In Hinduism, Brahman (Sanskrit: ब्रह्म) connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality in the universe
In major schools of Hindu philosophy, it is the material, efficient, formal and final cause of all that exists
It is the pervasive, infinite, eternal truth, consciousness and bliss which does not change, yet is the cause of all changes
Brahman as a metaphysical concept refers to the single binding unity behind diversity in all that exists in the universe
Brahman is a Vedic Sanskrit word, and it is conceptualized in Hinduism, states Paul Deussen, as the “creative principle which lies realized in the whole world”
Brahman is a key concept found in the Vedas, and it is extensively discussed in the early Upanishads
The Vedas conceptualize Brahman as the Cosmic Principle
In the Upanishads, it has been variously described as Sat-cit-ānanda (truth-consciousness-bliss) and as the unchanging, permanent, highest reality
Brahman is discussed in Hindu texts with the concept of Atman (Sanskrit: आत्मन्), (Self), personal, impersonal or Para Brahman, or in various combinations of these qualities depending on the philosophical school
In dualistic schools of Hinduism such as the theistic Dvaita Vedanta, Brahman is different from Atman (Self) in each being
In non-dual schools such as the Advaita Vedanta, Brahman is identical to the Atman, is everywhere and inside each living being, and there is connected spiritual oneness in all existence