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Atma means soul or self or consciousness. The term also denotes other meanings like spirit, breath, individuality, peculiarity, character, nature etc. <ref>Available from http://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=AtmA&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3</ref> Atma is the connection to knowledge depository (dnyanapratisandhata). [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/42) Atma is a fundamental element. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/48). It is the element of consciousness in a holistic human being. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]1/46-47,Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/4, Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/16]

Atma means soul or self or consciousness. The term also denotes other meanings like spirit, breath, individuality, peculiarity, character, nature etc. <ref>Available from http://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=AtmA&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3</ref> Atma is the connection to knowledge depository (dnyanapratisandhata). [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/42]. Atma is a fundamental element. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/48]. It is the element of consciousness in a holistic human being. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]1/46-47,Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/4, Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/16]

 

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The word atma is derived from sanskrit word atman meaning “breath”.  Various dictionaries translate the word atma as "real self" of the individual<ref>Atman, Oxford Dictionaries, Oxford University Press (2012)  

The word atma is derived from sanskrit word atman meaning “breath”.  Various dictionaries translate the word atma as "real self" of the individual<ref>Atman, Oxford Dictionaries, Oxford University Press (2012)  

</ref>, <ref> John Bowker (2000), The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0192800947  </ref>, <ref>WJ Johnson (2009), A Dictionary of Hinduism, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0198610250</ref> innermost essence<ref> Karel Werner (1998). Yoga and Indian Philosophy. Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 57–58. ISBN 978-81-208-1609-1</ref>, and soul<ref> Chad Meister (2010), The Oxford Handbook of Religious Diversity, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0195340136, p.63</ref>.

</ref>, <ref> John Bowker (2000), The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0192800947  </ref>, <ref>WJ Johnson (2009), A Dictionary of Hinduism, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0198610250</ref> innermost essence<ref> Karel Werner (1998). Yoga and Indian Philosophy. Motilal Banarsidas. p. 57–58. ISBN 978-81-208-1609-1</ref>, and soul<ref> Chad Meister (2010), The Oxford Handbook of Religious Diversity, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0195340136, p.63</ref>.

===Synonyms===

===Synonyms===

Paramatma, Jeeva, Indriyatma, Bhutatma, Antaratma, Jeevatma, Chetana dhatu, Dehi, Shariri, Prani, Puman, Purusha, Sattva, Kshetradnya, Beejadhatu, Beeja dharma, Garbhatma, Dnya, Nirvikar, Para, Nirguna, Avvaya, Akshara, Sarvadnya, Vibhu, Nirvishesha, Vashinam, Swatantra, Avyakta, Ishwar, Parameshavar, Vishvarupa, Vishvakarma, Nityayuka, Sanushaya, Pudgala, Ka, Ya, Sa, Asau. <ref>Thakar V.J. Ayurvediya Maulika Siddhanta, Sanskrit book.1985. Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar Atmatattva vivechanam.p.364 </ref>  

Paramatma, Jeeva, Indriyatma, Bhutatma, Antaratma, Jeevatma, Chetana dhatu, Dehi, Shariri, Prani, Puman, Purusha, Sattva, Kshetradnya, Beejadhatu, Beeja dharma, Garbhatma, Dnya, Nirvikar, Para, Nirguna, Avvaya, Akshara, Sarvadnya, Vibhu, Nirvishesha, Vashinam, Swatantra, [[Avyakta|Avyakta]], Ishwar, Parameshavar, Vishvarupa, Vishvakarma, Nityayuka, Sanushaya, Pudgala, Ka, Ya, Sa, Asau. <ref>Thakar V.J. Ayurvediya Maulika Siddhanta, Sanskrit book.1985. Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar Atmatattva vivechanam.p.364 </ref>

===Contextual meanings===

===Contextual meanings===

#Omnipresent (vishvarupa)  

#Omnipresent (vishvarupa)  

#Omnipotent (vishvakarma).

#Omnipotent (vishvakarma).

#It is invisible (avyakta), neither has a beginning nor an end (anadi-nidhana) and is imperishable (akshara). (Cha. Sha. 3/8)

#It is invisible ([[Avyakta|avyakta]]), neither has a beginning nor an end (anadi-nidhana) and is imperishable (akshara). [Cha.Sa [[Sharira Sthana]] 3/8]

#The soul is omnivagant / omnipresent (can move anywhere and everywhere), sustains all bodies, performs all actions, and takes all forms.  

#The soul is omnivagant / omnipresent (can move anywhere and everywhere), sustains all bodies, performs all actions, and takes all forms.  

#It is the source of consciousness, transcending all senses, as it is always associated (with intellect etc.), it gets involved in feelings like attachment etc. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 2/32]

#It is the source of consciousness, transcending all senses, as it is always associated (with intellect etc.), it gets involved in feelings like attachment etc. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 2/32]

==Location of atma==  

==Location of atma==  

Atma or the soul is located in the heart with mind. This is the supreme site of consciousness. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]30/4, Cha.Sa [[Nidana Sthana]]8/4]. The consciousness is spread all over the body through mind and senses. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/4, Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]1/79-80]

Atma or the soul is located in the heart with mind. This is the supreme site of consciousness. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 30/4, Cha.Sa [[Nidana Sthana]] 8/4]. The consciousness is spread all over the body through mind and senses. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/4, Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/79-80]

==Numerology of atma==

==Numerology of atma==

#Atma forms the fundamental structure of holistic human beings with mind (sattva) and body (sharira). [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/46].  

#Atma forms the fundamental structure of holistic human beings with mind (sattva) and body (sharira). [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/46].  

#Atma is an essential component of life (ayu) with a combination of body (sharira), sense and locomotor organs (indriya), and mind(sattva). [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana ]]1/42].

#Atma is an essential component of life ([[ayu]]) with a combination of body (sharira), sense and locomotor organs (indriya), and mind(sattva). [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana ]]1/42].

===Role of atma in embryogenesis===  

===Role of atma in embryogenesis===  

#Life begins with the entry of consciousness during the process of conception or the union of sperm and ovum. The consciousness associated with embryo is also called as garbhatma or antaratma.  [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 3/8]  

#Life begins with the entry of consciousness during the process of conception or the union of sperm and ovum. The consciousness associated with embryo is also called as garbhatma or antaratma.  [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 3/8]  

#Consciousness (chetana) constitutes sixth structural component ([[dhatu]]) of a living being with five [[mahabhuta]]. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 4/6]

#Consciousness (chetana) constitutes sixth structural component ([[dhatu]]) of a living being with five [[mahabhuta]]. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 4/6]

The following factors that originate from atma are called atmaja components.

The following factors that originate from atma are called atmaja components.

#Taking birth in a species  

#Taking birth in a species  

#life span(Ayu)

#Life span([[ayu]])

#self-realization(Atma jnana)  

#Self-realization(Atma jnana)  

#mind(Manas)

#Mind(Manas)

#sensory faculty (Indriyani)

#Sensory faculty (Indriyani)

#inspiration-expiration(Prana-apana)

#Inspiration-expiration(Prana-apana)

#motivation (Prerana) and sustenance (Dharana)

#Motivation (Prerana) and sustenance (Dharana)

#Characteristic physique (Akruti), voice (Swara) and complexion (Varna) of the individual

#Characteristic physique (Akruti), voice (Swara) and complexion (Varna) of the individual

#happiness(Sukha) and sorrow(Dukha)  

#Happiness(Sukha) and sorrow(Dukha)  

#Desire(Ichcha) and dislike(Dwesha)

#Desire(Ichcha) and dislike(Dwesha)

#consciousness(Chetana)  

#Consciousness(Chetana)  

#courage(Dhriti)

#Courage(Dhriti)

#intellect(Buddhi)

#Intellect(Buddhi)

#memory(Smriti)

#Memory(Smriti)

#self-identity or ego(Ahamkara)  

#Self-identity or ego(Ahamkara)  

#efforts(Prayatna).  

#Efforts(Prayatna).  

All these aspects of the individual are derived from the soul. [Cha.Sa [[Sharira Sthana]] 3/10]. Atma controls all these functions.[Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/70-72]The absence of these functions is termed as ‘death’. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/73]

All these aspects of the individual are derived from the soul. [Cha.Sa [[Sharira Sthana]] 3/10]. Atma controls all these functions.[Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/70-72]The absence of these functions is termed as ‘death’. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/73]

#A person desiring to live the full span of life should remain in self-control and live with great caution assuming that he is constantly surrounded by the foes to his health. [Cha.Sam.[[Sutra Sthana]] 17/119]

#A person desiring to live the full span of life should remain in self-control and live with great caution assuming that he is constantly surrounded by the foes to his health. [Cha.Sam.[[Sutra Sthana]] 17/119]

#Atmavanta (having self-control) is a quality of good physician. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 10/4] The physician having self-control succeeds well in clinical practice.  

#Atmavanta (having self-control) is a quality of good physician. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 10/4] The physician having self-control succeeds well in clinical practice.  

#Atma is one of the components of adhyatma dravya samgraha (absolute elements). The other elements are mind, sense organs, their objects and intellect. These are responsible for all auspicious and inauspicious deeds. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/13] These deeds further derive destiny (daiva) of an individual. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 3/30] The virtuous acts determine the lifespan of an individual.[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]6/30]

#Atma is one of the components of adhyatma dravya samgraha (absolute elements). The other elements are mind, sense organs, their objects and intellect. These are responsible for all auspicious and inauspicious deeds. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/13] These deeds further derive destiny (daiva) of an individual. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 3/30] The virtuous acts determine the lifespan of an individual.[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 6/30]

===Importance of self-realization===

===Importance of self-realization===

#Knowledge or realization of self (Atmavijnana) is considered as one of the preventive measures of exogenous and endogenous disease.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7/53] One should know his/her own capacity before doing any work or adventure. In other words, one shall always work or perform duties as per own capacity.  Otherwise, it may lead to tuberculosis(shosha).[Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]]6/4] This will preserve health and prevent diseases.

#Knowledge or realization of self (Atmavijnana) is considered as one of the preventive measures of exogenous and endogenous disease.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7/53] One should know his/her own capacity before doing any work or adventure. In other words, one shall always work or perform duties as per own capacity.  Otherwise, it may lead to tuberculosis(shosha).[Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]] 6/4] This will preserve health and prevent diseases.

#Self-realization is an important process in attaining salvation.

#Self-realization is an important process in attaining salvation.

===Inherent properties===  

===Inherent properties===  

#Atma rupa term is used to denote inherent properties. E.g. Vayoh atma rupa means inherent properties of vayu. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 20/11]

#Atma rupa term is used to denote inherent properties. E.g. Vayoh atma rupa means inherent properties of [[vayu]]. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 20/11]

#Atmaja or atmaka term is used to denote origin. E.g. Nanatmaja [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 20/10], Vatatmaka [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Suta Sthana]] 19/05].

#Atmaja or atmaka term is used to denote origin. E.g. Nanatmaja [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 20/10], Vatatmaka [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 19/05].

===Importance in clinical practice===

===Importance in clinical practice===

#During clinical examination, the physician shall know inner self of the patient in order to have complete knowledge of disease. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8] It is important to reveal the fundamental cause of disease and its progression. Without this knowledge, treatment is incomplete.  

#During clinical examination, the physician shall know inner self of the patient in order to have complete knowledge of disease. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8] It is important to reveal the fundamental cause of disease and its progression. Without this knowledge, treatment is incomplete.  

#Antaratmani or the inner self is related to the mind. The sensation of pain is diminished after langhana therapy. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 22/35]

#Antaratmani or the inner self is related to the mind. The sensation of pain is diminished after langhana therapy. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 22/35]

#Knowledge of self is important to decide satmya or suitability. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/20]

#Knowledge of self is important to decide [[satmya]] (suitability). [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/20]

#Self-deeds are responsible for all diseases. [Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]]7/21]

#Self-deeds are responsible for all diseases. [Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]]7/21]

===World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire===

===World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire===

The world health organization has included spiritual dimension of health in assessing quality of life of an individual. The questions in the scale are related to personal beliefs, and meaningfulness in life. The two aspects are supposed to give strength to face difficult situations in life and a sense of satisfaction. <ref>WHO Quality of life scale available from https://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/WHOQOL-100.pdf?ua=1 downloaded on February 28, 2020 </ref>

The world health organization has included the spiritual dimension of health in assessing the quality of life of an individual. The questions in the scale are related to personal beliefs, and meaningfulness in life. The two aspects are supposed to give strength to face difficult situations in life and a sense of satisfaction. <ref>WHO Quality of life scale available from https://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/WHOQOL-100.pdf?ua=1 downloaded on February 28, 2020 </ref>

===Spiritual dimension of health===  

===Spiritual dimension of health===  

# [[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya]]

# [[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya]]

# [[Katidhapurusha Sharira]]

# [[Katidhapurusha Sharira]]

=== References from [[Charak Samhita]] ===

=== References from [[Charak Samhita]] ===

The list of references for Atma in Charak Samhita can be seen here.[[Media:Atma references Charak Samhita.pdf |Atma references Charak Samhita.pdf]]

The list of references for Atma in Charak Samhita can be seen [[Media:Atma references Charak Samhita.pdf |here.]]

 

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==References==

==References==