The Concept Of Soul (Atman) In The Orthodox And The Heterodox Schools Of Indian Philosophy: A Review

Abstract

This review looks at the concept of an Atman (soul) in both the orthodox (Astika) and heterodox (Nastika) schools of Indian philosophy examining their divergent interpretations and implications for ethics and ultimately liberation (moksha) in the individual. The orthodox schools of Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika and Mimamma affirmate the existence of an Atman as an eternal unchanging entity that makes up the core of individual existence the view is that there are differing views on the link (Brahman) of the ultimate reality with regard to the path to liberation moksha). However contrary to the heterodox schools such as Buddhism and Jainism as well as Charvaka who have contrary views, Buddhism rejects the notion of an eternal soul in favor of the doctrine of Anatta (non-self) the view of Jainism acceptance the individuality of the soul bound by karmic forces long term being Charvaka deny the existence of an Atman and sectioned with consciousness that view as a material phenomenon. This paper provides a comparative review from a metaphysical basis of the foundations of the concepts of these views of their ethical consequences and offering an understanding of the concept of Atman in Indian philosophy.