25. Logic of Non-Duality (Satya-Mithya) – 3 Types of Karma – Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2.25

Introduction Teachings: The Self manifests through three bodies: the Sthula sharira (physical body made of 5 elements), Sukshma sharira (subtle body containing four functions), and Karana sharira (causal body storing samskaras and unseen results of past actions). The Sukshma sharira operates through Manas (emotions/doubting), Buddhi (decision making), Chitta (recall), and Ahamkara (I-sense). These components interact as upadhis (limiting adjuncts) to consciousness, while the Karana sharira manages three types of karma: Sanchita (accumulated), Prarabdha (allocated for this life), and Agami (newly generated). I (atma) have a special relationship with my body-mind complex, but it doesn't mean it is Me.Chapter 2, Verse 25: Verse establishes Atma's nature as avyakta (unmanifest), acintya (beyond thought), and avikārya (unchangeable). It introduces satya-mithya relationship, where Awareness (Atma) is satya (independently existent) while all changing phenomena are mithya (dependently existent). Like wood is to table, Awareness is the substrate of all existence. The teaching addresses Arjuna's grief by showing even sorrow for anātmā (non-self) is pointless since all forms must be either eternal (nitya) or non-eternal (anitya). Since forms can't be eternal, they must be temporary and subject to change. Verse essence: The Self (Atma) is the unchanging, unmanifest reality behind all temporary manifestations, and therefore one should not grieve.See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/