What is Atman? An answer from the Bhagavad Gita

myNachiketa
Jul 30
3 min read

Have you ever wondered who you truly are? Not just your name, or your looks, but the very essence of you? In the exciting adventure of life, we sometimes forget to explore this fundamental question. This is where the concept of Atman comes in. In the ancient text known as the Bhagavad Gita, we learn about Atman as the eternal spirit or soul, which is our true self, far beyond our physical bodies.

What is Atman?

Atman can be imagined as a shining light inside of you. Just like a beautiful car may have a fantastic engine that makes it run smoothly, our bodies are like that car, while the Atman is the engine that drives us. It’s the core of our being that keeps us alive and makes us who we are!

Let’s learn some shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita, which explain the unique qualities of the Atman.

नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावक: |

न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुत: || 23||

Nainam chhindanti shastrani nainam dahati pavakah

Na chainam kledayanti apo na shoshayati marutah

This beautiful verse means that the Atman cannot be cut by weapons, burned by fire, wet by water, or dried by wind. Just imagine how strong and powerful that makes your true self! Atman is like an everlasting flame that continues to shine, no matter what happens. वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय नवानि गृह्णाति नरोऽपराणि

तथा शरीराणि विहाय जीर्णानि न्यन्यानि संयाति नवानि देही || 22||

Vasansi jirnani yatha vihaya Navani grhnati naro 'parani

Tatha sharirani vihaya jirnani Anyani samyati navani dehi

This suggests that just as we discard old clothes for new ones, our Atman leaves old bodies and takes up new ones. Think of it like a video game character that changes costumes or levels. The spirit behind the character is still the same, continuing to grow and learn through different adventures! This idea teaches us that every change in life leads to new beginnings and opportunities because our Atman keeps moving forward.

A story to learn more about Atman

It was Fancy Dress Day at Divya’s school. She came dressed as a butterfly, Kabir as a police officer, and Meera as a doctor. The children had fun performing on stage in their colourful outfits.

After the show, their teacher, Ms. Isha, asked, “Did wearing these costumes change who you are?”

“No!” the kids laughed.

“Exactly,” said Ms. Isha. “You wore different costumes, but you stayed the same inside. Our body is like a costume, and our Atman—our true self—wears it to experience life.”

Divya asked, “So what happens when we grow old?”

Ms. Isha replied, “Just like you change clothes, the Atman leaves old bodies and takes new ones. It cannot be cut, burned, or destroyed.”

The children listened quietly, thinking deeply.

As they left the classroom, Divya said to Kabir, “We’re more than what we wear or look like. There’s a light inside us—always shining.”

What Does Atman Teach Us?

To know Atman is to look beyond just appearances and understand the deeper essence of ourselves and everyone around us. It teaches us that we should be kind, loving, and caring because deep inside, we are all connected—we all have the same light from God inside us.

Now, you might ask, "How can I learn more about my Atman?" This is where self-enquiry comes into play! Try asking yourself questions like:

What makes me happy?
Why do I feel sad sometimes?
What are my likes and dislikes?

By asking these questions, you begin a journey of discovering your true self beyond the surface.

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Conclusion: Embracing Our Atman

In conclusion, the concept of Atman teaches us vital values about who we are and how we relate to the world. By recognising that our true nature is unbreakable and eternal, we can approach life with a sense of peace and purpose. As you go through your day, remember to reflect on your Atman. Encourage yourself to explore it, asking the big questions and discovering the wonders inside you! Through understanding Atman, we can nurture kindness and build a better world together.

So, dear readers, the next time you look in the mirror, remember that there is a shining light within you, your true self—your Atman! Keep discovering, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep shining bright!