Chapter 15 of 18 · 20 verses · 7 min
Bhagavad Gita chapter 15: The upside-down tree
The world as a vast tree with roots above and branches below, fed by desire.
Krishna paints the world as a vast tree with its roots above and branches below — endlessly growing, fed by desire, and impossible to see the edges of. The way out is to cut it down with the axe of non-attachment and look for what it grows from. He then reveals that a spark of himself lives in every being as their deepest self, and that he is the light of the sun, the nourishment in plants and even the fire that digests your food.
The line to remember · 15.1“An eternal tree with its roots above and branches below.”All 20 verses — tap any one to read it
- 15.1“Imagine a magic tree, upside down, with roots up in the sky.”
- 15.2“Its branches spread everywhere, and wanting keeps it growing.”
- 15.3“Its shape is hard to see. Cut its hold on you with letting go…”
- 15.4“…then find God, where all life came from.”
- 15.5“Without pride or clinging, the wise find their forever home.”
- 15.6“No sun or moon is needed there. That is my home.”
- 15.7“A little piece of me lives inside every living being.” — you carry God inside.
- 15.8“When the soul moves on, it carries the mind along, like wind carries the smell of flowers.”
- 15.9“Through eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin, the soul enjoys the world.”
- 15.10“Confused people can’t see the soul. Wise eyes can.”
- 15.11“Those who search with a clear heart find it inside.”
- 15.12“The light of the sun, moon and fire is my light.”
- 15.13“I hold up the earth and make the plants grow.”
- 15.14“I am the warmth inside you that turns food into energy.”
- 15.15“I live in everyone’s heart. Memory and understanding come from me.”
- 15.16“Some things change and end. The soul never ends.”
- 15.17“Above both is God, who holds up the whole world.”
- 15.18“That is why I am called the Highest.”
- 15.19“Whoever knows me this way knows everything — and loves me fully.”
- 15.20“This is the deepest teaching. Understand it, and your life is complete.”
Traditional summary
Purushottama Yoga: The Yoga of the Supreme Divine Personality
The fifteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is Purushottama Yoga. In Sanskrit, Purusha means the All-pervading God, and Purushottam means the timeless & transcendental aspect of God. Krishna reveals that the purpose of this Transcendental knowledge of the God is to detach ourselves from the bondage of the material world and to understand Krishna as the Supreme Divine Personality, who is the eternal controller and sustainer of the world. One who understands this Ultimate Truth surrenders to Him and engages in His devotional service.
