Brahman

Brahman (Skt.) — connotes the highest universal principle or ultimate reality in the universe according to Hinduism. Brahman is a key concept found in the Vedas and it is extensively discussed in the early Upanishads.

In dualistic schools of Hinduism such as the theistic Dvaita Vedanta, Brahman is different from the atman (soul) in each being. In non-dual schools such as the monist Advaita Vedanta, Brahman is identical to the atman.

Not to be confused with Brahmin–the priestly caste in Hinduism—, Brahma–a Hindu god—, or Brahmanas– a layer of text in the Vedas.