AATMA: Aatma (self) is the element (part, fraction) of Paramaatma (Supreme Soul) in human being. Hence Aatma and Parmaatma are the same substance. In other words, both are substantially same but qualitatively different. After one’s death, Aatma rejoins the Paramaatma. According to the Sikh philosophy, God resides in Aatma. Through Aatma, man communicates with God. In other words, it is transcendental self. The Sikh connotation of Aatma is different from “soul” (term used in general sense), which means spirit e.g. as ‘soul’ in the proverb: “a man with dead soul.” The meaning of Aatma is different in different schools of the Hindu philosophy. It is a substance (Nyaya- Visheshaka)\ an object of inference (Samkhya); an object of intuition or the Impersonate Absolute of Braham (Upanishadas) or pure consciousness (Vedanta) etc. In the Sikh Scriptures, there are references, which seem to resemble some of the meanings of this term in different schools of the Hindu philosophy but all these references are contextual or relative and not conceptual (hence coincidental).
References:
1.Dictionary Of Sikh Philosophy : Dr. H.S.Dilgeer
Aatma: The Essence of the Soul in Sikh Philosophy
Introduction
In Sikhism, aatma refers to the soul—the eternal, indestructible essence of a being. Rooted in the Sanskrit term atman, it signifies the core of one’s existence, distinct from the physical body and the material world. Sikh philosophy places profound importance on understanding the nature of the aatma and its connection to the Divine (Parmatma). The journey of the soul, its purpose, and its liberation are central themes explored in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture.
The Nature of Aatma
Sikhism views the aatma as a spark of the Divine, a sacred reflection of Parmatma (the Supreme Soul). Guru Nanak Dev Ji explains that the soul is eternal, unbound by birth or death, and exists as a manifestation of God’s will. It is pure and inherently connected to the Creator, yet human ignorance and attachment to worldly illusions (maya) veil this truth.
The aatma is not separate from God but a fragment of the same Divine reality. This idea is captured in the Guru Granth Sahib: “The soul is the light of the Divine; recognize this light within yourself” (GG, 441). The ultimate goal of the soul is to reunite with its source, transcending the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) through self-realization and devotion.
The Purpose of the Soul
The human birth is regarded as a rare and precious opportunity for the aatma to seek spiritual liberation (mukti). According to Sikh teachings, the purpose of life is not merely to fulfill material desires but to realize the Divine truth within oneself. This is achieved by living a life of righteousness (dharma), engaging in naam simran (meditation on God’s Name), and performing selfless service (seva). Guru Arjan Dev Ji describes human life as a bridge for the soul to cross the ocean of existence and merge with the Creator.
However, the aatma often becomes entangled in worldly distractions and attachments. Sikhism warns against these influences, emphasizing that liberation can only be achieved through spiritual discipline and surrender to God’s will (hukam).
The Journey of the Soul
Sikh philosophy presents life as a journey of the aatma, guided by God’s grace (nadar). The aatma is believed to be on a path toward self-realization and reunion with the Divine. This journey involves breaking free from the Five Evils—kām (desire), krodh (anger), lobh (greed), moh (attachment), and ahankar (ego)—which obstruct spiritual growth.
The Gurus teach that by meditating on God’s Name and living in harmony with His will, the soul can rise above these evils and attain a state of sachkhand—the realm of truth and eternal bliss.
Aatma and Parmatma: The Divine Connection
Sikhism emphasizes the unity of the aatma with Parmatma. The individual soul is not independent but an integral part of the universal consciousness. The separation felt by the aatma is an illusion caused by ignorance (avidya). Guru Nanak Dev Ji illustrates this relationship through metaphors, such as the wave and the ocean or the drop of water merging into the sea, symbolizing the soul’s ultimate union with God.
This unity is celebrated in the Sikh belief that ik onkar—there is one universal Creator—permeates all of existence. By realizing this oneness, the soul transcends duality and experiences its true divine nature.
Conclusion
The concept of aatma in Sikhism is a profound reflection on the nature of existence, spirituality, and the human experience. It inspires individuals to rise above the fleeting pleasures of the material world and embrace a life of devotion, humility, and service. As the aatma journeys toward its ultimate purpose—merging with the Divine—it becomes a beacon of light, reminding us of our inherent connection to God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings guide humanity to discover this divine essence within and fulfill the soul’s eternal quest for liberation and unity
