ہندومت کا تصورِ اصلاحِ نفس: تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Hindu Concept of Purification of the Self: Analytical Study

Abstract

The concept of the self has remained a central theme in religious and philosophical traditions across civilizations. This idea is expressed in Hinduism by the concept of Atman, which is the inner reality and true essence of human existence. Hindu philosophical thought considers the understanding and purification of the self as essential for moral discipline and spiritual liberation. The self's nature, types, and states are extensively discussed in classical Hindu scriptures, as are practical ways to improve it. This research article explores the concept of the self (Atman) in Hinduism, focusing on its nature, classification, and the methods prescribed for self-purification and spiritual refinement. Hindu philosophy regards Atman as the inner self or soul, which is eternal, divine, and fundamentally identical with Brahman, the ultimate reality. The study analyzes classical Hindu scriptures such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Vedantic traditions to explain different understandings and stages of the self, including the embodied self and the realized self. The article further examines the ethical and spiritual disciplines proposed for the purification of the self, such as Karma Yoga (path of action), Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion). These methods aim to liberate the self from ignorance (Avidia), desires, and the cycle of rebirth (Samsara), ultimately leading to Moksha (liberation).