Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 12
Chapter 381 — यमगीता
Yama-gītā
पुमांश्चाधिगतज्ञानो भेदं नाप्नोति सत्तमः ब्रह्मणा विष्णुसंज्ञेन परमेणाव्ययेन च
pumāṃścādhigatajñāno bhedaṃ nāpnoti sattamaḥ brahmaṇā viṣṇusaṃjñena parameṇāvyayena ca
যে পুরুষ সত্য জ্ঞান লাভ করেছে, সে সজ্জনদের মধ্যে শ্রেষ্ঠ হয়ে কোনো ভেদ দেখে না; পরম অব্যয় তত্ত্বই ব্রহ্ম, এবং সেই তত্ত্বই বিষ্ণু নামেও পরিচিত।
Lord Agni (teaching the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa’s instructional dialogue style)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","practical_application":"Non-dual contemplation to dissolve sectarian difference between Brahman and Viṣṇu; supports jñāna-yoga and inclusive worship.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Brahma–Viṣṇu Abheda (Non-difference of Brahman and Viṣṇu)","lookup_keywords":["abheda","Brahman","Viṣṇu","advaita","parama avyaya"],"quick_summary":"The Supreme imperishable Reality is one; ‘Brahman’ and ‘Viṣṇu’ are names for the same highest principle. True knowledge removes perception of difference."}
Concept: Jnana reveals abheda: the Supreme is one, designated as Brahman and as Viṣṇu; the knower no longer apprehends bheda.
Application: Practice nididhyāsana on the one imperishable reality; use inclusive nāma (Brahman/Viṣṇu) to steady the mind beyond sectarian duality.
Khanda Section: Brahma-Vishnu-Abheda / Vedanta (Jnana-Yoga, Non-dual Brahman teaching)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A serene jñānī seated in meditation; above him a single luminous principle labeled both ‘Brahman’ and ‘Viṣṇu’, showing their identity; dualistic shadows dissolving.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, calm ascetic in padmāsana, haloed Viṣṇu-form merging into abstract Brahman light, muted earth pigments, sacred aura, minimal background.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central golden radiance with embossed gold leaf, Viṣṇu icon subtly blending into formless Brahman orb, seated sage below, rich reds and greens, ornate arch.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, delicate linework, soft shading, instructional labels ‘Brahman’ and ‘Viṣṇu’ on a single luminous form, contemplative sage, restrained ornamentation.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, refined courtly palette, a philosopher-sage in a garden pavilion contemplating a single radiant disc inscribed ‘Brahman/Viṣṇu’, fine detailing, calm symmetry."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: pumāṃś ca → pumān + ca; ca adhigatajñānaḥ → ca + adhigata-jñānaḥ; na āpnoti → na + āpnoti; parameṇa avyayena → parameṇa + avyayena.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 381 (Brahma–Viṣṇu-abheda section); Agni Purana 380–382 (Vedānta/Jñāna-yoga continuum)
FAQs
It imparts jñāna-vidyā (realization-based knowledge): the non-difference (abheda) of the Supreme Reality, called both “Brahman” and “Viṣṇu,” as the basis for liberation-oriented understanding.
Alongside ritual, polity, medicine, and arts, the Agni Purāṇa also preserves concise Vedāntic theology—here summarizing a doctrinal synthesis that equates sectarian divine naming (Viṣṇu) with the Upaniṣadic absolute (Brahman).
Realized knowledge dissolves perceived separateness; by seeing the Supreme as one—beyond names—one moves toward mokṣa and freedom from divisive, ego-based cognition that fuels karmic bondage.