In Hindu thought, what does "Brahman" refer to?

In Hindu thought, "Brahman" refers to the ultimate reality or universal spirit. This concept represents the highest, most expansive reality that transcends the material world and is the source of all existence. Brahman is considered formless, infinite, and eternal, embodying the essence of the universe. The understanding of Brahman is central to various philosophical traditions within Hinduism, particularly in Vedanta, where it is described as the underlying principle that connects and unites everything in the universe.

While there are many deities worshipped within Hinduism, Brahman itself is not a specific deity but rather a concept that encompasses all that exists and is beyond the individual's personal gods. This distinction is crucial because it reflects the pantheistic aspect of Hindu philosophy, where Brahman is seen as immanent in all things yet also transcendent and beyond comprehension. Understanding Brahman allows practitioners to engage with the deeper spiritual truths of existence and their relationship to the cosmos.