Explain ‘Atman’, ‘Purusha’ and ‘Jiva’.

Atman

In Hindu philosophy, Atman refers to the individual self or soul, which is believed to be eternal, immutable, and transcendental. Atman is considered the essence of an individual's true self, distinct from the physical body, mind, and ego. According to Hindu scriptures, Atman is identical to Brahman, the ultimate reality or cosmic consciousness, and realizing this identity is the goal of spiritual liberation (moksha). Atman is considered divine and beyond the realm of material existence, existing within each living being as the innermost essence that pervades all aspects of existence. Through practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion, individuals seek to realize their true nature as Atman and transcend the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Purusha

Purusha, meaning "spirit" or "consciousness," is a concept found in Hindu cosmology and philosophical texts, particularly in the Samkhya and Vedanta traditions. Purusha is often contrasted with Prakriti, the material world or nature, and is considered the transcendent and unchanging aspect of reality. In the Samkhya philosophy, Purusha represents pure consciousness or awareness, distinct from the ever-changing manifestations of Prakriti. Purusha is described as being devoid of attributes, qualities, or actions and is considered the witnessing consciousness that illuminates the activities of the mind, intellect, and senses. In Vedanta, Purusha is equated with Atman, the individual self or soul, and Brahman, the ultimate reality. Realizing the identity of Purusha with Brahman is considered the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, leading to liberation from the cycle of samsara (rebirth) and attainment of moksha (liberation).

Jiva

Jiva, derived from the Sanskrit word "jiv," meaning "to live" or "to breathe," refers to the individual soul or living being in Hindu philosophy. Jiva is considered a finite and embodied manifestation of Atman, subject to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) due to karma, the law of cause and effect. Each living being is believed to possess a Jiva, which experiences the consequences of its actions (karma) and undergoes the process of reincarnation (rebirth) in various life forms based on its past deeds. Jiva is associated with the subtle body (sukshma sharira), consisting of the mind, intellect, and ego, which accompanies the soul from one lifetime to another. The goal of spiritual practice in Hinduism is to realize the true nature of Jiva as identical to Atman and attain liberation (moksha) from the cycle of samsara. Through self-realization and spiritual disciplines such as devotion, knowledge, and righteous conduct, individuals seek to transcend the limitations of Jiva and merge with the ultimate reality of Brahman.

Conclusion

In Hindu philosophy, Atman, Purusha, and Jiva are fundamental concepts that elucidate the nature of the self, consciousness, and individual soul. While Atman represents the eternal and transcendent essence of the self, Purusha signifies the pure consciousness that witnesses the activities of the mind and senses. Jiva, on the other hand, refers to the individual soul or living being subject to the cycle of birth and rebirth. Understanding these concepts is essential for spiritual seekers in their quest for self-realization and liberation from the cycle of samsara.