22
votes
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What is difference between Aatma, Jeevatma and Paramatma?
Aatma
Atma simply means one's true Self. This is the root or fundamental entity of anything or any being that is eternal, unchangeable, unmodifiable and so on. Atma can mean different things ...
- 26.6k
9
votes
Why does the Jiva reside in Brahman during deep sleep?
It is explained in the Chhandogya Upanishad - Aadhyaya-6, Khanda-8.
What is the Sushupti actually and why do we experience it?:
उद्दालको हारुणिः श्वेतकेतुं पुत्रमुवाच स्वप्नान्तं मे सोम्य
विजानी...
- 25.5k
7
votes
Is every Jeeva "eternal" like the ultimate God (nirguna Brahman) or "temporary" within cycle?
"Above observations don't mean that Bhagavad Gita is the final authority." Let me preface this by saying that the Bhagavad Gita is definitely an infallible authority, and if you're ...
- 95.9k
7
votes
Accepted
What is the size of the soul according to the different Astika schools?
Non-Vedantic Astika schools think the soul is omnipresent, whereas most Vedantins think it's atomic in size.. Let me address each of the six Astika schools:
Samkhya: The Samkhya school believed that ...
- 95.9k
7
votes
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Who are the Ātivāhikas who guide the soul to heaven or hell?
Ativhakas are mentioned in Adhyaya 4 -Pada 3 of Vedanta-Sutras.
अतिवहिकास्तल्लिंगात् || BS 4.3.4||
( These are ) deities conducting the soul ( on the path of gods) , on
the account of ...
- 31.6k
7
votes
What is the difference between Nirvikalpa Samadi and Moksha?
There isn't any difference between the two. One who has enjoyed Nirvikalpa Samadhi has attained the Brahmananda (eternal bliss-the state of Moksha). Now, one who can repeatedly reach the same state ...
- 109k
6
votes
How do Advaitins counter the rebuttal of Ramanujacharya on Advaita Vedanta in His commentary on Bhagavad Gita 2.12?
There are three ways to answer this question. First, from the standpoint of the Atman, we are all the Atman and we exist eternally.
Second, from the standpoint of the eternal Brahman, there is no ...
- 23.5k
5
votes
Does any doctrine/philosophy believe that Jiva emerges from (and merges into) Brahman?
Almost no one believes that the soul originates from Brahman. First of all, the six main Astika or orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy don't believe it:
Samkhya: As I discuss in this answer, the ...
- 95.9k
5
votes
Do any non-vaishnavite scriptures say well-known Gods are only positions attained by Jivas?
Well they say.
For example, Devi Bhagavata Purana's Book 11, Chapter 18, gives the various methods of worshipping Goddess Bhagavati, by which one can attain the positions of several deities.
If ...
- 109k
5
votes
Do different forms of life have different value?
Yes, human life is considered to be of higher value because of the possibility of a human attaining moksha.
The swan [Brahman] said, "I disclose unto you a great mystery. There is no status that is ...
- 34.7k
5
votes
In Pratibimba Vada, which is the jivatman? The original or the reflected?
In Pratibimba VAda, the Jiva is the reflection of the Brahman Consciousness (Brahma Chaitanya) in attributes (Upadhi) like Buddhi (intellect).
See the following verse from YogaVAshitha:
Yena ...
- 109k
5
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Is there any statement of Adi Shankaracharya saying that Jiva can never become Brahman?
Shankaracharya said in the 20th verse of Brahmajnanavalimala
ब्रह्म सत्यं जगन्मिथ्या जीवो ब्रह्मैव नापरः ।
अनेन वेद्यं सच्छास्त्रमिति वेदान्तडिण्डिमः ॥ २०॥
Brahma Satyam Jagan Mithya Jivo Brahmaiva ...
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4
votes
Accepted
The Theory of Relation as per Visistadvaita Philosophy
We will see Visisthadvaita Philosophy in detail and also clear the doubts of Advaita and Dvaita philosophy as well as Abhed,Bhed Sruti (Advaita & Dvaita) and also demonstrate Gatak sruti
Here we ...
- 2,024
4
votes
Is Tulasi a single jeeva or a class of jeevas or something else?
Jaya Nitaai!
In Gaudiya Vaishnav philosophy, Tulsi Maharani is not a Jivatma at all. She is a manifestation of Krsna's Swarupa Shakti (because she is an amsa of Radharani). This is because, Tulsi is ...
- 631
4
votes
Accepted
Are dreams created by Jivatma or Paramatma?
Adi Shankaracharya says that dreams are created by the Jiva, as described in this section of his Brahma Sutra Bhashya:
The statement made above that in the Kâthaka the highest Self is spoken of as ...
- 95.9k
4
votes
Does the fragmental Atman travels?
Nothing happens after death to the atman which is merely a witness. It is the subtle body that is affected by death. Check Gita 2.17-2.22 for the answer to your question. For example, Gita 2.22 says,
...
- 34.7k
4
votes
In Advaita, is jiva the same as subtle body?
"Followers of advaita like Pradip or Milind would say...."
Yes, they are right.
"But i want to know, whether this jiva is the same as subtle body or not?"
No, Jiva is not same as subtle body. ...
- 25.5k
3
votes
Why are we under Maya and Avidya if we are Brahman?
Simply because you have created Maya and avidya for yourself and dropped down to the plane of dual perception. It is due to this duality that such a question has arisen. Remove it and experience non ...
- 397
3
votes
Accepted
How do different Astika schools prove the existence of the soul?
All the Astika schools think the existence of the soul can be proven through Anumana or inference. (At least it appears that way, although see my caveat under the Vedanta school.) Let me address each ...
- 95.9k
3
votes
Is every Jeeva "eternal" like the ultimate God (nirguna Brahman) or "temporary" within cycle?
The physical body of a Jiva is manifestly not eternal. All the koshas that form that Jiva complex is also not eternal. So the only thing that is left is the Atma. Jiva when not emancipated thinks of ...
- 34.7k
3
votes
Accepted
Is every Jeeva "eternal" like the ultimate God (nirguna Brahman) or "temporary" within cycle?
From our discussions in the chat room, since we stumbled upon this, I will formalise it as an answer:
Gita Chapter 15, Verse 7
mamaivāḿśo jīva-loke jīva-bhūtaḥ sanātanaḥ
manaḥ-...
- 4,367
3
votes
Accepted
Soul-creation and Vedanta
Yes, all Vedantic philosophies say the Jiva does not originate from Brahman. In Adhyaya 2 Pada 3 of the Brahma Sutras, the defining text of the Vedanta school, Vyasa says this:
Topic-11: Origin of ...
- 95.9k
3
votes
Accepted
In Pratibimba Vada, which is the jivatman? The original or the reflected?
Jivatman is the reflected consciousness.
Consciousness as one with dual aspect is Transcendent and Immanent.
The Transcendental Consciousness is called the Paramatma. The
Consciousness which is ...
- 34.7k
3
votes
What happens to the soul when someone commit suicide?
According to Parashara Smriti Chapter 4 verses, given below, such a soul remains in hell for 60 thousand years. So, immediate rebirth is out of consideration.
The fate, which a man or woman comes ...
- 109k
3
votes
Does the body have to die for the soul to leave the body?
Although not accurate but I wanted to post this:
याक्षक्रक्रमभूमिकावसतयो नाडीषु या: संस्थिता
या: कायोह्गतरोमकूपनिलया या: संस्थिता धातुषु ।
उच्छासोर्मिमरुत्तरड्ननिलया निश्वासवासाश्च या-
स्ता देव्यो रि...
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votes
Does moral character of previous lives impact moral character of current life?
Yes, it's called samskaras. Imagine you're a really short tempered guy and you didn't fix this problem in this life, then even in another life, you are still going to suffer with this problem.
- 653
2
votes
Why does the Jiva reside in Brahman during deep sleep?
Krishna clearly states in the BG 14.8 that the results of ignorance are: 1. madness, indolence and sleep. He never says that it is rejuvenating and gives energy as is the case when one comes in ...
- 21
2
votes
Is every Jeeva "eternal" like the ultimate God (nirguna Brahman) or "temporary" within cycle?
Yes Drops separated from ocean in view of size & location but not from the properties of water. The character of water in the ocean will continue in the character of water in the drop. It is ...
- 51
2
votes
Relationship between Jiva, Bramhan, World according to Vishitadvaita
Here your All Doubts will Clear of Visisthadvaita Philosophy.Here also clear the Philosophy of Advaita and Dvaita as well as Abhed,Bhed Sruti (Advaita & Dvaita) and also demonstrate Gatak sruti
...
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