Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15

Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga (The Supreme Person) - Verse-wise Summary

This chapter reveals the nature of the material world, the eternal soul, and the Supreme Being (Purushottama - Krishna). It explains how to overcome material bondage and attain liberation (moksha) through devotion.


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Verses 1-6: The Inverted Ashvattha Tree (Material World as an Illusion)

Verse 1

Krishna describes the material world as an inverted tree (Ashvattha or Peepal tree):

Its roots are above (in the spiritual realm).

Its branches extend downward (material world).

The Vedas nourish this tree, and desires entangle souls in its branches.


✅ Meaning: The world is an illusion (Maya), where people get caught in attachment and ignorance.


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Verse 2

The branches of the tree grow downward and upward, representing various material desires and karmic actions.

The roots spread deeply, binding souls to repeated birth and death (samsara).


✅ Meaning: This tree symbolizes Maya (illusion), trapping souls in endless karma.


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Verse 3-4

This tree has no beginning or end and is difficult to comprehend.

One must cut down this tree with the weapon of detachment and seek the Supreme Being.


✅ Meaning: Detachment (Vairagya) and devotion to God are the only ways to escape material bondage.


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Verse 5-6

Those who renounce pride, attachment, and false ego reach the Supreme Abode.

In Krishna's spiritual world (Vaikuntha), there is no return to birth and death.


✅ Meaning: The goal of life is to transcend the material world and attain Krishna's divine realm.


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Verses 7-11: The Soul and Its Journey

Verse 7

Every soul (Jivatma) is an eternal fragment of Krishna but is trapped in the material world due to desires.


✅ Meaning: The soul belongs to God but forgets its divine nature due to ignorance.


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Verse 8-9

Just as the wind carries fragrances, the soul carries karmic impressions (vasanas) from one body to another after death.

The soul uses the senses (eyes, ears, skin, etc.) but remains distinct from them.


✅ Meaning: The soul is eternal and migrates across lifetimes based on karma.


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Verse 10-11

The ignorant cannot perceive the soul's presence, but the wise, who possess spiritual vision, can.


✅ Meaning: Only those with spiritual knowledge realize the soul’s divine nature.


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Verses 12-15: Krishna as the Supreme Sustainer

Verse 12

Krishna is the light in the sun, moon, and fire, illuminating the universe.


✅ Meaning: All cosmic energies originate from Krishna.


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Verse 13

Krishna enters the earth to sustain life and nourishes plants with His energy.


✅ Meaning: Nature operates under Krishna's divine will.


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Verse 14

Krishna is the digestive fire in all beings, helping in food digestion.


✅ Meaning: Even bodily functions are powered by Krishna's divine energy.


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Verse 15

Krishna resides in every heart, giving memory, knowledge, and forgetfulness.

He is the author of the Vedas and the ultimate goal of knowledge.


✅ Meaning: Krishna is the inner guide, directing all beings toward wisdom or ignorance.


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Verses 16-18: The Three Types of Beings

Verse 16

Krishna describes two types of beings:

1. Kshara (Perishable Beings) – All material bodies that are temporary.


2. Akshara (Imperishable Beings) – The eternal soul (Atman).



✅ Meaning: The body perishes, but the soul is eternal.


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Verse 17

Beyond both is Purushottama (Supreme Being - Krishna), the eternal source of all existence.


✅ Meaning: Krishna is beyond both material and spiritual realities.


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Verse 18

Krishna declares: "I am Purushottama, beyond both the perishable and imperishable."


✅ Meaning: Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead (Bhagavan).


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Verses 19-20: Attaining Liberation Through Devotion

Verse 19

One who realizes Krishna as the Supreme Lord becomes free from illusion and attains liberation (moksha).


✅ Meaning: Bhakti (devotion) is the highest path to salvation.


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Verse 20

This knowledge is the highest secret (Raja Vidya), and those who understand it become truly wise.


✅ Meaning: Knowing and surrendering to Krishna leads to eternal happiness.


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Final Summary of Chapter 15

1. Material existence is an illusion (Maya), like an upside-down tree.


2. The soul is divine but gets trapped in worldly attachments.


3. Krishna is the ultimate source of light, life, and knowledge.


4. Beyond perishable (body) and imperishable (soul) exists Krishna (Purushottama).


5. Liberation (moksha) is attained by surrendering to Krishna with devotion.




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Key Lessons from Chapter 15

✅ Detachment from material desires is essential for spiritual growth.
✅ Krishna is the ultimate source of energy, wisdom, and life.
✅ Understanding Krishna as the Supreme Being leads to moksha (liberation).
✅ Bhakti (devotion) is the simplest way to connect with Krishna.

Would you like a simpler version or a deeper analysis of any specific verse?

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