Eternal Wisdom: Vipaschit

A Comparison of Bhagavad Gita and Kaṭhopaniṣad

This is Post 136. We are continuing the theme of Kaṭhopaniṣad and Bhagavad Gita. This is the 3rd post that I am writing from the Residential camp. Vipaścit the Intelligent, The Wise.

Introduction

In the vast expanse of Hindu philosophy, few dialogues resonate as profoundly as Krishna’s words to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita and Yama’s wisdom to Nachiketa in the Kaṭhopaniṣad. These two texts, though set in different contexts, converge on essential truths about the self (ātman), impermanence, and the ultimate reality. One of the most striking parallels can be found in Bhagavad Gita 2.20 and Kaṭhopaniṣad 1.2.18, both affirming the eternal nature of the soul.

The Unborn, Undying Soul

Bhagavad Gita 2.20

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः

अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे ||

"The soul is neither born nor dies at any time. It has neither past nor future. It is not slain when the body is slain."

Listen

Kaṭhopaniṣad 1.2.18

न जायते म्रियते वा विपश्चिन्नायं कुतश्चिन्न बभूव कश्चित्

अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे ||

"The wise one is not born, nor does he die. He does not originate from anywhere, nor did he ever exist before."

Listen:

Comparing the Two Verses

At first glance, both verses convey an identical message: the soul is eternal, birthless, and deathless. The Bhagavad Gita verse addresses the grieving Arjuna, assuring him that the soul (ātman) is beyond the cycle of birth and death. Krishna presents this knowledge as a call to duty, urging Arjuna to rise above transient emotions and act in accordance with Dharma.

The Kaṭhopaniṣad verse is spoken by Lord Yama, the god of death, to young Nachiketa. In response to Nachiketa’s inquiry about what happens after death, Yama reveals the deeper truth that the wise one (vipaścit)—the realized soul—never truly comes into existence nor ceases to be. This verse leans into the timelessness and causeless nature of the self, emphasizing that the ultimate reality is beyond even the concept of ‘existence’ and ‘non-existence’.

The Kaṭhopaniṣad, being a more esoteric text, approaches this knowledge from an introspective, mystical perspective, while the Bhagavad Gita translates it into practical wisdom for action in the world.

Beyond Life and Death: The Story of Harishchandra

The ancient legend of King Harishchandra offers a powerful illustration of this eternal wisdom in action.

Harishchandra, renowned for his unwavering commitment to truth, was tested beyond measure. He lost his kingdom, was separated from his wife and son, and was reduced to working as a cremation ground attendant. Yet, through all suffering, he held firm to his Dharma, never wavering in his truthfulness.

One day, his son passed away, and his wife, penniless, brought the body to the cremation ground where Harishchandra worked. Even in that moment of personal agony, he upheld his duty, refusing to waive the burial fees. Just then, celestial beings appeared, revealing that this was all a divine test. Harishchandra was restored to his glory, proving that one who lives by truth transcends worldly suffering.

Like Krishna’s counsel to Arjuna and Yama’s wisdom to Nachiketa, Harishchandra’s story teaches us that life and death are but transient phases. The true self remains untouched.

Enjoy this wonderful painting of Harishchandra and his wife Taramati by Raja Ravi Varma.

Reflections: What Does This Mean for Us?

Both the Bhagavad Gita and Kaṭhopaniṣad urge us to look beyond our mortal struggles. If we truly grasp the nature of the self as birthless and deathless, how might this shift our perspective on:

• Fear of loss and change?

• Grief and suffering?

• Our purpose in life?

• On handling ridicule?

In the chaos of daily life, we can draw strength from this eternal wisdom. Just as Arjuna was asked to act without attachment, and Nachiketa was encouraged to seek the highest truth, we too can navigate life with clarity, courage, and commitment to Dharma.

May these teachings guide us toward realizing our own eternal nature, untouched by time, sorrow, or death.

Just One More Thing

I gave a talk on AI for EveryOne. 40-50 people came. They all gave very good feedback. It was new and even the 87 yr old could do something with AI! I did about 15 minutes handson session at the beginning. I am helping a woman with her phone.

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