Difference between revisions of "Brahman" - New World Encyclopedia
Scott Dunbar (talk | contribs) (Added categories) |
m |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | + | '''Brahman''' refers to the concept of a supreme cosmic principle or essence which is indispensible to nearly all schools of [[Hinduism]]. Typically, Brahman is described to be eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, although most philosophers agree it its ultimately indescribable in the span of unenlightened human experience. Brahman forms the basis of all that exists in the universe, rendering it a [[monism|monistic]] concept. Not only is Brahman the fabric of all being, but it is also mysteriously described as permeating all of non-being, as well. Even the human soul, or [[atman]], is widely believe by most Hindus to be identical with Brahman. While this notion is first touched upon in the Vedas, it was first developed in detail within the Upanishads, commentaries upon the Vedic texts. | |
| + | |||
| + | ==Early Formulations of Brahman== | ||
| + | ===The Vedas=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Upanishads=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Vedantic Perspectives== | ||
| + | ===Advaita Vedanta=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Visistadvaita Vedanta=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Dvaita Vedanta=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Other Perspectives== | ||
[[Category: Philosophy and religion]] | [[Category: Philosophy and religion]] | ||
[[Category: Religion]] | [[Category: Religion]] | ||
Revision as of 02:10, 21 August 2006
Brahman refers to the concept of a supreme cosmic principle or essence which is indispensible to nearly all schools of Hinduism. Typically, Brahman is described to be eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, although most philosophers agree it its ultimately indescribable in the span of unenlightened human experience. Brahman forms the basis of all that exists in the universe, rendering it a monistic concept. Not only is Brahman the fabric of all being, but it is also mysteriously described as permeating all of non-being, as well. Even the human soul, or atman, is widely believe by most Hindus to be identical with Brahman. While this notion is first touched upon in the Vedas, it was first developed in detail within the Upanishads, commentaries upon the Vedic texts.
