Volume-XII, Issue-II, March 2026 |
ভারতীয় দর্শনে আত্মার স্বরূপ: একটি তুলনামূলক আলোচনা রীনা পাল, স্বাধীন গবেষক, বহরমপুর, পশ্চিমবঙ্গ, ভারত |
Received: 12.03.2026 | Accepted: 13.03.2026 | Published Online: 31.03.2026 | Page No: 393-399 | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.12.issue.02W.234 | |||||||
The Nature of the Soul in Indian Philosophy: A Comparative Discussion Rina Pal, Independent Research Scholar, Berhampore, West Bengal, India | ||
ABSTRACT | ||
Indian philosophy is deeply concerned with the fundamental questions of human existence, such as the nature of reality, the purpose of life, and the means to attain liberation (moksha). One of the central concepts in this philosophical tradition is the soul (Ātman). Different schools of Indian philosophy have offered diverse interpretations regarding the nature, existence, and role of the soul. This research paper presents a comparative study of the concept of the soul across major Indian philosophical systems. This study aims to examine the concept of the soul in major schools of Indian philosophy, including the Upanishadic tradition, Carbaka, Jainism, Buddhism, Nyaya–Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Vedanta. The study analyses how these philosophical systems explain the nature of the soul, its relationship with the body and the universe, and its role in the attainment of liberation. The Upanishads and Advaita Vedanta, identify the soul (Ātman) with the ultimate reality, Brahman, emphasizing the non-dual nature of existence. Jain philosophy, regards the soul (Jiva) as inherently pure but bound by karmic matter. On the other hand, Buddhist philosophy, rejects the idea of a permanent soul and introduces the doctrine of Anatta (non-self). In contrast, the Samkhya system and the Yoga philosophy of describe the soul as Purusha, a pure and conscious principle distinct from material nature (Prakriti). The Nyaya and Vaisheshika schools, consider the soul an eternal substance that possesses qualities such as knowledge, desire, pleasure, and pain. Through a comparative and analytical approach, this study highlights both the similarities and differences among these philosophical perspectives. The study ultimately reveals the depth and diversity of Indian philosophical reflections on the nature of the self and its relation to liberation. | ||
Keywords: Atma(soul), Moksha, Anatta, Brahman, Purusha, Jagat. |