one can transcend the illusion of separation and realize the unity of Atman (soul) with Brahman, achieving ultimate peace and enlightenment.