Ashtavakra says,

Further, Sage Ashtavakra says,
 Atmaa saakshee vibhuh poorNa EkO muktshchidakriyah |
 asamgOh nispruhah shaantO bhramaat samsaaravaaniva || (A-G 1. 12)

  Meaning, the Atman appears to be a householder involved in sansar due to bhrame, illusion! Actually,  the Atman is awitness to happenings; it is the vibhu, the Lord; it is One and there is no other besides it! The Atman is always free and there is no question of seeking liberation. It is 'akriyah', does not get involved in any action. The Atman is unaccompanied, nispruha, selfless, desireless, not interested, in anything and always peaceful. It is thus clear that the Atman is totally independent of the body it is surrounded with by the several sheaths like the annam, pranam, manas, vijnyaan or buddhi and the ananda or bliss.

   However, it is not easy to know about Atman since it is the core of the substance. It is the very essence of the substance, the seed of all that manifests. Bhagavan Shree Krishna says, "I Am the seed". The Upanishads explain this clearly. When we cut open the seed we do not see anything; but, the seed sprouts when it comes in contact with soil, water and heat. So also, the jiva takes its birth from the all-knowing Atman. It is complete, poorna, by itself and needs no external support! It creates a situation and builds up a body as in the case of an impregnated cell in the mother's womb! It is creating the appropriate condition for its growth, development and also finally leaves the body it has created. Thus, everything is Atman only and nothing else! The ignorant jivas never know how the Atman enters and gets out of a body. It is still a mystery. However, it is stated that the 'Jiva' takes a form and function due to the 'will' of the Lord. It is the desire that is the cause of birth and "Desire is brahman". Thus, it is clear who comes here taking birth and who goes leaving the body? It is all a divine function.Once the jiva realizes the fact that it has no role to play it keeps quiet.

  An enlightened person, jnyani keeps quiet when he realizes the true nature of the Self, jivatman and the nature of the 'Atman'. Atma eve brahmaa |