http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/god-and-i/you-are-atma-but-which
Atma is Consciousness and it has to have a prefix so that it is comprehended better. We have two words in Sanskrit with Atma as suffix one is Jivatma generally defines as Individual Soul and the other is Paramatma which is the Super Soul. Some claim that the Jivatma and Paramatma are absolutely one and the same whereas others claim them to be different. Which is true??? The truth, however, is that the Jivatma and Paramatma are two different entities which are similar in their Qualitative Natures but distinct in their Quantitative Function.
Jivatma is the part of an individual that has dharma, obligation, and incurs debts, throughout the lifetime and then it is reborn into whatever shape will help it to repay its karmic debts. Paramatma is eternal essential nature in the individual and the higher most part of the being. It is impersonal, formless, and not an individualized thing. It is same for all and shines over all, just as the one sun shines over everybody on this earth. Paramatma in me is the same as in that of in the stockbroker on the Wall Street, New York city or for the matter the Bushmen of the Kalahari. In fact, there is no such thing as “my Paramatma” or “your Paramatma” because IT knows no separateness.
Most commonly these two words Jivatma and Paramatma are used interchangeably because the subtle shades of meaning vary according to different philosophies as both terms refer to life and the invisible internal force that makes us humans. But Jivatma is that which is resides in a body which already has a moral compass because of the presence of Parmatma as Antaryami. Jivatma can be inside a body or disassociated with it; it can also inhabit plants, animals, and other aspects of nature. Mundaka Upanishad explains the difference the jivatma or the individual soul and Paramatma the super soul are compared to two identical birds sitting on the same branch of a tree. One of them which is refered to as individual soul is eating the fruits from the tree while the other which is super soul is just witness to the activites of its friend. Jivatma which is overwhelmed by the reaction of its enjoyment has forgotten its real identity and is busy with its fruitive activities of the material aspects. Paramatma the one who is transcendentally situated is not lured by the fruits.
Lord Krishna answers Arjunas query on the qualities of a Steadfast Person by saying, “If the seeker divests all the unwanted desires he has in his mind and if his Atma (Jivatma) is satisfied by the Atma (Paramatma) in him, then he is automatically a sthitapragna, one of steadfast.” There is no excuse in this day and age for our confusing over Jivatma and Paramatma when the difference and distinction between the two has been so clearly and definitely explained and shown in the esoteric spiritual teachings of the world.The confusion is only by the play of words……. Am I right????
Atma is Consciousness and it has to have a prefix so that it is comprehended better. We have two words in Sanskrit with Atma as suffix one is Jivatma generally defines as Individual Soul and the other is Paramatma which is the Super Soul. Some claim that the Jivatma and Paramatma are absolutely one and the same whereas others claim them to be different. Which is true??? The truth, however, is that the Jivatma and Paramatma are two different entities which are similar in their Qualitative Natures but distinct in their Quantitative Function.
Jivatma is the part of an individual that has dharma, obligation, and incurs debts, throughout the lifetime and then it is reborn into whatever shape will help it to repay its karmic debts. Paramatma is eternal essential nature in the individual and the higher most part of the being. It is impersonal, formless, and not an individualized thing. It is same for all and shines over all, just as the one sun shines over everybody on this earth. Paramatma in me is the same as in that of in the stockbroker on the Wall Street, New York city or for the matter the Bushmen of the Kalahari. In fact, there is no such thing as “my Paramatma” or “your Paramatma” because IT knows no separateness.
Most commonly these two words Jivatma and Paramatma are used interchangeably because the subtle shades of meaning vary according to different philosophies as both terms refer to life and the invisible internal force that makes us humans. But Jivatma is that which is resides in a body which already has a moral compass because of the presence of Parmatma as Antaryami. Jivatma can be inside a body or disassociated with it; it can also inhabit plants, animals, and other aspects of nature. Mundaka Upanishad explains the difference the jivatma or the individual soul and Paramatma the super soul are compared to two identical birds sitting on the same branch of a tree. One of them which is refered to as individual soul is eating the fruits from the tree while the other which is super soul is just witness to the activites of its friend. Jivatma which is overwhelmed by the reaction of its enjoyment has forgotten its real identity and is busy with its fruitive activities of the material aspects. Paramatma the one who is transcendentally situated is not lured by the fruits.
Lord Krishna answers Arjunas query on the qualities of a Steadfast Person by saying, “If the seeker divests all the unwanted desires he has in his mind and if his Atma (Jivatma) is satisfied by the Atma (Paramatma) in him, then he is automatically a sthitapragna, one of steadfast.” There is no excuse in this day and age for our confusing over Jivatma and Paramatma when the difference and distinction between the two has been so clearly and definitely explained and shown in the esoteric spiritual teachings of the world.The confusion is only by the play of words……. Am I right????
What you say is true,In vedantha these terms are very clear.Jeevatma gets separated thinking ,just by concept, Then starts the life with desire and its results .It enters into the world of dualtiy ,joy and sorrow.After separation doesnt remember the source.The source which is Paramatma just Witnesses it.!!!!Nice clarification with the slide.manoj.
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