atman
UK[ˈʌtmən]US[ˈɑːtmən]
n
(in hindu philosophy) the real self of the individual, distinct from the ego, mind, and physical body; the soul or essence of a person, regarded as eternal and identical with the universal soul or ultimate reality (brahman).
Etymology
the word 'atman' is a direct loanword from sanskrit (ātman), where it originally meant "breath, spirit, soul, self, essence." this sanskrit term is cognate with old english 'æthm' and german 'atem,' both meaning "breath," and all derive from the proto-indo-european root h₁eh₁tmén-, also meaning "breath." in hindu philosophy, the meaning evolved from the literal "breath" as the vital life force to the metaphysical concept of the innermost self or soul. this abstract self is understood not as the personal ego but as the universal, eternal essence that is ultimately one with the absolute reality, brahman.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from sanskrit. it is not productively segmented using english morphemes.
Examples
the central goal of yoga is to realize the true nature of the atman.
in upanishadic thought, the atman is identical with brahman, the world soul.
meditation practices aim to quiet the mind to experience the peace of the atman.