Practice and philosophy

Ātman

Ātman

in the Indian philosophies, this term refers to "āstikan", the true 'ONESELF' as opposed to the ahamkara ego or individual self.

in the Indian philosophies, this term refers to “āstikan”, the true ‘ONESELF’ as opposed to the ahamkara ego or individual self. The ātman can be defined as
– The essential principle, the absolute consciousness or pure consciousness
– The universal being, the Universal Soul, the Brahman
– The vital breath (Prāṇa Vāyu)

Going further

Continue Exploring

Explore Another Term

The glossary is alive: 400+ concepts to discover, from breath to philosophy.

← View All Terms

The Institute · Brussels

These words come alive on the mat.

At the Ashtanga Yoga Institute, these words don't stay on the page: they are lived, breath after breath. We have been transmitting traditional Ashtanga in Brussels for over fifty years, in the lineage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois — each posture adjusted individually, even in a group class. Here, you don't read yoga: you practise it, guided.

Prepare my first visit → Discover our classes