ATMAN SIDETRACKED

The destiny of the Atman is to awaken into its source the Brahman.  This, though, can take many lifetimes to achieve, due to the distraction of what is called in Vedanta "the sheaths" or "the coverings," which is the body, mind, and emotions.

The demands of these coverings cause the Atman to identify itself with them, even while it is drawn, by its nature, to the Brahman.

The analogy is given of the needle of a compass attracted to a magnet.  But the needle cannot find the magnet exactly because of the dust piled on top of it.  The dust is the body, mind, and emotions.

Yet, by way of spiritual practices, such as meditation, the dust can be swept aside, freeing the Atman to realize its destiny.