PANPSYCHISM VS. VEDANTA

Panpsychism is one of the oldest philosophical theories.  A panpsychist sees himself as a mind in a world of mind.

Vedanta has a view much like this, but it uses the word consciousness rather than mind.  A Vedantist, therefore, regards himself as a consciousness in a world of consciousness.

In Vedanta, individual consciousness is the Atman, while the world of consciousness is Brahman.  But here, too, the word world is not right.  Universe is better, i.e. all that exists and all that potentially exists.

But now what happens to consciousness when a person dies?  The average person who passes away no longer exists and therefore no longer has consciousness.  However, when he reincarnates, his consciousness resumes, although he is a different person now.

An enlightened, illumined person who dies, on the other hand, is absorbed into the consciousness of Brahman where, like Brahman, he is conscious forever.