The “soul” according to Eastern and Western religions The idea of ​​the soul varies widely in religious tradition. Although these variations exist, its basic definition is invariable. The soul can be described as the ultimate internal principle through which we think, feel and will and through which our bodies are animated. The soul is seen as the fundamental principle of life or as the essence of a being 1. Views on the permanence of the soul also vary within religious tradition. While some see it as an ever-changing mortal entity, others believe the soul is an immortal, permanent unit. These interpretations vary from period to period and from religion to religion. These characteristics of the soul are interpreted differently through an Eastern or Western perspective. In general, Eastern and Western religions, with the exception of Buddhism, consider the soul to be a permanent entity, which is either reborn or condemned to a permanent heaven or hell. Christianity views the soul as a permanent entity within oneself, which is judged by God. The purity of one's soul decides whether one passes to heaven or hell. Christianity shares this fundamental belief with both Islam and Judaism, which also assert that heaven or hell is the final resting place of the soul. The Eastern religion, Hinduism, preaches that the Atman, or permanent soul, is in every being and is the embodiment of the supreme divine, Brahman. Buddhism, however, believes in the Anatman, or impermanent soul, because it is everything in the world ...