“The Atman refers to each person’s inner-self. Its destiny is determined by karma”.

The central problem in Hinduism in not being able to return to Brahman. Atman refers to an individuals ‘eternal self’ and is reflection of the Brahman, the ultimate force. The destiny of Atman is determined by karma. Karma is one of the fundamental doctrines of Hinduism and refers to the influence of one's action’s on present and future existence. Hindus seek to maximise actions that will have a positive impact on karma. Negative karma will entrap the Atman within samsara and prevent the Atman from remerging with Brahman.  Desire is the root cause of eternal suffering. It is crucial that actions are undertaken without attachment and desire to ensure a clear vision of Brahman.

The pratices and teachings of Hinduism all exemplify the fundamental need of returning to Brahman. The three paths to salvation are ways of escaping samsara. Karma-yoga stresses a detachment from the material world and absence of actions undertaken with desire. Jnana-yoga consists of rigorous asceticism and contemplation and enables an individual to distinguish what is real and what is unreal (ie what really is Brahman). Bhakti-yoga consists of devotion to a God, which includes worship and offerings designed to create a purer Atman.