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19. Self-Inquiry Process – Seeing What-Is – Unchanging Atman – BG CH2, Verse 17
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Session focuses on the nature of human problems and the concept of Atma (the self). It distinguishes between two types of problems: (a) situational issues and (b) fundamental problem related to self-recognition. The fundamental problem is the desire to see oneself as a complete being, free from limitations. Krishna addresses this by emphasizing the nature of Atma, which is unborn and unchanging.
Main ideas:
- Panditah na anuśocanti (2.11): The wise do not grieve because they see Atma as unborn and unchanging. This understanding comes from an inquiry into the nature of being, recognizing an unchanging presence (Sat-cit) that allows one to witness changes.
- Sat-cit (Existence-Awareness): This is the unchanging reality that underlies all forms. It is not individual but one undivided whole, similar to how space seems divided by objects but is actually one continuous entity.
- Satya-Mithya Analysis: Krishna points out that all changing forms (bodies, minds, objects) are mithya (dependent reality) and do not affect the final reality (satyam). Mithya forms reduce to atoms and particles, concepts — but the final reality is existence-awareness (Sat-cit), which is limitless (Ananta).
- Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 17: This verse emphasizes that Atma is indestructible and pervades the entire world. No one can destroy this unchanging reality, just as waves cannot change the water.
- Resistance to Teaching: Analogy of a frog in a well is used to explain why people resist this teaching. Just as the frog is comfortable in its well, people are comfortable with their limited understanding and resist the broader vision of reality.
- Vedanta Vision: Unlike common spiritual teachings that suggest ascending to a higher reality, Vedanta teaches that Sat-cit is not an object but the very essence of “I am.” It is something already accomplished but not yet recognized.
- Wave-Water Analogy: The relationship between mithya (wave) and satyam (water) is used to illustrate that one does not have to give up their individual identity to understand the broader reality. Instead, one should put their individuality into perspective, recognizing it as part of the larger, unchanging existence-awareness.
See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/
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