Concept

Brahman: FAQ & Sources

ब्रह्मन्

Brahman is the ultimate reality of Hindu thought, boundless and imperishable, the source and support of everything. Schools differ on whether it is without attributes, a personal Lord, or both.

Updated 14 Nov 20263 sources

Frequently asked questions

What is Brahman?

The ultimate, infinite and imperishable reality from which the world arises and in which it rests.

Is Brahman the same as Brahma?

No. Brahman is the absolute; Brahma is the creator deity of the trimurti.

What does the Bhagavad Gita say about Brahman?

Krishna calls the supreme imperishable reality brahman (8.3), and describes the knower resting in it (5.20, 18.54).

What is nirguna and saguna Brahman?

Nirguna means without attributes, pure reality; saguna means with attributes, God as a personal Lord.

How are Brahman and atman related?

Advaita says they are one; other schools hold the self depends on, or differs from, Brahman.

Sources and further reading

The Upanishads (Taittiriya, Mandukya, Chandogya)
Brahma Sutras with the commentaries of Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhva
Bhagavad Gita, Chapters 5, 8, 14 and 18

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