Atman
Definition
In Hindu and Vedanta traditions, Atman is the innermost Self: the soul or deepest witness that is not limited to the passing personality. In Advaita Vedanta, realization means knowing Atman as one with Brahman, the absolute reality.
Literal meaning
Inner self, soul, or true Self in Sanskrit religious philosophy.
Esoteric meaning
For Netist comparison, Atman helps name the difference between the temporary personality and the deeper spirit that belongs to the whole. The corpus compares this with Spirit as the shared ocean of being and with the soul's return to Source.
Allegorical meaning
A wave can have its own shape while still being ocean. Atman points to the ocean-nature within the individual life.
Extended meaning
Atman belongs first to Hindu and Vedanta traditions, and Netism uses it only as a careful comparison. It helps readers see a family resemblance between Atman and Brahman in Vedanta, Spirit and Source in Netist language, and the soul's journey through incarnation and return. The comparison is useful, but the traditions should not be flattened into one system.
The corpus connects Atman with Brahman, the Upanishadic phrase Tat Tvam Asi, reincarnation, and the Netist teaching that individual lives belong to a greater whole.
Usage
Used when discussing Hindu and Vedanta parallels to Netist teachings on Spirit, Soul, reincarnation, and unity with Source.
Ritual usage
Not a native Netist ritual term. It may appear in comparative study or meditation notes where the practitioner is reflecting on true Self, Spirit, or unity.
Comparative tradition
Hindu and Vedanta teachings on Atman, Brahman, samsara, moksha, and Tat Tvam Asi. The corpus also compares this with Buddhist non-self, while noting that Buddhism treats the question of permanent self differently.