The Yoga of the Supreme Person
Purushottama Yoga
Krishna reveals Himself as the Supreme Person beyond both the fallible and infallible.
Krishna compares the material world to an inverted Banyan tree that must be cut with the weapon of detachment. He describes the transmigration of the soul and declares himself as the Supreme Person (Purushottama), beyond both fallible matter and infallible spirit.
Key Takeaways
- This world is a reflection; cut attachment to find the real root
- The soul carries the mind and senses from body to body like air carries scents
- I am the fire of digestion and the memory in the heart
Chapter 15 - The Yoga of the Supreme Person
Common questions and insights about this chapter
The Ashvattha (Banyan) tree with roots above and branches below symbolizes material existence. Its roots are in the spiritual realm (Brahman), while its branches extend into the material world. This represents how material creation is a reflection of spiritual reality.
Cutting the tree means detaching from material existence through the weapon of detachment and knowledge. One must sever attachment to the temporary material world and seek the eternal spiritual abode from which there is no return.
Purushottama means the 'Supreme Person' who transcends both the fallible (perishable material world) and the infallible (imperishable soul). Krishna declares Himself as Purushottama—the ultimate reality who maintains the entire cosmos.
The soul carries the subtle impressions of the mind and senses like the wind carries fragrance. Based on these subtle impressions and consciousness at death, the soul obtains a new body in the next life.
Chapter 15 Quiz
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