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The Yoga of the Supreme Divine Personality
Chapter 15, Verses 1-20
Summary of Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita, known as “Purushottama Yoga” or “The Yoga of the Supreme Divine Personality,” presents the metaphor of the eternal cosmic tree to explain the material and spiritual aspects of the universe. Lord Krishna describes this tree as having its roots above and branches below, symbolizing that the material world is a reflection of the spiritual realm. He urges Arjuna to cut down this tree with the “weapon” of detachment, indicating the need to detach from the material world to understand the true eternal nature of the soul. Krishna also discusses the imperishable nature of the soul and identifies himself as the ultimate essence of all existence, the Supreme Divine Personality (Purushottama), transcending both the perishable material world and the imperishable soul.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 15
In today’s context, Chapter 15’s teachings about the cosmic tree and the dual nature of reality are highly relevant. The metaphor of the tree encourages a deeper contemplation of our existence, prompting us to look beyond the immediate, tangible world to understand deeper spiritual truths. The emphasis on detachment resonates in a world where materialism often dominates, guiding individuals towards a more balanced and spiritually oriented approach to life. The concept of the Supreme Divine Personality as the ultimate essence of all existence offers a unifying perspective, suggesting a deeper interconnectedness and purpose to all aspects of life, which is a compelling idea in our increasingly fragmented and individualistic world.
The Metaphor of the Banyan Tree (Chapter 15, Verses 1-5)
Krishna begins by describing the material world as an upside-down Banyan tree with its roots upwards and branches downwards. He advises cutting down this tree with the weapon of detachment and seeking the place from where one never returns.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 15, Verses 1-5
This metaphor represents the complexity and impermanence of the material world. In a modern context, it suggests the importance of detaching from the transient nature of worldly life and seeking lasting, more meaningful truths.
15.1 (Chapter 15, Verse 1): Krishna says, “The Blessed Lord said: There is a banyan tree which has its roots upward and its branches down, and the Vedic hymns are its leaves. One who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas.”
15.2 (Chapter 15, Verse 2): He describes, “Below and above spread its branches, nourished by the gunas; sense-objects are its buds; and below in the world of men stretch forth the roots, engendering action.”
15.3 (Chapter 15, Verse 3): Krishna explains, “Its form is not perceived here as such, neither its end, nor its beginning, nor its continuity. Having cut down this firm-rooted banyan tree with the strong axe of non-attachment,”
15.4 (Chapter 15, Verse 4): He continues, “Then that goal should be sought after, where having gone none return again. I seek refuge in that primeval Purusha whence streamed forth the ancient activity.”
15.5 (Chapter 15, Verse 5): Krishna concludes, “Those who are free from pride and delusion, who have conquered the evil of attachment, who are constantly dwelling in the Self and free from all desires, who are free from the dualities called pleasure and pain, undeluded, reach that eternal goal.”
The Eternal Nature of the Soul (Chapter 15, Verses 6-11)
Krishna explains that the soul is eternal and transcends the temporary material world. Those who reach the supreme abode do not return to the transient world. The soul in the body is immutable and incomprehensible.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 15, Verses 6-11
These verses highlight the concept of the eternal self beyond physical existence. In today’s world, this can be interpreted as the essence of our being that remains constant amidst the changing circumstances of life.
15.6 (Chapter 15, Verse 6): Krishna states, “That supreme abode of Mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor by fire or electricity. Those who reach it never return to this material world.”
15.7 (Chapter 15, Verse 7): He continues, “The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind.”
15.8 (Chapter 15, Verse 8): Krishna explains, “The living entity in the material world carries his different conceptions of life from one body to another as the air carries aromas. Thus, he takes one kind of body and again quits it to take another.”
15.9 (Chapter 15, Verse 9): He says, “The living entity, thus taking another gross body, obtains a certain type of ear, eye, tongue, nose, and sense of touch, which are grouped about the mind. He thus enjoys a particular set of sense objects.”
15.10 (Chapter 15, Verse 10): Krishna observes, “The foolish cannot understand how a living entity can quit his body, nor can they understand what sort of body he enjoys under the spell of the modes of nature. But one whose eyes are trained in knowledge can see all this.”
15.11 (Chapter 15, Verse 11): He concludes, “The endeavoring transcendentalists, who are situated in self-realization, can see all this clearly. But those whose minds are not developed and who are not situated in self-realization cannot see what is taking place, though they may try to.”
The Supreme Person (Chapter 15, Verses 12-15)
Krishna identifies Himself as the essence of the sun, moon, and all living beings. He is the knowledge, the object of knowledge, and the goal of knowledge. Everything is sustained by Him, and He is the essence of the Vedas.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 15, Verses 12-15
This section underlines the idea of a universal consciousness or force that pervades and sustains everything. It encourages seeing the interconnectedness of life and recognizing a universal spirit in all aspects of existence.
15.12 (Chapter 15, Verse 12): Krishna explains, “The light of the sun, and the light of the moon, and the light of fire – all their radiance is also from Me.”
15.13 (Chapter 15, Verse 13): He continues, “Entering into earth I support all beings with My energy; becoming the sap-giving moon, I nourish all plant life.”
15.14 (Chapter 15, Verse 14): Krishna says, “I am the fire of digestion in the bodies of all living entities, and I join with the air of life, outgoing and incoming, to digest the four kinds of foodstuff.”
15.15 (Chapter 15, Verse 15): He adds, “I am seated in everyone’s heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge, and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas, I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of Vedanta, and I am the knower of the Vedas.”
The Purpose of Knowledge (Chapter 15, Verses 16-20)
Krishna discusses the perishable and imperishable aspects of creation and declares Himself as the Ultimate Reality, beyond both. Understanding this wisdom leads one to attain the supreme knowledge.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 15, Verses 16-20
The final verses emphasize the value of higher wisdom and understanding in life. In contemporary terms, it underscores the pursuit of knowledge that leads to the realization of one’s true nature and the ultimate reality of existence.
15.16 (Chapter 15, Verse 16): Krishna states, “There are two beings in the world, the perishable and the imperishable. The perishable comprises all creatures. The imperishable is called the unchanging.”
15.17 (Chapter 15, Verse 17): He continues, “Besides these, there is the Supreme Purusha, called the Highest Self, who pervades and sustains the three worlds.”
15.18 (Chapter 15, Verse 18): Krishna explains, “Because I am beyond the perishable and even higher than the imperishable, I am declared in the world and in the Vedas as the Supreme Person, Purushottama.”
15.19 (Chapter 15, Verse 19): He says, “Whoever, undeluded, knows Me as the Supreme Person, he, knowing all, worships Me with his whole being, O Bharata.”
15.20 (Chapter 15, Verse 20): Krishna concludes, “This most secret teaching has now been imparted by Me, O sinless one. He who understands this will become wise, and his endeavors will know perfection.”