Atma-Paramatma — fundamental Hindu philosophy. Atma = individual consciousness. Paramatma = omnipresent Brahman. Both essentially one.
Upanishad: "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou art That). Self-realization = Paramatma realization.
✦ Nature of Atma
Immortal: no birth no death.
Indestructible: unaffected by weapons-fire-water-air.
Subtlest: smaller than atom.
Omnipresent: in all beings.
Witness: karma-witness, not doer.
Beginningless-endless.
Gita 2.20-25 described.
✦ Nature of Paramatma
Omnipresent: everywhere.
Omniscient: all-knowing.
Omnipotent.
Cause of all causes.
Beyond gunas: above 3 gunas.
Both nirgun-nirakar + sagun-sakar.
✦ Atma-Paramatma Relation
Advaita (Shankara): one and same. Maya makes them appear different.
Vishishtadvaita (Ramanuja): one but atma is paramatma's part.
Dvaita (Madhva): separate. Atma servant, paramatma master.
Dvaitadvaita: middle position.
All Vedanta schools.
✦ Path to Experience
Dhyana yoga.
Karma yoga.
Bhakti yoga.
Jnana yoga.
Guru-grace.
Samadhi state.
Jivan-mukta: liberated while embodied.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
How many atmas?▼
Advaita: one (maya-difference). Dvaita: infinite. Vishishtadvaita: infinite but linked to Brahman.
After death?▼
Gita: new body. Per karma. Moksha = one with paramatma.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.