Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15
पुरुषोत्तमयोग — Purusottama Yoga
The Yoga of the Supreme Person

Purusottama Yoga
Chapter Overview
Chapter 15 uses the metaphor of an inverted cosmic tree to describe the material world. Krishna reveals himself as the Supreme Person (Purushottama) who transcends both the perishable material world and the imperishable soul. This chapter summarizes the essence of all Vedic knowledge.
Core Themes in This Chapter
Key Verses in Chapter 15
All Verses in Chapter 15(20 available)
The world is an impermanent, ever-changing illusion rooted in the Divine. True wisdom is to recognize its transient nature, cultivate non-attachment to its fleeting forms, and seek the eternal Self for liberation.
Our present experience is an intricate, Guna-driven web of desires and actions, and recognizing its underlying roots is the first step towards true liberation.
Sever the deep roots of attachment to the illusory, transient world with the powerful axe of non-attachment to uncover your true, unchanging essence and lasting freedom.
Seek refuge in the eternal source of all creation; it is the ultimate, unchanging goal that liberates you from life's transient cycles and offers lasting peace.
Conquer ego, attachment, and the dualities of pleasure and pain to dwell in the Self, achieving unshakable inner freedom and the ultimate, eternal goal.
True and lasting liberation is found not in the fleeting lights of the external world, but in realizing the self-luminous, eternal divine essence within.
You are an eternal, divine essence, not merely your mind, body, or transient experiences. Recognize this truth to transcend attachment and live in true freedom and purpose.
Your individual soul, accompanied by your mind and senses, journeys through existence, transcending temporary physical forms. Invest in developing your inner self, for that which truly endures.
The true self, distinct from mind and senses, is the ultimate experiencer; recognizing these as mere instruments offers freedom from external dependency and superficial pleasures.
Cultivate the eye of knowledge to discern your eternal Self, distinct from the transient body, mind, and worldly experiences.
True insight and lasting fulfillment emerge not merely from outward striving or intellectual study, but from profound inner purification, sustained discipline, and a refined mind capable of discerning reality.
The divine light of consciousness is the pervasive source of all illumination and energy; cultivate inner purity to manifest its brilliance in your life.
All existence is continuously sustained and nourished by an omnipresent divine energy, providing fundamental support and life force to every aspect of creation.
The divine fire within you orchestrates life itself; embrace mindful presence and gratitude in every act of sustenance and interaction.
15.15 And I am seated in the hearts of all; from Me are memory and knowledge, as well as their absence. I am verily That which has to be known by all the Vedas; I am indeed the author of the Vedanta and the knower of the Vedas am I.
Distinguish between the ever-changing world of phenomena (Kshara) and the underlying, immutable potential or seed of existence (Akshara) to navigate life with deeper understanding and detachment.
Connect with the indestructible, supreme Self within, recognizing it as the ultimate sustainer and source of stability that transcends all experiences, guiding you to act with inner peace and purpose.
The Divine is the ultimate, transcendent reality, superior to all perishable and imperishable aspects of existence. Understanding this truth liberates us from the transient and connects us to our eternal source.
Undeluded knowledge of the Supreme Reality liberates one from material entanglement, grants all-encompassing wisdom, and inspires wholehearted devotion, leading to ultimate peace and purposeful living.
Embrace the profound wisdom of your true Self, for it alone brings ultimate fulfillment, liberates you from endless striving, and accomplishes all life's essential duties.
Who Should Read This Chapter?
- Those seeking the ultimate spiritual truth
- Students of Vedanta philosophy
- People wanting to understand God's nature
- Anyone seeking direct realization