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50 / Lord Mahavira
11. Self & Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita is the most representative and authoritative text of Brahmanical theology, It presents a remarkable synthesis of the diverse doctrines of vedic and non-vedic origin. It makes a clear distinction between the self and matter, although both these are traced to God. Atman is described as eternal, unborn, all pervasive, ancient, unmanifest and unthinkable. If is immortal, it is neither born nor does it die. The immortal self is declared as identical with the supreme lord. The relationship between soul and the body is compared to that between a person and his garments. The doctrine of rebirth is taken for granted. The embodied self undergoes the process of birth, death and rebirth. Karmayoga is expounded on the highest way to liberation of the self. It teaches meditation and renunciation of attachment. The path leading to liberation does not consist exclusively of knowledge. Actions dedicated to God and performed devotion to God are equally valid paths to ultimate goals.
