Why Did Atman Get Separated from Brahman?

In Hinduism, atman is the individual soul, while Brahman is the universal soul or consciousness. The ultimate goal of human life is to attain moksha, which is the state of union with Brahman. This can be achieved through a variety of spiritual practices, such as yoga, meditation, and study of the scriptures.

But if the ultimate goal of atman is to attain moksha, then why did it get separated from Brahman in the first place? This is a question that has been pondered by Hindu philosophers for centuries.

There are a number of different theories about how atman and Brahman became separated. One theory is that atman is an illusion (maya) created by Brahman. In this view, atman is not a real entity, but rather a false perception of reality. When we realize that atman is an illusion, we can then transcend it and merge with Brahman.

Another theory is that atman is a real entity, but it became separated from Brahman through a process of ignorance (avidya). In this view, atman is originally one with Brahman, but it becomes deluded into thinking that it is separate. This delusion can be dispelled through spiritual practices, which can help us to realize our true nature as atman.

Ultimately, the question of why atman got separated from Brahman is a mystery that cannot be fully explained. However, the Hindu tradition offers a number of different perspectives on this question, which can help us to understand our own spiritual journey.

The Role of Maya

As mentioned above, one theory about how atman and Brahman became separated is that atman is an illusion created by Brahman. This illusion is called maya. Maya is a complex concept that has been interpreted in different ways by different Hindu philosophers. However, in general, maya can be understood as the power of Brahman to create the world of appearances.

The world of appearances is a world of duality, where things appear to be separate from each other. This includes the separation of atman from Brahman. However, in reality, there is no separation. Atman and Brahman are one and the same.

The illusion of maya is created by our ignorance (avidya). When we are ignorant of our true nature as atman, we see the world as separate and fragmented. However, when we become enlightened, we realize that the world of appearances is an illusion. We see that atman and Brahman are one, and that there is no separation.

The Path to Moksha

The path to moksha is the path of self-realization. It is the path of realizing our true nature as atman. This can be achieved through a variety of spiritual practices, such as yoga, meditation, and study of the scriptures.

Yoga is a physical and mental discipline that can help us to control our thoughts and emotions. This can help us to see the world with greater clarity and to realize our true nature.

Meditation is a practice of focusing our attention on a single point. This can help us to quiet the mind and to experience the stillness of atman.

Study of the scriptures can help us to understand the nature of atman and Brahman. This can give us a deeper understanding of our spiritual journey and can help us to make progress on the path to moksha.

Conclusion

The question of why atman got separated from Brahman is a complex one that has been pondered by Hindu philosophers for centuries. There is no single answer to this question, but the Hindu tradition offers a number of different perspectives that can help us to understand our own spiritual journey.

The path to moksha is the path of self-realization. It is the path of realizing our true nature as atman. This can be achieved through a variety of spiritual practices, such as yoga, meditation, and study of the scriptures.

May you be on the path to moksha!