Assessment of Religious Knowledge (ARK) Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Mastery

The belief in 'Atman' in Hindu philosophy is deeply interconnected with the concept of Brahman, which represents the ultimate reality or world spirit. Atman is understood as the true self of an individual, which is eternal and unchangeable. According to Hindu teachings, Atman is not separate from Brahman; rather, it is seen as being part of the universal consciousness or Brahman. This belief underscores the idea of a profound unity between the individual self and the cosmos, implying that while individuals may experience the illusion of separateness, fundamentally, their true essence is one with the universal spirit.

The other perspectives, such as Atman being finite and limited, suggesting a transient state of existence, or characterizing it merely as an illusion, do not align with established Hindu beliefs. Instead, these alternatives generally misrepresent the nature of Atman as understood in the context of Hindu philosophy, where Atman is celebrated as eternal and identical to the infinite nature of Brahman.