Theos-Talk Archives (August 1998 Message tt00462)

Dallas wrote:
>
>In Sanskrit the "n" sound to close the word "atma"  [ as atman ] is
>optional.  In South India they employ that closure more than in North India
>as has been my experience when there.
>
>For example:  Ramakrishna in the North becomes Ramakrishnan in the South,
>and so on.  so to my knowledge the usage of "atma" or "atman" is optional.
>All Sanskrit words end in a terminal "ah" or "uh" unless specifically
>truncated by a special sign indicating that the final "ah/uh" is not to be
>used.  Same for the use of the sacred AU(M) -- in the correct pronunciation
>that final "m" sound is very brief and is the result of closing the lips on
>the "o"  But these sounds have to be heard.  Writing distorts them.
>
Not sure if you are including the SD in this.  There is a distinction made
in the SD between Atma and Atman.  Something like Atma refers to "our" Atma,
etc., Atman to the whole.  Will try and find the reference if you would like it.

Tony