Antaratma

Antaratma is a Sanskrit term that translates roughly to "inner self," "inner soul," or "indwelling spirit." It refers to the innermost aspect of a person's being, often considered the true self, residing within the layers of the physical body, mind, and ego.

In various schools of Hindu philosophy, particularly Vedanta, Antaratma is sometimes used interchangeably with Atman, the individual self, and is ultimately believed to be identical to Brahman, the ultimate reality. However, a distinction is often made where Atman represents the individual manifestation of the universal Self, while Antaratma emphasizes the aspect of Atman that is closest to and directly experiences the inner workings of the mind and the physical body.

The concept of Antaratma is central to practices such as meditation and self-inquiry, where the aim is to turn inward and realize the true nature of this inner self. By quieting the external distractions of the mind and senses, one can perceive the presence of the Antaratma and gain deeper self-knowledge and spiritual understanding.

The nature of Antaratma is typically described as pure consciousness, bliss, and freedom from suffering. Recognizing the Antaratma is considered a key step in achieving liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death. Different traditions might emphasize slightly different nuances, but the core idea remains consistent: Antaratma signifies the profound, authentic self hidden within each individual.