Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita is called "Purushottama Yoga" or "The Yoga of the Supreme Person." Here is a summary of Chapter 15:
Overview of the Chapter: Chapter 15 consists of 20 verses
and is primarily a discourse on the concept of the "eternal" and
"imperishable" nature of the Supreme Being.
The Cosmic Tree: The chapter begins with Lord Krishna
describing the universe as a cosmic tree with its roots above and branches
below. The leaves of this tree are the Vedic hymns, and one who understands
this tree understands the Vedas.
The Imperishable Self: Krishna explains that the Supreme
Being, referred to as the "Purushottama," resides as the eternal and
indestructible Self within all living beings. This imperishable aspect of the
self is distinct from the perishable physical body.
The Bondage of Material World: The chapter discusses how
beings are bound to the material world by desire, and these desires lead to
actions. These actions, in turn, create the cycle of birth and death.
Path to Liberation: Krishna emphasizes the importance of
understanding and realizing the eternal nature of the self to attain liberation
(moksha). By recognizing the impermanence of the material world and focusing on
the eternal aspect of the self, one can break free from the cycle of birth and
death.
Devotion and Surrender: The chapter concludes with Lord
Krishna encouraging Arjuna to surrender to the Supreme Being with devotion,
recognizing that true wisdom comes from understanding the eternal nature of the
self and detaching oneself from material desires.
In essence, Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita provides
profound insights into the nature of the self, the material world, and the path
to liberation through knowledge, devotion, and surrender to the Supreme Being.