विवेचन सारांश
The Light of Bhagavān and the Secret to True Happiness: Finding Him Everywhere
The 15th chapter of the Bhagavad-Gītā is Puruṣottama Yoga—The Yoga of the Supreme Being.
Our interpretation session commenced with a heartfelt invocation at the lotus feet of Bhagavān Śrī Krishna, seeking His divine grace to illuminate our understanding:
vasudevasutaṃ devaṃ kaṃsacāṇūramardanam
devakī paramānandaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ vaṃde jagadgurum
"The divine son of Vasudeva, the vanquisher of Kaṃsa and Chāṇūra, the source of supreme joy for Devakī—we bow to Śrī Krishna, the Guru of the universe."
Having completed our study of the 12th chapter, we now embark on the 15th. The opening verses may appear complex, much like a challenging subject such as Mathematics. Just as mastery in Mathematics requires consistent practice, so too does the understanding of the Bhagavad-Gītā. By repeatedly listening to Vivechan (discourses) and reflecting upon its teachings, its wisdom gradually unfolds.
In any difficult study, comprehension deepens with persistence. The Gītā, being a profound scripture, demands regular engagement and contemplation. Through continuous learning, we internalize its teachings in stages.
The first part of this chapter presents Bhagavān Śrī Krishna’s analogy of the world’s structure as an inverted tree, offering a unique perspective on existence. Building upon this foundation, He further reveals His divine powers and the profound influence of karma on both present and future lives.
Bhagavān also explains the various types of births a being may take in the next cycle and the noble actions one must perform to attain spiritual elevation.
Today's topic is particularly thought-provoking, as it deepens our understanding of Bhagavān’s divine nature and the workings of karma. Let us proceed with an open heart and a receptive mind.
15.6
na tadbhāsayate sūryo, na śaśāṅko na pāVākaḥ,
yadgatvā na nivartante, taddhāma paRāmaṃ(m) mama. 15.6
Q: What is the main source of light?
All the children promptly answered in the chat box: the Sun.
From a scientific perspective, the Sun is indeed the primary source of light. However, Bhagavān is not teaching Science—He reveals a deeper truth. According to Him, the Sun's brilliance and energy exist because of His divine power.
The word śaśāṅkaḥ refers to the Moon, whose radiance too is a manifestation of Bhagavān’s energy. Similarly, pāvākaḥ signifies fire, which emits heat and light due to His power.
Thus, the ultimate source behind the Sun, the Moon, and fire is Bhagavān Himself. Through this knowledge, He reveals Himself as the supreme, all-powerful source of energy and illumination.
Bhagavān further explains that He pervades everything and is present everywhere.
mamaivāṃśo jīvaloke, jīvabhūtaḥ(s) sanātanaḥ,
manaḥ(ṣ) ṣaṣṭhānīndriyāṇi, prakṛtisthāni karṣati. 15.7
Bhagavān said, "mamaivāṃśo jīvaloke"—meaning that all living beings in this world are a part of Him.
Q: How many senses are there?
The children promptly answered in the chat box: five.
Q: Can someone name the senses?
Bhavaya Didi quickly responded: eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and skin.
The ātman (soul) functions with the support of the mind and the five senses, as all our activities are carried out through these sense organs. However, Bhagavān refers to manaḥ-ṣhaṣhṭhānīndriyāṇi—which means six senses, including the mind.
While the senses are always active, the mind often fails to focus on the task at hand. For instance, if someone asks, "Did you see a person with a black shirt pass by?", we may not recall seeing them because our mind was elsewhere. Although our eyes were open, they did not register the detail since our attention was not aligned with our vision. The mind may have been engaged in talking, playing, or thinking about something else.
Similarly, when studying, we use our senses, but if we lack focus, even reading a single page may feel tedious and ineffective. Children, in particular, often find their hearts drawn toward play rather than study.
Likewise, when the mind is unwilling to study, whatever is read does not register and remains incomprehensible. However, by improving concentration, the mind becomes stronger, allowing us to focus on what is essential while avoiding distractions.
śarīraṃ(y̐) yadavāpnoti, yaccāpyutkrāmatīśvaraḥ,
gṛhītvaitāni saṃyāti, vāyurgandhānivāśayāt.15.8
The way we act in this life determines what happens in our next birth:
- If we do good deeds, we earn a better life in the next birth.
- If we engage in negative actions, we may be born into lower forms of life (yoni) with fewer opportunities to grow.
- By leading a righteous life, we may be reborn as good human beings.
- With great virtues and austerities, we may even attain the realm of the Devatās (demigods) like Vāyu Dev and Agni Dev.
- If we take our devotion even further through deep penance and selfless actions, we may achieve mokṣa (liberation), freeing ourselves from the cycle of rebirth altogether.
The first step is to become a good human being by eliminating bad habits like chiding others and constantly striving to be better. Reciting and memorizing the Bhagavad-Gītā helps us not only in this life but also in future births. Some children, even as young as three years old, can recite the Gītā by heart. This suggests they may have studied it in a past life, making it easier to learn in this one. Similarly, our own good karmas have given us the opportunity to study this sacred scripture. The more we engage in righteous actions, the more positive karma we collect, which benefits us in the future.
Bhagavān Śrī Krishna explains this with a beautiful example: when the wind passes through a garden, it carries the fragrance of flowers with it. Similarly, our soul carries the results of our actions into the next life.
Now we understand why doing good deeds is so important—just as the wind carries the sweet scent of flowers, our accumulated karma follows us, shaping our future.
śrotraṃ(ñ) cakṣuḥ(s) sparśanaṃ(ñ) ca, rasanaṃ(ṅ) ghrāṇameva ca,
adhiṣṭhāya manaścāyaṃ(v̐), viṣayānupasevate.15.9
Bhagavān explains that the soul (Ātman), with the support of the mind, uses the senses to engage with the world. However, if the mind does not cooperate, the senses become ineffective. Even if our eyes are open, we may not truly see or register what is in front of us if our mind is elsewhere. The soul relies on the mind to direct the senses and perform any activity meaningfully.
For example:
- If the mind is interested, we decide to watch TV.
- If the mind feels inclined, we sing bhajans.
- If the mind is engaged, we willingly do household work.
Without the mind’s support, no action can be performed properly or yield good outcomes. Only when the mind is fully engaged does our work become meaningful and successful. This is why children are advised to study with full concentration—because focused attention leads to better understanding and learning.
The more we train our minds to stay present, the better we can use our senses and absorb the world around us.
utkrāmantaṃ(m) sthitaṃ(v̐) vāpi, bhuñjānaṃ(v̐) vā guṇānvitam,
vimūḍhā nānupaśyanti, paśyanti jñānacakṣuṣaḥ.15.10
A poll was conducted to test the students' previous knowledge from Chapter 12 and to make the session more engaging. The question posed was:
In Chapter 12, how many characteristics of a devotee are mentioned?
The students were given the following multiple-choice options:
a) 19
b) 39
c) 26
d) 49
Here’s how the students responded:
- 3% chose 49
- 16% chose 26
- 20% chose 19
- 57% chose 39 (correct answer)
- Some students did not respond.
Understanding the Soul and the Importance of Divine Knowledge
Many people struggle to understand the nature of the soul. Those who lack faith in its existence remain ignorant and confused. Bhagavān describes such individuals as vimūḍhāḥ—"the ignorant." However, those with divine wisdom, or jñāna-cakṣuṣaḥ (divine eyes), possess true knowledge and understand the soul deeply.
For example, many people study science, but only a few, who have the right knowledge and insight, make great discoveries. Likewise, only those with divine eyes can truly perceive and understand the soul.
How Can We Attain Divine Eyes?
To open our jñāna-cakṣuṣaḥ (divine vision), we must:
- Worship Bhagavān daily
- Study the Bhagavad-Gītā regularly
- Perform good deeds and selfless actions
Who Can Become a Yogi?
Not everyone can become a Yogi. Only those who perform their actions with sincerity and in the mode of goodness (sattva) can truly walk the path of yoga. If we aspire to become Yogis, we must:
- Engage in virtuous actions
- Perform puja and Sādhana with devotion
- Cultivate unwavering focus and discipline
To illustrate the power of concentration, let’s revisit an iconic moment from the Mahābhārata.
One day, Guru Dronacharya decided to test the focus of his students—the Pāṇḍavas and the Kauravas. He set up a wooden bird on a tree and instructed each disciple to aim their bow at its eye.
Before allowing them to release their arrows, he asked each student, "Tell me, what do you see?"
One by one, the students responded:
- "I see the sky, the tree, and the bird."
- "I see the leaves, branches, and the bird."
- "I see the entire bird and everything around it."
Then it was Arjuna’s turn. He aimed at the bird with unwavering focus. Dronacharya asked, "Arjuna, what do you see?"
Without hesitation, Arjuna replied, "I see only the eye of the bird."
Dronacharya smiled and said, "Now, release your arrow."
Arjuna's arrow struck the bird's eye with perfect accuracy. His intense concentration and ability to block out distractions made him the greatest archer.
Lesson from Arjuna's Story
Just like Arjuna, if we focus our mind entirely on our goal—whether it is studying, praying, or performing good actions—we will achieve success. The key is complete concentration and dedication in whatever we do.
Let us strive to cultivate this level of focus in our spiritual and daily lives, ensuring that every action we take is meaningful and purposeful.
yatanto yoginaścainaṃ(m), paśyantyātmanyavasthitam,
yatanto'pyakṛtātmāno, nainaṃ(m) paśyantyacetasaḥ. 15.11
The Path to Becoming a Yogi
Everyone desires to become a Yogi, but not everyone can achieve it. Even if we practice with dedication, meditate, or perform penance, our efforts may not bear fruit if our mind is not pure.
Many of us read the Bhagavad-Gītā and engage in good deeds, yet our minds sometimes hold negative thoughts—jealousy, anger, or malice toward others. When such impurities remain in our hearts, our spiritual practice lacks depth, preventing us from becoming true sādhakas (spiritual seekers) or Yogis.
To truly progress, we must cultivate a pure and focused mind—just like Arjuna. All children may read the Gītā daily, but to truly benefit from it, they must ensure their hearts and minds remain clean and filled with good thoughts. Some of you may have already started working on purifying your heart. If we aspire to be like Arjuna, we must train our minds to remain pure, undistracted, and focused on the right path.
Next Poll Question:
To keep the session engaging, the next poll question was displayed on the children's screens:
In Chapter 12, how many types of devotees are mentioned?
The options were:
a) 4
b) 2
c) 3
d) 6
Here’s how the students responded:
- 11% chose 6
- 16% chose 3
- 41% chose 4
- 32% chose 2 (correct answer)
The Importance of Concentration
To become like Arjuna, one must cultivate deep concentration. Just as Arjuna focused solely on the bird’s eye while aiming, we must train our minds to focus while studying, listening to the meanings of ślokas, and performing our daily tasks.
The speaker encouraged the children to develop strong focus and unwavering attention, reminding them that concentration is key to becoming both wise (buddhimān) and spiritually enlightened, like Arjuna.
yadādityagataṃ(n) tejo, jagadbhāsayate'khilam,
yaccandRāmasi yaccāgnau, tattejo viddhi māmakam. 15.12
Bhagavān once again reiterates what He stated in the 7th śloka—that the Sun, Moon, and Fire derive their brightness, light, and energy from HIM. HE is their ultimate source of power, and without HIM, they would have no energy of their own.
If the Sun did not rise, the world would be engulfed in complete darkness. Similarly, the Moon and Fire would be powerless without HIS divine energy. It is only through Bhagavān’s grace that these celestial bodies can shine and illuminate our world.
gāmāviśya ca bhūtāni, dhārayāmyahamojasā,
puṣṇāmi cauṣadhīḥ(s) sarvāḥ(s), somo bhūtvā rasātmakaḥ. 15.13
The Earth rotates around the Sun and revolves on its axis, allowing us to carry out countless activities—walking, eating, sleeping, reading, and so on. But do you think all of this happens on its own?
Behind every movement in the universe, there is a greater power at work—the divine energy of Bhagavān. The Earth rotates perfectly in its orbit without falling out of the solar system. Have we ever paused to think about how vast and magnificent the Earth is? Everything functions seamlessly because of Bhagavān’s power. Without His divine will, nothing in this world could operate.
The light from the Sun and Moon plays a vital role in sustaining life. It ensures that plants, including those with medicinal properties, grow and thrive. Bhagavān Himself describes how He uses His divine energy to sustain everything:
puṣhṇāmi chauṣhadhīḥ sarvāḥ somo bhūtvā rasātmakaḥ
"Becoming the Moon, I nourish all plants with the juice of life."
Medicinal plants and herbs receive their nourishment and strength from the Moon’s light. Bhagavān declares that it is through His divine power that plants flourish and provide sustenance to all living beings.
Now, as we delve deeper into this śloka, there is an interesting question waiting for you. Pay close attention!
ahaṃ(v̐) vaiśvānaro bhūtvā, prāṇināṃ(n) dehamāśritaḥ,
prāṇāpānasamāyuktaḥ(ph), pacāmyannaṃ(ñ) caturvidham.15.14
A question was posed to the children, asking them to respond in the chat box:
Question: How many types of Fire are there?
a. 5
b. 6
c. 4
d. 3
Answer: There are three types of Fire:
- Vaiśvānara Agni
- Bāḍavānala Agni
- Dāvanala Agni
The fire that occurs in the jungle is called Dāvanala Agni.
The speaker then posed another question:
Which Agni occurs in the ocean?
a. Bāḍavānala Agni
b. Vaiśvānara Agni
The children gave mixed answers in the chat box, but the correct answer is:
The fire in the ocean is known as Bāḍavānala Agni.
Now, what about Vaiśvānara Agni?
Have you ever felt intense hunger? That sensation is due to Vaiśvānara Agni, also called Jaṭharāgni—the digestive fire in our stomach. This fire increases hunger and helps in digestion.
Bhagavān HIMSELF declares that even this fire within us is HIS energy. The food we eat requires fire to be digested, and Bhagavān provides this as well. He is present in every aspect of creation, from the vast oceans to the smallest processes within us.
sarvasya cāhaṃ(m) hṛdi sanniviṣṭo,
mattaḥ(s) smṛtirjñānamapohanaṃ(ñ) ca,
vedaiśca sarvairahameva vedyo,
vedāntakṛdvedavideva cāham. 15.15
- sarvasya chāhaṁ hṛidi sanniviṣhṭo – "I am seated in the hearts of all living beings."
- mattaḥ smṛitir jñānam apohanaṁ cha – "From Me come memory, knowledge, as well as forgetfulness."
- The ability to remember is given by Bhagavān.
- The knowledge we acquire is granted by Him.
- The power to forget is also His gift.
Attaining Bhagavān's Grace
How can we receive Bhagavān’s grace?
- By performing good deeds.
- By constantly remembering Him.
- By engaging in Bhajans and Pujas.
The Power of Forgetfulness (apohanaṁ cha)
Just as Bhagavān grants us memory, He also gives us the ability to forget. This power is essential for a peaceful life.
For example, imagine if we could remember every sad event in our lives—would we ever be able to move on? Forgetting painful moments helps us live with peace.
Similarly, when we are born, we do not remember anything about our past lives. Suppose we had the ability to recall our past identities—our previous names, families, and homes. Wouldn’t this cause immense confusion? We would constantly search for our past selves, unable to settle into our present lives. Bhagavān, in His wisdom, has blessed us with forgetfulness so that we can begin each life anew without unnecessary burdens.
vedaiśh cha sarvair aham eva vedyo vedānta-kṛid veda-vid eva chāham
"I alone am to be known through all the Vedas. I am the author of Vedānta and the knower of the Vedas."
There are four Vedas:
- Ṛigveda
- Sāmaveda
- Yajurveda
- Atharvaveda
Now, let’s move on to the next Śloka.
dvāvimau puruṣau loke, kṣaraścākṣara eva ca,
kṣaraḥ sarvāṇi bhūtāni, kūṭastho'kṣara ucyate. 15.16
There are two key concepts in understanding existence: ‘kṣara’ (that which is perishable) and ‘akṣara’ (that which is imperishable).
We all have both a body and a soul.
Question: Is the body kṣara or akṣara?
Answer: The body is kṣara, as answered correctly by all the children.
The body is temporary; it will perish after a certain period. However, the soul is eternal and cannot be destroyed.
The Eternal Nature of the Soul
The soul is known as Sanātana because:
- It existed in the past,
- It exists in the present, and
- It will continue to exist in the future.
Yet, we often get attached to external aspects—how we look, the clothes we wear, and material possessions. But all these are temporary and perishable. The true essence of our existence lies in our soul, which never perishes.
Where Should Our Focus Be?
Since the soul is eternal, our focus should be on nurturing it by:
- Performing good deeds,
- Being kind and compassionate toward others,
- Engaging in spiritual practices that elevate our consciousness.
Now, let’s delve into the next Śloka.
uttamaḥ(ph) puruṣastvanyaḥ(ph), paramātmetyudāhṛtaḥ,
yo lokatrayamāviśya, bibhartyavyaya īśvaraḥ. 15.17
Bhagavān says:
uttamaḥ puruṣhas tvanyaḥ – The Supreme Divine Personality
Among all ‘puruṣas’ (beings), the highest is neither the body nor the soul.
Bhagavān declares that the Uttama Puruṣa (Supreme Person) is none other than HIMSELF.
Understanding Purushottama – The Supreme Being
As we progress and reach Chapter 11, we will learn about Bhagavān’s Vishvarūpa (Universal Form). That is when we will truly understand the significance of Purushottama—the Supreme among all.
Bhagavān’s Supremacy
- HE is beyond both body and soul.
- HE possesses divine powers that govern the universe.
- HE is the ultimate controller and sustainer of all existence.
Now, let’s move on to the next Śloka.
yasmātkṣaRāmatīto'ham, akṣarādapi cottamaḥ,
ato'smi loke vede ca, prathitaḥ(ph) puruṣottamaḥ. 15.18
Bhagavān explains that kṣara (perishable) refers to what can be destroyed, and akṣara (imperishable) refers to what cannot be destroyed. However, HE is beyond both.
Bhagavān declares: "I am supreme above all."
This means that there is no comparison—
- We cannot compare ourselves to Bhagavān.
- We cannot compare anything else to HIM.
- HE is beyond all limitations, beyond the body and soul.
Now, let’s move on to the next Śloka.
yo māmevamasammūḍho, jānāti puruṣottamam,
sa sarvavidbhajati māṃ(m), sarvabhāvena bhārata. 15.19
Bhagavān explains that those who possess true knowledge are not ignorant.
"yo mām evam asammūḍho jānāti puruṣhottamam"
"Those who know Me without doubt as the Supreme Divine Personality truly have complete knowledge."
So, what do wise and knowledgeable people do?
- They recognize Bhagavān as Purushottama, the Supreme Being.
- They understand that Bhagavān exists and is the ultimate power behind everything.
- Their every action becomes a form of bhajan (devotion) to Bhagavān.
Bhagavān is teaching us that real devotion begins with true knowledge.
Now, let’s move on to the next Śloka
iti guhyatamaṃ(m) śāstram, idamuktaṃ(m) mayānagha,
etadbuddhvā buddhimānsyāt, kṛtakṛtyaśca bhārata. 15.20
Bhagavān now reveals that the knowledge He has imparted is the most secret and profound wisdom.
He addresses Arjuna as Anagha, meaning one who is pure and sinless.
Bhagavān calls him Anagha because Arjuna does not engage in sinful actions or wrongdoing.
"etad buddhvā buddhimān syāt kṛita-kṛityaśh cha bhārata"
"By understanding this secret knowledge, a person becomes enlightened and fulfills all that is to be accomplished."
Whoever grasp this divine knowledge—about Bhagavān, the soul, and the nature of this world—becomes wise and enlightened.
Now that we have completed this chapter, we have gained deeper insight into:
- The nature of Bhagavān and His divine powers
- The eternal nature of the soul
- How our actions (karma) affect our journey across lifetimes
This is the most confidential knowledge, and Bhagavān does not give it to everyone—only to those who are dear to Him. Arjuna, being pure and devoted, receives this sacred wisdom.
Bhagavān emphasizes that those who truly understand this become wise and intelligent. If we also wish to gain wisdom and clarity of thought, we must read the Bhagavad Gītā regularly. As we continue studying the Gītā, our understanding will deepen, and our thoughts will become clearer.
So, let us keep learning, reflecting, and applying this divine knowledge in our lives.
Today, we have successfully completed Level One, covering two chapters of the Bhagavad Gītā along with their detailed discussions.
What’s Next?
We now move on to Level Two, which begins on April 3rd.
• No need to re-register—the same group from Level One will automatically continue as the Level Two group.
• All updates and announcements will be shared in this group.
• Classes for Level Two start on Monday, April 8th.
What Will We Learn in Level Two?
In the next two months, we will study four chapters:
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
Gīta Jigyāsu Exam (By-Heart Memorization Test)
So far, we have taken the Gīta Gunjan Exam (based on reading and understanding).
• You need to memorize three chapters:
o Chapter 12
o Chapter 15
o Chapter 16
• Start with Chapter 12, then move to 15 and 16.
• After completing Level Two, take the Gīta Jigyāsu Exam to receive your certificate.
The session concluded with Harinām Sankīrtan, followed by an engaging Question & Answer segment, where insightful queries were addressed with deep spiritual wisdom and practical guidance.
Hari Sharanam!
Q: How much time would Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa have taken to narrate the Bhagavad Gītā to Arjuna?
A: Around an hour.
Anwesha Didi
Q: Since Śrī Kṛṣṇa knew everything about what was going to happen, why did He allow the Mahābhārata war and not stop it?
A: Bhagavān operates through the laws of destiny and does not interfere with the natural flow of events. The world functions as per its own cycle of dharma and karma, and it must unfold completely. Even though He knows everything, He does not interrupt the divine order.
Q: If Śrī Kṛṣṇa spoke the Bhagavad Gītā in one continuous discourse, why was it divided into chapters?
A: Vedavyāsa structured the Gītā into chapters topic-wise for our understanding, making it easier to comprehend and reflect upon its teachings.
Siri Didi
Q: Why do we have specific starting and ending prayers. Why is it not follow the same outside?
A: In Gītā Parivār, we have established the tradition of beginning with Vāsudeva Sutam Devam and concluding with Yogīśvaraṁ Sacchidānandaṁ. However, this is not a compulsory practice for all Bhagavad Gītā teachings—it is simply a tradition that we have chosen to follow.
The session concluded with Prārthanā (prayer) at the Padakamala (lotus feet) of Śrī Hari, followed by the recitation of the Hanumān Cālīsā.
om tatsaditi śrīmadbhagavadgītāsu upaniṣatsu brahmavidyāyāṃ(y̐)
yogaśāstre śrīkṛṣṇārjunasaṃvāde puruṣottamayogo nāma pañcadaśo'dhyāyaḥ.
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Compiled by: Geeta Pariwar – Creative Writing Department
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