statements appearing contradictory

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The Teachings of BhagavanSri Ramana Maharshiin His Own WordsCHAPTER ONEDEATH AND RE-BIRTHOn occasion, however, Bhagavan did admit of a lower,contingent point of

view for those who could not hold to thedoctrine of pure non-dualism.In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna first says to Arjuna inChapter II, that no one was born and then in Chapter IV,

`therehave been numerous incarnations both of you and me. I knowthem

but you do not.' Which of these two statements is true? Theteaching

varies according to the understanding of the listener. 1When

Arjuna said that he would not fight against hisrelatives and elders

in order to kill them and gain the kingdom,Sri Krishna said: `Not that these, you or I, were not before, arenot now, nor will be hereafter. None was born, none has died,nor will it be so hereafter'. He further developed this theme,saying that he had given

instructions to the Sun and throughhim to Ikshvaku; and Arjuna queried how that could be, sincehe had been born only a few years back, while they lived agesago. Then Sri Krishna saw his point of view and said: `Yes, therehave been many incarnations of me and you.

I know them allbut you do not.'Such statements appear contradictory, but they are trueaccording to the viewpoint of the questioner. Christ also said"Before Abraham was, I am." 21 Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi, 436.2 Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi, 145.