Chapter 15 - The Yoga of the Supreme Person

[Bhava dasa (ACBSP)]

Summary Outline of Bhagavad-gita As It Is: Chapter 15 – The Yoga of the Supreme Person
(Puruṣottama Yoga)

In Chapter 15, Krishna describes the eternal, imperishable spiritual world and explains the nature of the conditioned soul, the Supreme Person (Puruṣottama), and the process of liberation. He uses the analogy of the upside-down banyan tree to illustrate the illusion of material existence and shows how one can attain the Supreme Abode by surrendering to Him.

1. The Upside-Down Banyan Tree – The Illusion of Material Life (Verses 1-6)
• The material world is compared to an inverted banyan tree, with its roots above (Brahman) and branches below (material creation).
• The branches represent different species of life, and the leaves symbolize the Vedic scriptures.
• This tree is illusory (maya) and keeps the soul entangled in material existence.
• To attain liberation, one must cut this tree with the weapon of detachment and surrender to Krishna. (asanga-śastreṇa dṛḍhena chittvā – BG 15.3).
• Beyond this material world lies Krishna’s eternal abode, which is self-luminous and free from birth and death.

2. The Conditioned and Liberated Soul (Verses 7-11)
• The individual soul (jīvātmā) is an eternal fragment of Krishna but becomes bound by material desires.
• Due to forgetfulness of Krishna, the soul struggles within the cycle of birth and death.
• When a person attains knowledge, they perceive Krishna’s presence everywhere and achieve liberation.

3. Krishna as the Maintainer and Supreme Controller (Verses 12-15)
• Krishna is the source of all energy in the universe:
• The Sun and Moon’s light comes from Him.
• He provides fire, digestion, and sustenance to all living beings.
• He resides in everyone’s heart as the Supersoul (Paramātmā), guiding them.
• Krishna declares: “I am the source of all knowledge, memory, and forgetfulness.” (sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo… – BG 15.15).

4. The Supreme Person (Puruṣottama) (Verses 16-20)
• There are three categories of beings:
1. Fallible beings (kṣara) – All conditioned souls within the material world.
2. Infallible beings (akṣara) – Liberated souls in the spiritual world.
3. The Supreme Person (Puruṣottama) – Krishna, who is beyond both.
• Krishna is the Supreme Reality (Puruṣottama), who controls both the material and spiritual worlds.
• One who understands Krishna’s supreme position through devotion (bhakti) attains eternal liberation.

Conclusion

Chapter 15 provides a clear distinction between the temporary material world and the eternal spiritual world:
1. Material life is an illusion, compared to an upside-down banyan tree.
2. The soul is bound by karma but can be liberated by surrendering to Krishna.
3. Krishna is the Supreme Source of all knowledge, sustenance, and spiritual enlightenment.
4. Realizing Krishna as Puruṣottama (the Supreme Person) leads to liberation and eternal service in His abode.

This chapter prepares for Chapter 16, where Krishna explains the difference between divine and demoniac natures.