Brahman

“That which grows/expands”. The Absolute Reality, the ultimate foundation of the universe according to Vedānta.

Characteristics:

• Sat: Pure existence
• Cit: Pure consciousness
• Ānanda: Pure bliss

Two aspects:

• Nirguṇa Brahman: Without attributes, beyond all description
• Saguṇa Brahman: With attributes, accessible to devotion (Īśvara)

The Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad (2): “All this is Brahman. This ātman is Brahman.”

In yoga:

• The ultimate goal is brahma-sākṣātkāra (direct realization of Brahman)
• It is not just another experience but recognition of what always was
• The duality of practitioner/goal dissolves: there is no one who “reaches” Brahman

Not to be confused with Brahmā (the creator god) or brāhmaṇa (the priestly caste).