[Advaita-l] "adhikarins" and the continuation of the body after jnana

[savithri devaraj]

> The pUrvapakShin says that this demonstrates that GYAna
> does not result in mukti atleast in some cases.
> 
> ShankarAchArya disagrees.  GYAna does result in mokSha
> in all cases but certain beings have been deputed by Ishvara
> to perform certain acts for the welfare of the
> universe.  (E.g. kR^iShNa dvaipAyana muni wrote the
> mahAbhArata including the gItA and the 18 purANas,
> etc.)  Until this karma is fulfilled, they will
> continue to remain embodied despite being GYAnis. Note this
> is different from karma that they themselves did before
> becoming enlightened.
> 
> My question for those currently debating (and of course
> anyone else who would like to venture an opinion) is what is
> your take on this sUtra? Does it  make you want to
> change your opinions in any way?
> 

Yes, in my opinion, this special case of avatara-purushas with a mission is understandable, but is more of an exception than the rule. The sUtra mentioning the case jnAnis remaining embodied with a mission is more proof of the general rule that jnAnis are asharIrIs.
Regards,
Savithri