<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> In Hinduism, Brahman (/ ˈbrɑːhmən /) connotes the highest Universal Principle, the Ultimate Reality in the universe . In major schools of Hindu philosophy, it is the material, efficient, formal and final cause of all that exists . It is the pervasive, genderless, infinite, eternal truth and bliss which does not change, yet is the cause of all changes . Brahman as a metaphysical concept is the single binding unity behind diversity in all that exists in the universe . </P> <P> Brahman is a Vedic Sanskrit word, and it is conceptualized in Hinduism, states Paul Deussen, as the "creative principle which lies realized in the whole world". Brahman is a key concept found in the Vedas, and it is extensively discussed in the early Upanishads . The Vedas conceptualize Brahman as the Cosmic Principle . In the Upanishads, it has been variously described as Sat - cit - ānanda (truth - consciousness - bliss) and as the unchanging, permanent, highest reality . </P>

The belief that all of reality is ultimately one is known as