Maraṇa

Death, the end of the physical body. Maraṇa designates the cessation of vital functions, but the scriptures distinguish it from the death of the Ātman: in the Bhagavad Gītā 2.20, Kṛṣṇa teaches that the Self «is neither born nor dies». The Upaniṣads deepen this distinction: one who knows Brahman does not fear maraṇa, for death is only a transition of the subtle body. Note the difference from [[mṛtyu]], which designates death as a devouring cosmic principle.