The fifteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is known as "Purushottama Yoga" for several reasons rooted in its content and significance. "Purushottama" is a Sanskrit term that means "the Supreme Person" or "the Supreme Purusha," and "Yoga" means union or path. Thus, "Purushottama Yoga" can be translated as "The Yoga of the Supreme Person."
Here are the key reasons why this chapter holds this title:
Identification of the Supreme Purusha: In this chapter, Lord
Krishna explains the concept of the Supreme Purusha or the highest being. He
describes three types of beings: the perishable (kshara), the imperishable
(akshara), and the supreme being (Purushottama). The supreme being, or Purushottama,
transcends both the perishable and the imperishable, representing the ultimate
reality and the source of all existence.
The Metaphor of the Ashvattha Tree: Krishna uses the
metaphor of the Ashvattha (banyan) tree with roots above and branches below to
describe the material world and its entanglements. The tree symbolizes the
impermanent, material reality, and understanding its true nature helps one to
seek the eternal truth beyond it, leading towards the realization of
Purushottama.
Path to Liberation: This chapter emphasizes that
understanding and worshiping the Purushottama leads to liberation (moksha). By
recognizing the supreme nature of Purushottama, devotees can transcend the
cycle of birth and death, achieving eternal union with the supreme.
Focus on Devotion and Knowledge: Purushottama Yoga combines
elements of devotion (bhakti) and knowledge (jnana) as the means to realize the
Supreme Person. Krishna declares that He is the ultimate goal of all paths and
the essence of the Vedas, reinforcing the idea that true knowledge and devotion
lead to the realization of the Supreme Purusha.
Krishna's Self-Identification: In this chapter, Krishna
explicitly identifies Himself as the Purushottama. By doing so, He reveals His
supreme position and the importance of recognizing and worshipping Him as the
ultimate divine reality.
In summary, the fifteenth chapter is called
"Purushottama Yoga" because it elaborates on the nature, identity,
and importance of the Supreme Purusha, offering a path to realize and unite
with this ultimate reality. It encapsulates the essence of spiritual wisdom and
the means to achieve liberation through the understanding and devotion to
Purushottama, the Supreme Person.