Brahman — supreme reality of Hindu philosophy. Nirgun, nirakar, infinite, omnipresent. Main topic of Upanishads.
"Brahman" means: vast, expanded. Root "Brih" (to grow). Subject of 4 Mahavakyas.
✦ Nature of Brahman
Sat-Chit-Ananda.
Sat: eternal existence.
Chit: consciousness.
Ananda: supreme bliss.
Nirgun: beyond 3 gunas.
Nirakar: form-less.
Neti-Neti: "not this, not this" — definition impossible.
✦ 2 Types
1. Nirgun Brahman: form-quality-less. Upanishad-described. For meditation.
2. Sagun Brahman (Ishvara): with form. For worship. Vishnu, Shiva, Devi.
Both two dimensions of same Brahman.
Devotee starts with sagun, reaches nirgun.
✦ 4 Mahavakyas
1. Tat Tvam Asi (Chandogya): "Thou art That" — Atma = Brahman.
2. Aham Brahmasmi (Brihadaranyaka): "I am Brahman".
3. Prajnanam Brahma (Aitareya): "Consciousness is Brahman".
4. Ayam Atma Brahma (Mandukya): "This Self is Brahman".
Main of 4 Shankaracharya mathas.
✦ Realization
Jnana yoga: shravan → manan → nididhyasan.
3 stages: hearing, contemplation, meditation.
Guru-shishya tradition.
Samadhi state.
Moksha = Brahman state.
Jivan-mukta.
📚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
Brahman and Lord Ram/Krishna?▼
Sagun Brahman = Ram/Krishna/Shiva. Nirgun Brahman = supreme reality. Same with two views.
How to experience Brahman?▼
Deep dhyana, guru-grace, virtues, service-charity. Many lives of effort possible.
🔗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.