🧠 Chetana (The Sentient Element)

• Derivation: Comes from the root word Chaitanyam (knowledge).
• Definition: The substratum to knowledge. It is not merely defined as possessing knowledge.
• The Jeevatma: The individual soul (Jeevatma) is the Chetana vastu. It is minute (described as $10^{-6}$ of a hair strand).

🧱 Achetana (The Insentient Element)

• Definition: That which is not a substratum to Dharmabhuta Jnanam.
• Physical Existence: The material body (Shariram) is Achetana. It only appears sentient because the Chetana Jeevatma is inside and activating it.
• Inanimate Objects: Objects like walls are also Achetanam. Though a Jeevatma might be stuck to their periphery, it doesn't get activated because the body lacks the three Gunas (Satva, Rajo, Tamo).

The Chetana (Jeevatma) possesses two distinct forms of knowledge:

1. Dharmi Jnanam (Knowledge Personified)

• This is the knowledge that IS the Jeevatma itself.
• Function: To constantly assert the feeling of self-existence (e.g., the feeling of "I").
• Analogy: The sugar that has completely permeated the interior of a sweet.

2. Dharma Bhuta Jnanam (Knowledge as an Attribute)

• This knowledge is activated only when the five sense organs (Pancha Gnanendriyas) contact an object (Vastu).
• Role: The Jeevatma is the substratum (support) for this activation.
• Analogy: The sugar crystal stuck to the outside of the sweet.

Krishna (Paramatma) clarifies his relationship with the universe, which is the sum of all Chetana and Achetana.

A. The Universe as Paramatma's Body (Shariram)

• Narayana: Means the one who is the Adharam (substratum/supporter) for Chetana and Achetana (Narana).
• Pervasion (Vyapti): Paramatma pervades and permeates every bit of creation, residing both within (Antar) and outside (Bahir).
• He is called Vishnu (one in all); the creation in him is called Vishwam (all in one).

B. The Paradox of Support (Matsthani vs. Nachaham Teshu)

Krishna presents a paradox resolved by his Divine Will (Sankalpam):

1. Matsthani Sarvabhutani: All creation (Chetana and Achetana) resides in him or is under him.
2. Na chaham Teshu Avasthitaha: Yet, he is simultaneously not contained within them.

• Resolution: This is his divine special ability (Yogam Aishwaram). He supports but is not supported by creation.
• Control: He controls the Jeevatma from within as the Antaratma via his will (Sankalpam).
• Creation Disparity (Vaishamyam): Any difference or disparity seen in creation is caused by the Chetana's own accumulated karma, not by Paramatma.

C. Creation (Srishti) and Dissolution (Layam)

Chetana and Achetana cycle under Paramatma's direction:

1. Dissolution (Layam)

• At the end of Brahma's lifetime (Kalpakshaye), all beings return to Paramatma's fundamental nature (Mamika Prakriti).
• Layam is the transition from the karya dasha (effect) to the karana dasha (cause); it is not destruction.

2. Creation (Srishti)

• Paramatma initiates creation at the beginning of a Kalpa (Kalpadau Visrujamyaham).
• The material creation (Achetanam) involves 24 constituent elements:
  • 3 Primary: Prakriti, Mahat, Ahankaram
  • 5 Latent Qualities: Pancha Tanmatras (sound, touch, form, taste, smell)
  • 5 Sense Organs: Pancha Gyanendriyas
  • 5 Action Organs: Pancha Karmendriyas
  • 5 Gross Elements: Pancha Bhutas (Akasham, Vayu, Agni, Apaha, Prithvi)
  • 1 Mind: Manas

The distinction between Chetana and Achetana helps understand the relationship between elements:

Krishna uses these to show that while Chetana and Achetana are distinct elements (Swagata Bhedam exists), they are unified as the single body (Shariram) of Paramatma.

This blog post is based on notes taken from the following video :

Video Sources:

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For a more detailed explanation, I highly recommend watching the original videos.

These articles are based on discourses by Sri Dushyanth Sridhar, who renders discourses in English & Tamil on Rāmāyana, Mahābhārata, Bhāgavata, Vishnu Purāna, Bhagavad Gitā, Vishnu Sahasranāma, and Divya Prabanda in the upanyāsam, pravachanam, or kālakshepam style. Visit https://desikadaya.org for more information. These notes are presented solely for educational purposes to help viewers download and benefit from these teachings. Any incorrect interpretations or inaccuracies are mine and unintentional—please forgive me. For any feedback, please send an email.