Chapter 15: The Supreme Person
The eternal tree and the Purushottama
Chapter 15: The Supreme Person
Krishna presents the image of the cosmic tree (ashvattha) with its roots above and branches below, representing the inverted world of material existence. The wise cut down this tree with the axe of detachment and seek the supreme destination.
This chapter culminates in "Purushottama Yoga", the yoga of the Supreme Person, who transcends both the perishable and the imperishable.
Key Verses
Verse 15.1, The Cosmic Tree
ऊर्ध्वमूलमधःशाखमश्वत्थं प्राहुरव्ययम्।
छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि यस्तं वेद स वेदवित्।।
ūrdhva-mūlam adhaḥ-śākham aśvatthaṁ prāhur avyayam chandāṁsi yasya parṇāni yas taṁ veda sa veda-vit
"They speak of an eternal ashvattha tree with roots above and branches below, whose leaves are the Vedic hymns. One who knows it knows the Vedas."
The world is like an inverted tree: its roots (source) are in the transcendent; its branches (manifestation) spread downward. The Vedas are its leaves. Understanding this tree is true Vedic knowledge.
Verse 15.3-4, Cutting the Tree
न रूपमस्येह तथोपलभ्यते नान्तो न चादिर्न च सम्प्रतिष्ठा।
अश्वत्थमेनं सुविरूढमूलमसङ्गशस्त्रेण दृढेन छित्त्वा।।
na rūpam asyeha tathopalabhyate nānto na cādir na ca sampratiṣṭhā aśvattham enaṁ su-virūḍha-mūlam asaṅga-śastreṇa dṛḍhena chittvā
"Its form is not perceived as such here, neither its end nor origin nor foundation. Having cut down this deep-rooted ashvattha with the strong axe of detachment..."
The world-tree must be cut with the axe of detachment (asanga-shastra). Then seek the place from which there is no return, the supreme goal.
Verse 15.18, The Supreme Person
यस्मात्क्षरमतीतोऽहमक्षरादपि चोत्तमः।
अतोऽस्मि लोके वेदे च प्रथितः पुरुषोत्तमः।।
yasmāt kṣaram atīto 'ham akṣarād api cottamaḥ ato 'smi loke vede ca prathitaḥ puruṣottamaḥ
"Since I transcend the perishable and am above even the imperishable, I am known in the world and in the Vedas as the Supreme Person (Purushottama)."
Krishna declares His ultimate nature: beyond both the perishable (ksara) and the imperishable (akshara). This is Purushottama, the Supreme Person who transcends all categories.
Main Themes
- The Inverted Tree, Material existence has its roots in the transcendent.
- Detachment as Axe, Non-attachment cuts the binding power of the world.
- Three Categories, Perishable beings, imperishable Self, and Supreme Person above both.
- Purushottama, Krishna is the Supreme Person, beyond all dualities.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of an inverted tree tell you about the relationship between spirit and matter?
- What would it mean to "cut" the tree of samsara with the axe of detachment?
Continue Your Study
Chapter 15's 20 verses present the cosmic tree and the Supreme Person. Explore every verse with detailed explanations.