The Individual

This section explains Hindus views of The Individual. In Hinduism, an individual’s beliefs are deeply intertwined with their actions. A Hindu's life and choices are influenced by several core beliefs that guide their spiritual journey. These beliefs shape their understanding of the self, life, death, and the pursuit of ultimate liberation.

Atman

The term Atman refers to the "eternal self," which is a fundamental concept in Hinduism. It signifies the immortal essence of a person, the part of the self that transcends physical existence. Unlike the body, which is temporary, the Atman is eternal, unchanging, and beyond the cycle of life and death. This belief in the Atman is central to the Hindu understanding of the soul, which continues to exist even after the body perishes. This concept directly connects to the belief in reincarnation, the idea that the soul is reborn into different bodies over time.

Samsara

The belief in samsara represents the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Hindus believe that the soul undergoes a continuous cycle of reincarnation, coming back to life in various forms across different lifetimes. However, it is the actions of an individual—known as karma—that determine the nature of their next incarnation. These actions are thought to influence whether the soul will be born into a higher, more fortunate form of life or a lower, more challenging one. This cycle of rebirth continues until the soul achieves liberation, or moksha.

Moksha

Moksha is the ultimate goal for a Hindu—a state of liberation from the endless cycle of samsara. It represents freedom from the cycle of rebirth and the suffering that comes with it. Hindus believe that a person’s actions during their life have a direct impact on their spiritual journey after death. By overcoming ignorance and the desires that bind the soul to the physical world, one can achieve moksha.

Interestingly, moksha itself is not something to be desired in a selfish or materialistic way. In Hindu philosophy, the desire for moksha can also be a form of attachment. To truly attain liberation, one must transcend even the desire for moksha itself, reaching a state of pure selflessness and enlightenment.

Karma

Karma is the belief that every action has consequences. It is the moral law of cause and effect, which influences an individual’s future experiences. Good actions create positive karma, while negative actions lead to negative karma. This belief in karma is closely linked to the concept of samsara, as one's actions in this life determine their future incarnations. Living virtuously and following dharma (righteousness) allows Hindus to accumulate good karma, which can improve their current life and increase their chances of attaining moksha.

Brahman

Brahman is the ultimate reality in Hinduism, often understood as the divine essence that pervades all creation. Brahman is not a personal god but an abstract, all-encompassing force, present in every living being and throughout the universe. When Hindus seek to achieve moksha, they aim to merge with Brahman, transcending the cycle of samsara and becoming one with the divine.

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, one of the central texts in Hindu philosophy, explains the nature of Brahman and the journey towards self-realisation:

“Thus does the man who desires [stay in the cycle of samsara]. But as to the man who does not desire—who is without desire, who is freed from desire, whose desire is satisfied, whose only object of desire is the Self—his organs do not depart. Being Brahman, he merges in Brahman.”
— Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.3–6

This passage illustrates that, when a person becomes free from desire and ego, they can realise their true nature as Brahman. After achieving moksha, the soul is thought to merge with Brahman, thus ending the cycle of rebirth and reaching a state of ultimate peace and unity with the divine.

Through these beliefs, Hindus understand the profound connection between their actions, their spiritual journey, and their ultimate goal of liberation. Each individual's life is seen as an opportunity to accumulate good karma, seek self-realisation, and ultimately merge with the eternal essence of Brahman.