12. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – CH 2, Verse 11-13 (Nature of Atma, Self)

Krishna introduces distinction between the wise (panditāḥ) and the unwise. He places Arjuna in the latter category due to his grief, but acknowledges his openness to wisdom. Krishna then delves into the eternal nature of Atma (self), contrasting it with the temporary body-mind complex. He presents a methodology distinguishing between incidental attributes (tatastha-lakshana) and intrinsic nature (svarupa-lakshana). This leads to the concept of the wise person as one who recognizes Atma as the constant and unchanging observer of changing experiences, unlike the unwise who identify solely with the body-mind conditions. Intrinsic nature of Self (Atma) is Existence (sat) which is of nature of Awareness (cit). Finally, Krishna introduces the concept of jiva, explaining its journey through various bodies and life stages across multiple incarnations, further emphasizing the transient nature of physical existence.See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/