Ātman, in Hindu philosophy, refers to the inner self or soul, the essential and eternal aspect of an individual that transcends the physical body and mind. As a concept, Ātman is central to various schools of Hindu thought, particularly Vedanta, where it is often equated with Brahman, the ultimate reality, suggesting that the true self is one with the divine. While not commonly worshipped as a deity in a traditional sense, Ātman can also be revered in a more abstract manner, symbolizing the divine presence within every being, and is often personified in spiritual practices that emphasize self-realization and the unity of the soul with the cosmos.