Chapter 15 – Purushottama Yoga
Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita contains 20 verses and presents a deep and transformational teaching on the nature of reality, the soul, and the Supreme Being. Krishna uses the powerful metaphor of an inverted Ashvattha (sacred fig) tree to illustrate the structure of the material world and the means to transcend it. This chapter synthesizes many key Vedantic themes and points the seeker toward detachment, self-realization, and surrender to the Supreme Person (Purushottama). Click Here To Access more other text.
Meaning of Purushottama Yoga
Purushottama literally means the Supreme Person — one who transcends both the perishable and the seemingly imperishable realities. Chapter 15 explains:
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The nature of the material world (temporary, illusory, bound)
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The eternal Self within all beings
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The Supreme Being who is beyond both
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The path to liberation through detachment and realization
This yoga teaches how to transcend identification with the world and the ego, thereby realizing the Supreme Self who pervades all.
Significance of the Chapter
Chapter 15 is philosophically rich and spiritually practical. It:
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Reveals the structure of samsāra (the world of repeated birth and death)
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Presents a vivid symbolism of reality that helps seekers see beyond illusion
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Explains how detachment (vairāgya) severs bondage
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Describes the threefold reality — perishable, imperishable, and supreme
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Offers a direct view of the Supreme Person (Purushottama) as the goal of life
This chapter acts as a concise guide to Vedantic understanding and spiritual liberation. Click view PDF.
Key Concepts & Teachings
Verse 15.1 – The Eternal Inverted Tree
Krishna begins by describing the world as an indestructible Ashvattha tree whose roots are above (in the spiritual realm) and branches spread downward (in the physical realm). The tree’s leaves are likened to the Vedic hymns — sustaining knowledge of life and dharma but still attached to worldly existence.
Teaching:
This imagery highlights that although the world appears real, its source and substance lie in the supreme spiritual reality — which is invisible to ordinary perception.
Verse 15.2 – Branches and Sense Objects
The branches of the tree spread both upward and downward, nourished by the three modes (guṇas) of nature — goodness, passion, and ignorance. The sense objects (forms, sounds, tastes, etc.) are like the buds or extensions of these branches, binding the soul to worldly experiences.
Teaching:
The world and its sensory entanglements are rooted in nature’s qualities, tying beings into the cycle of birth and death. Click view PDF.
Verses 15.3–15.4 – Cutting the Tree with Detachment
Krishna explains that no one can discern the origin, end, or foundation of this tree through ordinary means. The only way to transcend it is to cut it with the strong “axe of non-attachment” (asaṅga-śastra), meaning deep dispassion toward worldly attachments. Thereafter, one should seek the supreme state from which no soul returns and surrender to the Primeval Person — the Source from whom this creation has emanated.
Teaching:
Detachment is not withdrawal from life but inner freedom from craving and identity with the transient.
Verse 15.5 – Attainment of the Eternal Goal
Those who are free of pride and delusion, who have conquered attachment, who dwell in the Self, whose desires are renounced, and who are free from dualities (pleasure and pain) reach the eternal goal. Click view PDF.
Teaching:
Liberation begins when the seeker overcomes emotional extremes and settles in inner steadiness.
Verses 15.6–15.11 – Nature of the Soul
Krishna continues by describing how the individual soul stands in relation to the body, mind, and senses. The soul is the true experiencer, yet ordinary people fail to perceive it due to ignorance. Those striving for wisdom, however, see the soul as the witness of bodily experience and sense interaction.
Teaching:
Self-realization involves recognizing the soul’s distinct identity from the body and mind.
Verses 15.12–15.15 – The Immanent Supreme Being
Krishna explains that the light that illuminates the world — seen in the sun, moon, and fire — comes from Him. He pervades the earth, sustains all beings, nourishes life, and even acts as the inner fire of digestion in every body. Krishna also resides in the heart of all beings as memory, intelligence, and reasoning, and is the one who is known through all the Vedas and Vedantic wisdom.
Teaching:
The Supreme Person is both immanent (within) and transcendent (beyond), sustaining life and enabling consciousness. Click view PDF.
Verses 15.16–15.18 – Threefold Reality
Krishna describes three kinds of beings:
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Kṣara (Perishable): All living beings subject to change and decay.
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Akṣara (Imperishable): The eternal Self beyond physical change.
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Purushottama (Supreme Person): Transcending both the perishable and imperishable, the Supreme Divine Essence who sustains and transcends the universe.
Teaching:
Ultimate reality is not merely eternal consciousness but the Supreme Being who is beyond categories — the Source, Support, and Goal of all existence.
Verses 15.19–15.20 – Knowing the Supreme Person
Krishna concludes by saying that one who knows Him as the Supreme Person (Purushottama) recognizes everything and serves Him with full devotion. Understanding this chapter imparts true wisdom and fulfills all duties — spiritual and worldly.
Teaching:
Recognizing the Supreme Person brings integration of knowledge, action, and devotion — leading to liberation. Click view PDF.
Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions
Chapter 15 transforms the seeker’s worldview:
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It shifts identity from the transient world of forms to the source of consciousness.
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It teaches that craving and attachment are the roots of suffering.
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It fosters detachment with purpose, not indifference.
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It harmonizes knowledge and devotion, showing that true wisdom involves surrender to the Supreme. Click view PDF.
Practical Applications
Understanding Samsāra
Seeing life and the world as an inverted tree encourages detachment from fleeting pleasures and an orientation toward the eternal reality.
Cultivating Dispassion
Regular reflection on impermanence and selflessness reduces fear, greed, and anxiety.
Living with Inner Freedom
Acting with detachment, awareness, and devotion leads to steadiness and inner peace. Click view PDF.
Conclusion
Purushottama Yoga reveals the highest vision of the Bhagavad Gita: that behind the transient world of birth and death stands the Supreme Divine Person (Purushottama) who is both immanent and transcendent. By cutting the deep roots of attachment with the axe of detachment and surrendering to this Supreme, the seeker attains liberation, wisdom, and lasting peace. Understanding this chapter brings clarity, devotion, and the fulfillment of life’s highest purpose.
