Bhagavad Gītā – Chapter 15 Notes

 

This chapter begins with the metaphor of the sacred aśvattha tree (Indian fig), whose roots grow down from its branches and become new trunks.  This is like Spirit branching down into the material world and taking on bodily form.  We should cut the tree down with “the strong axe of non-attachment” and in this way end the cycle of rebirth.  (15.1-4).  The rest of the chapter shows that the jīva which becomes embodied is in fact a part of Brahman.  God is within all beings, and has given them memory, knowledge and reasoning.  God is that part of us which is imperishable and unchanging, the Supreme Self (15.7-19).