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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15

पुरुषोत्तमयोगPurusottama Yoga

The Yoga of the Supreme Person

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 - Purusottama Yoga
Chapter 15

Purusottama Yoga

Chapter Overview

Chapter 15 uses the metaphor of an inverted cosmic tree to describe the material world. Krishna reveals himself as the Supreme Person (Purushottama) who transcends both the perishable material world and the imperishable soul. This chapter summarizes the essence of all Vedic knowledge.

Core Themes in This Chapter

Key Verses in Chapter 15

All Verses in Chapter 15(20 available)

Gita 15.1

The world is an impermanent, ever-changing illusion rooted in the Divine. True wisdom is to recognize its transient nature, cultivate non-attachment to its fleeting forms, and seek the eternal Self for liberation.

Nature of Reality (Samsara's Transience)The Path of Knowledge (Self-Realization)
Gita 15.2

Our present experience is an intricate, Guna-driven web of desires and actions, and recognizing its underlying roots is the first step towards true liberation.

The Nature of Conditioned Existence (Samsara)Influence of the Gunas
Gita 15.3

Sever the deep roots of attachment to the illusory, transient world with the powerful axe of non-attachment to uncover your true, unchanging essence and lasting freedom.

Detachment (Vairagya)Nature of Maya (Illusion/Samsara)
Gita 15.4

Seek refuge in the eternal source of all creation; it is the ultimate, unchanging goal that liberates you from life's transient cycles and offers lasting peace.

Ultimate PurposeSpiritual Refuge/Devotion
Gita 15.5

Conquer ego, attachment, and the dualities of pleasure and pain to dwell in the Self, achieving unshakable inner freedom and the ultimate, eternal goal.

Detachment & Non-AttachmentSelf-Realization & Inner Dwelling
Gita 15.6

True and lasting liberation is found not in the fleeting lights of the external world, but in realizing the self-luminous, eternal divine essence within.

Ultimate Reality/Transcendent NatureSelf-Sufficiency/Self-Luminosity
Gita 15.7

You are an eternal, divine essence, not merely your mind, body, or transient experiences. Recognize this truth to transcend attachment and live in true freedom and purpose.

Divine Nature of the SelfIllusion of Separation
Gita 15.8

Your individual soul, accompanied by your mind and senses, journeys through existence, transcending temporary physical forms. Invest in developing your inner self, for that which truly endures.

Transmigration of the SoulContinuity of the Subtle Body (Mind & Senses)
Gita 15.9

The true self, distinct from mind and senses, is the ultimate experiencer; recognizing these as mere instruments offers freedom from external dependency and superficial pleasures.

The Experiencing Self (Jivatma)Instrumental Nature of Mind & Senses
Gita 15.10

Cultivate the eye of knowledge to discern your eternal Self, distinct from the transient body, mind, and worldly experiences.

Inner Perception (Jnana Chakshu)Discernment of Self from Non-Self
Gita 15.11

True insight and lasting fulfillment emerge not merely from outward striving or intellectual study, but from profound inner purification, sustained discipline, and a refined mind capable of discerning reality.

Inner Purity and DisciplineSelf-Realization through Inner Vision
Gita 15.12

The divine light of consciousness is the pervasive source of all illumination and energy; cultivate inner purity to manifest its brilliance in your life.

Divine ImmanencePervasive Consciousness
Gita 15.13

All existence is continuously sustained and nourished by an omnipresent divine energy, providing fundamental support and life force to every aspect of creation.

Divine SustenanceUniversal Immanence
Gita 15.14

The divine fire within you orchestrates life itself; embrace mindful presence and gratitude in every act of sustenance and interaction.

Divine Immanence & SustenanceUniversal Life Force
Gita 15.15

15.15 And I am seated in the hearts of all; from Me are memory and knowledge, as well as their absence. I am verily That which has to be known by all the Vedas; I am indeed the author of the Vedanta and the knower of the Vedas am I.

Gita 15.16

Distinguish between the ever-changing world of phenomena (Kshara) and the underlying, immutable potential or seed of existence (Akshara) to navigate life with deeper understanding and detachment.

Duality of ExistenceNature of Reality (Change and Potential)
Gita 15.17

Connect with the indestructible, supreme Self within, recognizing it as the ultimate sustainer and source of stability that transcends all experiences, guiding you to act with inner peace and purpose.

Divine Transcendence & ImmanenceUltimate Support & Sustenance
Gita 15.18

The Divine is the ultimate, transcendent reality, superior to all perishable and imperishable aspects of existence. Understanding this truth liberates us from the transient and connects us to our eternal source.

Divine TranscendenceUltimate Reality/Truth
Gita 15.19

Undeluded knowledge of the Supreme Reality liberates one from material entanglement, grants all-encompassing wisdom, and inspires wholehearted devotion, leading to ultimate peace and purposeful living.

Spiritual Discernment/Freedom from DelusionSelf-Realization/True Knowledge
Gita 15.20

Embrace the profound wisdom of your true Self, for it alone brings ultimate fulfillment, liberates you from endless striving, and accomplishes all life's essential duties.

Spiritual Enlightenment/Self-RealizationUltimate Fulfillment & Purpose

Who Should Read This Chapter?

  • Those seeking the ultimate spiritual truth
  • Students of Vedanta philosophy
  • People wanting to understand God's nature
  • Anyone seeking direct realization

Problems Addressed in This Chapter