Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga – The Yoga of the Supreme Person
Introduction
In this concise yet profound chapter, Lord Krishna elucidates the nature of the Supreme Being (Purushottama) and the means to attain liberation by understanding the transient material world and the eternal spiritual realm. This chapter serves as a synthesis of Vedantic philosophy, emphasizing detachment from the material and attachment to the Divine. Access Bhagavad Gita Notes & Summary.
Themes of Purushottama Yoga
The Inverted Ashvattha Tree – Symbolism of the Material World:
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Lord Krishna compares the material world to an upside-down Ashvattha (sacred fig) tree, with its roots above and branches below. This symbolizes the transient nature of worldly existence, where the roots represent the Supreme Source, and the branches signify the diverse manifestations of life. The leaves are likened to the Vedic hymns, which nourish and sustain the tree. vedantastudents /Chapter-15.
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Detachment as a Means to Liberation:
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To attain liberation (Moksha), one must sever the deep-rooted attachments to this material tree using the axe of detachment (Vairagya). Recognizing the impermanence of worldly pleasures and relationships fosters dispassion and paves the way for spiritual growth. Vedantastudents /Chapter-15.
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The Threefold Nature of the Supreme Being:
- Krishna delineates the Supreme Reality into three aspects:
- Kshara Purusha (Perishable Being): All living entities bound by the material world.
- Akshara Purusha (Imperishable Being): The unchanging, eternal soul beyond physical existence.
- Purushottama (Supreme Person): Transcending both, the Supreme Divine Essence that is the source of all.
The Immanence of the Supreme:
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The Supreme Being pervades the entire universe, residing in the hearts of all beings as the Inner Self (Atman). This indwelling presence is the source of memory, knowledge, and the faculty of reasoning. vedantastudents.com.
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Path to the Supreme:
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By transcending the dualities of life and surrendering wholeheartedly to the Supreme Person with unwavering devotion, one can attain the eternal, self-luminous abode beyond the cycles of creation and dissolution. vedantastudents.com.
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Key Verses from Chapter 15
Verse 1 – The Inverted Tree Analogy:
- “They speak of an eternal Ashvattha tree with its roots above and branches below; its leaves are the Vedic hymns. One who knows this tree is a knower of the Vedas.” Vedantastudents /Chapter-15.
Verse 3-4 – Detachment from the Material:
- “Its form is not perceived here, neither its end nor its beginning nor its foundation. Having cut this firm-rooted Ashvattha tree with the strong axe of detachment, one should seek that place from which, having gone, one never returns, and there surrender to that Supreme Being from whom everything has extended since time immemorial.” vedantastudents.com.
Verse 6 – The Supreme Abode:
- “Neither the sun nor the moon nor fire illumines that supreme abode of Mine. Having gone there, one does not return.” Click Here For Chapter-15.
Verse 16-18 – The Threefold Purusha:
- “There are two kinds of beings in the world—the perishable and the imperishable. All beings are perishable, and the unchanging is called imperishable. But there is another, the highest being, called the Supreme Self, who, pervading the three worlds, sustains them—the imperishable Lord. Because I transcend the perishable and am higher than the imperishable, I am declared as the Supreme Person (Purushottama) in the world and in the Vedas.”
Benefits of Studying Purushottama Yoga
- Clarity on the Nature of Existence: Understanding the ephemeral nature of the material world fosters detachment and reduces suffering.
- Recognition of the Supreme Within: Realizing the immanence of the Supreme Being within oneself and others cultivates respect, love, and compassion.
- Pathway to Liberation: By comprehending the threefold nature of the Supreme and surrendering to Purushottama, one can break free from the cycles of birth and death.
- Inner Peace and Stability: Detachment from material entanglements leads to mental equilibrium and enduring peace. Click Here For Chapter-15.
Reference
- Text: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 15.
- Name: Purushottama Yoga – vedantastudents.com.
Theme
- Describes the eternal and impermanent aspects of life using the metaphor of the upside-down Ashvattha tree (Samsara Vriksha).
- Explains the distinction between Kshara (perishable), Akshara (imperishable), and Purushottama (Supreme Being).
Benefits of Studying Chapter 15
- Leads to detachment from material bondage.
- Encourages spiritual growth and realization of the Supreme Purusha.
- Promotes liberation (Moksha) by transcending dualities and understanding the true Self.
- Increases awareness of the temporary nature of the world and fosters a God-centered life.
Why Study Purushottama Yoga?
- Comprehensive Understanding of Vedantic Philosophy: This chapter encapsulates core Vedantic teachings, offering profound insights into the nature of reality and the Self.
- Guidance for Spiritual Practice: It provides practical wisdom on cultivating detachment and devotion, essential for spiritual advancement.
- Universal Relevance: The teachings transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, addressing the fundamental human quest for meaning and liberation. Click Here For Chapter-15.
Conclusion
Purushottama Yoga serves as a beacon, illuminating the path from the transient shadows of the material world to the eternal light of the Supreme Being. By understanding the symbolic Ashvattha tree and recognizing the Supreme’s pervasive presence, seekers are guided toward detachment, self-realization, and ultimate liberation. Embracing these teachings enables one to transcend worldly illusions and unite with the Purushottama, the Supreme Person.
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1.Watch Chapter-15 [summary] YouTube Video 2. Watch Chapter-15 [Verses 1&3] Youtube Video 3. Watch Chapter-15 [Verses 4&5] Youtube Video 4. Watch Chapter-15 [Verses 6&7] Youtube Video 5. Watch Chapter-15 [Verses 7&9] Youtube Video 6. Watch Chapter-15 [Verses 10&11] Youtube Video 6. Watch Chapter-15 [Verses 12&14] Youtube Video 7. Watch Chapter-15 [Verses 15&20] Youtube Video
