“Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” Rabindranath Tagore
We covered Human Mortality on Post 134. Today we will explore Immortality with a verse from the Gita and one from Kaṭhopaniṣad. Continuing my posts from the Residential camp.
Introduction
In our fleeting lives, we often chase longevity—through health, legacy, and even technology’s promises of life extension. But what does true immortality mean? The Bhagavad Gita and the Kathopanishad, two profound texts, offer distinct perspectives on this eternal question. One speaks of the imperishable nature of the self, while the other hints at immortality through reaching heavenly realms.
Let’s explore these ancient insights and their relevance today, ending with three actions for us mortals to contemplate our own path to the eternal.
Bhagavad Gita: The Self is Never Born, Never Dies
In Chapter 2, Verse 20 of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna proclaims the immortal nature of the self (ātman):
न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्
नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः ।
अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो
न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे ॥
na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin
nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ
ajo nityaḥ śāśvato’yaṁ purāṇo
na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre
Translation:
The self is neither born nor does it ever die. Having existed in the past, it exists now and will always exist. It is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and ancient; it is not slain when the body is slain.
Listen
Krishna presents a radical view: immortality is not something to be attained—it is our very nature. We are already eternal, but our identification with the perishable body creates the illusion of mortality. This verse removes all fear of death by shifting focus to what never perishes: our essence.
Kathopanishad: Immortality in Heaven
Now, contrast this with Kathopanishad 1.1.13, where Nachiketa, a seeker of ultimate truth, in dialog with Yama, the Lord of Death asks his second boon and states
स्वर्गलोका अमृतत्वं भजन्ते
(svargalokā amṛtatvaṁ bhajante)
Translation:
Those who reach the heavenly worlds experience immortality.
Full verse
स त्वमग्निँ स्वर्ग्यमध्येषि मृत्यो
प्रब्रूहि त्वँ श्रद्दधानाय मह्यम् ।
स्वर्गलोका अमृतत्वं भजन्त
एतद् द्वितीयेन वृणे वरेण ॥ १३॥
sa tvamagnim̐ svargyamadhyeṣi mṛtyo
prabrūhi tvam̐ śraddadhānāya mahyam .
svargalokā amṛtatvaṃ bhajanta
etad dvitīyena vṛṇe vareṇa .. 13..
12-13 Nachiketa said: In the Heavenly World there is no fear whatsoever. You, O Death, are not there and no one is afraid of old age. Leaving behind both hunger and thirst and out of the reach of sorrow, all rejoice in Heaven. You know, O Death, the Fire-sacrifice, which leads to Heaven. Explain it to me, for I am full of faith. The inhabitants of Heaven attain immortality. This I ask as my second boon.
Listen
Unlike the Gita’s assertion of an inherent, indestructible self, the Kathopanishad speaks of a conditional immortality—one achieved through reaching higher realms. It aligns with Vedic rituals that promise eternal joy in heaven for those who perform meritorious deeds. However, this immortality is temporary, dependent on one’s karma. When the merits are exhausted, one returns to the cycle of birth and death. This is also mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita.
The fundamental difference: The Gita declares that we are already immortal, beyond birth and death, while the Kathopanishad suggests a temporary state of immortality based on good karma leading to heaven.
Contemporary Interpretations: Seeking Our Own Immortality
What do these perspectives mean for us today?
1. Material Immortality: Many attempt to preserve themselves through legacy—books, inventions, institutions, or even digital memories. AI and biotechnology are now offering ways to extend life or upload consciousness, mirroring the Kathopanishad’s idea of striving for a kind of "heavenly" existence.
2. Spiritual Immortality: The Gita’s perspective encourages us to realize the eternal self, not just extend our physical existence. This aligns with spiritual traditions worldwide, from Advaita Vedanta’s non-duality to modern mindfulness movements emphasizing presence and awareness.
3. Emotional Immortality: Relationships and wisdom passed down through generations make us live on beyond our physical form. This is akin to the idea that while the body perishes, our influence, knowledge, and kindness remain.
Three Actions for Mortals to Contemplate Immortality
1. Shift Identity Beyond the Body
Reflect daily: Who am I beyond my changing body, emotions, and thoughts?
Practice detachment while engaging fully in life, as Krishna advises. Swami Bodhananda refers to this as Detached Engagement
2. Build a Legacy that Outlives You
Whether through wisdom, acts of kindness, or creative work, invest in things that will last beyond your lifespan.
Think of ways to nurture knowledge, relationships, and community that endure.
3. Embrace the Present as the Eternal Now
Instead of chasing immortality externally, deepen your awareness of each moment. Meditation, contemplation, and even simple gratitude practices make us experience timelessness here and now.
Conclusion: Living with the Eternal Perspective
The Bhagavad Gita reminds us that immortality is not about prolonging life but realizing our eternal essence. The Kathopanishad, on the other hand, provides a more goal-oriented approach—doing good to reach a state of extended joy.
Both perspectives have their place. Whether we seek to leave a mark, transcend fear, or connect to something greater, the wisdom of these texts invites us to reflect:
Are we just striving for temporary extensions of life, or are we awakening to the truth that we have never been born and will never die?