
15
CHAPTER
VERSE
1
ऊर्ध्वमूलमध:शाखमश्वत्थं प्राहुरव्ययम् |
छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि यस्तं वेद स वेदवित् || 15.1 ||
Ūrdhvamūlamadhaḥśākham aśvatthaṁ prāhuravyayam |
Chandānsi yasya parṇāni yastaṁ veda sa vedavit ||
The Blessed Lord said: They speak of an eternal ashvattha tree with its roots above and branches below. Its leaves are the Vedas. One who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas.
Lesson:
In this verse, Krishna uses the metaphor of the inverted ashvattha tree to impart profound spiritual wisdom to Arjuna. He describes this cosmic tree as eternal, with its roots above and branches below, symbolizing the inverted nature of the material world. The tree's leaves represent the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of divine knowledge.
Krishna's metaphor of the ashvattha tree serves to illustrate the transient nature of material existence and the eternal nature of spiritual truth. The tree's roots above signify the higher reality, the realm of the divine, from which the material world emanates. The branches extending downward represent the manifest universe, with all its diversity and fluctuations.
By describing the leaves of the ashvattha tree as the Vedas, Krishna emphasizes the sacredness and significance of these ancient scriptures. The Vedas contain timeless wisdom and guidance for leading a righteous and fulfilling life. They serve as a spiritual guidebook for seekers on the path of self-realization, offering insights into the nature of reality, the purpose of existence, and the means to attain liberation.
Furthermore, Krishna implies that one who comprehends the true nature of the ashvattha tree—its roots, branches, and leaves—is a true knower of the Vedas. Such an individual possesses profound spiritual wisdom and insight into the ultimate truth of existence. By understanding the interconnectedness of the material world with the divine reality, they attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
This verse underscores the importance of spiritual knowledge and self-realization in navigating the complexities of life. By recognizing the eternal nature of the self and its connection to the divine source, one transcends the illusions of the material world and attains true freedom and satisfaction.
In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita invites seekers to contemplate the deeper meaning of existence and the pursuit of spiritual truth. It encourages individuals to delve into the sacred teachings of the Vedas, gaining insight into the nature of reality and the path to self-realization. Through the metaphor of the ashvattha tree, Krishna imparts timeless wisdom, guiding humanity towards the attainment of spiritual liberation and eternal bliss.