ब्रह्मन्
Brahman
(brahman)Universal consciousness; the absolute, unchanging reality underlying all existence
Full Meaning
Brahman (not to be confused with Brahma the creator god, or Brahmin the caste) is the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy — the infinite, unchanging consciousness from which all existence arises and into which it returns. It is not a god with a personality but the ground of all being itself. Sat-chit-ānanda: existence-consciousness-bliss.
Etymology
From the root bṛh (बृह्) — to grow, to expand, to be great. Brahman is that which expands infinitely.
Usage in Sanskrit Texts
The mahāvākyas (great sayings) of the Upanishads: "Aham brahmāsmi" (I am Brahman), "Tat tvam asi" (You are That), "Prajñānam brahma" (Consciousness is Brahman).
सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म — All this is indeed Brahman. (Chāndogya Upaniṣad 3.14.1)
Related Sanskrit Words
Learn Sanskrit — not just the words, but the language.
VedaLingo teaches Sanskrit from the alphabet up — free, 10 minutes a day.
Start Learning Free →