What are the three selves or three atmas?
According to Hindu philosophy and specifically in the context of the Bhagavad Gita and broader Vedic literature, the concept of the three selves can be related to three important manifestations of the divine or the supreme reality, often described in the following terms:
Brahman: The ultimate, formless, all-pervading aspect of God, representing the universal spirit or the absolute reality. This is the state of being that transcends all forms and distinctions.
Paramātmā: This is the Supreme Soul that resides in the heart of every living being. It denotes the immanent aspect of divinity that is distinct and present within individuals, guiding them through life.
Bhagavān: This is the personal aspect of God, manifesting as a deity with a personality, emotions, and plays an active role in the world, often depicted performing divine pastimes (leelas).
These three manifestations encapsulate the nature of the ultimate reality in different dimensions, allowing individuals to relate to God on multiple levels, whether through the abstract or through personal devotion. This understanding is encapsulated in the verse from Bhagavad Gita 1.2.11 which states:
"The knowers of the Truth have stated that there is only one Supreme Entity that manifests in three ways in the world—Brahman, Paramātmā, and Bhagavān."【4:0†source】
Thus, the three selves represent different perspectives and paths of realizing the ultimate spiritual truth.