Abstract This paper defines the concept of Atman and describes it as a very small part of a person. The paper uses the Christian concept of the soul as a parallel for comparison, explaining that the two are very similar. The paper discusses how the concept of Atman fits in the Hindu religion as well as how the concept of Atman relates to the beliefs of the Buddhist religion.
From the Paper "The Atman is described in the text as being a very small part of a person, 'smaller than the smallest atom' (Novak 1995). That seems to be a different from the idea of a soul, which seems to be more like energy; it has no size. The Atman almost seems like a place, a place of such profound and complex knowledge that we could never understand it, nor find it, no matter how hard we tried looking for it. Even though the Atman is referred to as the Spirit, to me it seems more abstract than that. The reading calls it the Self. The Self, to me, represents the essence of a person that comprises much more about us than our values, our beliefs, our love and our disdain. The essence is so hard to articulate that it is like trying to articulate a place that we have never seen or ever heard of. It remains an enigma."
Abstract The paper relates that Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions. The paper explains that its concepts can be useful for individuals interested in answering some of the core philosophical questions about the nature of reality and of self. The paper examines the concept of Atman that is central to Hinduism, a religion that stands out among others for its open-mindedness and tolerance. The paper notes that it is likely that the Hindu concepts of Atman and Brahman foster open-mindedness with regards to spiritual practices. The paper discusses how Atman and other concepts in the Sanatana Dharma reveal the interconnectedness of all things.
Outline:
Introduction
Atman and its Relationship to Other Key Concepts in Sanatana Dharma
The Importance of Atman in Terms of What it Does and What it Is
Atman in Comparison/Contrast with Concepts in Other Religions
Applications of the Theory of Atman Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Who am I? What is the meaning of life? These are the essential, fundamental questions that religions and spiritual traditions help people to answer. Eastern religions like Hinduism are especially suited for answering such questions because their philosophical underpinnings promote a deep awareness of the truths underlying reality and the nature of self. The Sanatana Dharma is a complex and ancient set of philosophical, metaphysical, and cosmological doctrines that range from tales of supernatural beings to treatises on the nature of reality."
Abstract This paper gives a brief history and explanation of three Eastern religions known as Tao Te Ching, Buddhism, and Hinduism. In addition, the paper points out the many similarities between the three philosophies, as well as their differences.
From the Paper "The Tao Te Ching shares a great number of similarities with Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, although there are some important differences between the three religions. The Tao Te Ching and Buddhism share similar ideas of harmony with the environment, nirvana, and even reincarnation. Similarly, Hinduism and the Tao Te Ching share a common understanding of human suffering, the relief from suffering, and the nature of the divine. Nonetheless, the differences between the Tao Te Ching and Hinduism are important. Ultimately, the Tao Te Ching, Hinduism, and Buddhism provide an interesting and welcome contrast to Western philosophy and thought."
