Indian Philosophy (sarva darshana saamkathya)

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I found this in my notes under the heading of sakshi. Did not know where to put this but felt an irresistble urge to share this bit of vedantic truism

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>The centrality of the concept of Sakshi (Witness, Observer) in the Gita</span>

In the view of Swami Ranganathananda, the head of the Ramakrishna Mission, the two important problems which occupy the attention of Sri Krishna are <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>1. The nature of the self and 2. The problem of right conduct.</span> Bhagwan tackles the former first and disposes of the later afterwards.

In the realization of the deeper reality of the nature of the self, an important Vedantic conception is that of the Sakshin (witness or ultimate observer), as yet another attribute of the Atman. <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>The 2 important characteristics of the Sakshin are 1.detachment (vairagya) and 2. Universality (there are several terms embodying Universality and these are dealt with in the verses 2-17 to 2-20, as adjectives for atma such as avinashi – indestructible, ajaha-unchanging, nityaha-eternal, shaashwathaha-unchanging, puranaha-ever new, sarvagataha-all pervading,sthanuhu-unmoving, achalaha-unmovable, sanaatanaha –eternal
etc.).</span>
When Sri Krishna tells Arjuna that the true self is unborn, immortal, and eternal, he is referring to this Sakshin. See for instance the following stanzas

2-16 ( The Real and the Unreal – the truth seen by the seers of the essence0
13-22
15-10 (The self visible only to the eye of knowledge)
18-17 (freedom from ego permits one to do one’s duty without attachment (I am the agent)

13-22, captures the congruence between the ‘witness’ and the Atman

The highest spirit in this body,
Is called the witness, the consenter,
The supporter, the experiencer,
The great Lord,
And also the supreme spirit