Srimad Bhagavad Gita -Ramanujacharya 409

Srimad Bhagavad Gita -Ramanujacharya

Chapter-13 Prakṛti-Puruṣa-vivek Yogaḥ

ṛṣibhir bahudhā gītaṃ chandobhir vividhaiḥ pṛthak | brahma-sūtrapadaiścaiva hetumadbhir viniścitaiḥ || 5 || 5. It has been lauded by the sages in various ways, in various distinctive hymns of the Vedas, and also in the sound logic and conclusive arguments of the Brahma-sutras. Commentary It is this truth regarding the Kṣetra and Kṣetrajña that has been sung in various ways by Parasara and other sages. For example:— 'I and you and others O King, are composed of the elements; and the elements following the stream of the Gunas, assume a physical shape, But the Gunas such as Sattva and the rest, O ruler of the earth, are dependent on Karma; and Karma, accumulated by nescience [which mistakes the non-self for the Self], influences the condition of all beings without exception. The Self is [essentially] pure, imperishable, tranquil, transcends the Gunas and is pre-eminent over Prakrti' The body, characterised by head, hands, feet and the like is different from Puruṣa.' Which of these O King should I designate by the name "I"?. 'Are you the head or chest, or else the belly? Are you indeed the feet and other limbs or do they belong to you, O King? You are distinct in your nature from all your bodily parts, O King, become intelligent and consider — "Who am I" '. In various distinctive hymns of the Vedas, Rig Yajus, Saman and Atharvan the distinction of body and the Self has been sung. .