On Hinduism

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Hindus believe that there exists a changeless, all powerful intelligent being called the Brahman (aka God or Bhagavan), which pervades through the entire cosmos. An individual is not just the body and mind. Brahman and Atman exist within each human being. Hindus believe it is possible for the Atman in each individual to reach the Brahman at a higher state of intelligence usually achieved through karma yoga or Bhakti yoga.

Who am I?

I am the Atma (aka Jeevatma), which is different from this body, senses, mind, breath, and its cognitive abilities. The relationship between the Atma and the Body is that of Owner/Owned. When the owner (Atma) leaves the Owned (Body) it is called death. When the Owner acquires a new body it is called birth. Atma is eternal and keeps on journeying from one body to another until liberation.

How am I related to God?

God in His Antaryami (Antaratma) form, pervades everything in this universe and beyond. He pervades this lifeless body as well the life (Atma) within it. The relationship between the Antaratma and Atma is one of Owner/Owned. That is, Antaratma is the Owner and Atma is the owned. 

Overall relationship:

God owns the Atma and directs it’s decision making.

Atma owns the body, makes decisions and directs its actions.

While Atma may move from body to body, God never disowns the Atma.


Sources used:  Hindu Community Institute Course materials on Counselor of Hindu Traditions; Book: Many Many Gods of Hinduism by Swami Achuthananda. Meaning of AUM per Sri Pancharatra Agama.

Other reading material:

Relevant videos

Contributor: Seema Garg Murthy and Sudershan

Location of this post (1m): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/who-am-i-how-am-i-related-to-god/

Category: 01. God Concept