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Here’s a bullet-point gist comparing Sthita Prajna and Sakshi Bhava from the perspective of Vedantic philosophy (mainly Bhagavad Gita and Upanishadic teachings):
1. Sthita Prajna (Steady or Established Wisdom)
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A person of steadfast wisdom, unaffected by external circumstances.
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Equanimous in pleasure and pain; maintains balance in success and failure.
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Acts with detachment while fulfilling duties.
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Free from ego, desire, and anxiety; mind remains calm like a still lake.
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Recognizes the impermanence of the world and remains anchored in the Self (Atman).
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Example: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, verses 54–72, describes qualities like absence of attachment, non-reactivity, and inner joy.
2. Sakshi Bhava (Witness Consciousness)
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Adopts the attitude of a detached observer of life and its events.
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Sees the body, mind, and world as separate from the true Self.
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Maintains inner silence and impartiality, not identifying with thoughts, emotions, or outcomes.
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Experiencing life without attachment, recognizing all as manifestations of Brahman.
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Often associated with Jnana Yoga, meditative awareness, and non-dual realization (Advaita).
Key Difference
| Aspect | Sthita Prajna | Sakshi Bhava |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Active engagement in life with detachment | Passive observation, witnessing without attachment |
| Focus | Inner steadiness while performing duties | Pure consciousness beyond action and reaction |
| Emotional response | Maintains calm amid emotions | Experiences without identification |
| Goal | Liberation through selfless action (Karma Yoga) | Liberation through knowledge and witness consciousness (Jnana Yoga) |
💡 Insight:
A Sthita Prajna acts in the world with inner balance, while Sakshi Bhava may remain largely a silent observer. In advanced spiritual practice, these often merge, as the wise person both acts and witnesses without attachment.
If you want, I can make a one-line, super-condensed version comparing them, perfect for memorization. Do you want me to do that?
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