ଶ୍ରୀମଦ୍ଭଗଵଦ୍ଗୀତା ମୂଲମ୍ - ପଞ୍ଚଦଶୋଽଧ୍ଯାଯଃ

The Blessed Lord said: They (wise people) speak of the indestructible ASHWATTHA tree as having its roots above and branches below, whose leaves are the VEDAS; he who knows it, is alone a Veda-knower.

Below and above are spread its branches, nourished by the GUNAS; sense-objects are its buds; and below, in the world of men, stretch forth the roots, originating in action.

Its form is not perceived here as such, neither its end, nor its origin, nor its foundation, nor its resting-place; having cut asunder this firm-rooted ASHWATTHA -tree with the strong axe of non-attachment...

Then that Goal should be sought after, where having gone, none returns again. I seek refuge in that primeval PURUSHA from which streamed forth, from time immemorial, all activity (or energy).

Free from pride and delusion, victorious over the evil of attachment, dwelling constantly in the Self, their desires having completely retired, freed from the pairs-of-opposites --- such as pleasure and pain --- the undeluded reach that Goal Eternal.

Nor does the Sun shine there, nor the moon, nor fire; to which having gone they return not; that is My Supreme Abode.

An eternal portion of Myself, having become a living soul in the world of life, and abiding in PRAKRITI, draws (to itself) the (five) senses, with mind for the sixth.

When the Lord obtains a body, and when He leaves it, He takes these and goes (with them) as the wind takes the scents from their seats (the flowers).

Presiding over the ear, the eye, the touch, the taste and the smell, so also the mind, He enjoys the sense-objects.

Him, who departs, stays and enjoys, who is united with GUNAS, the deluded do not see; but they do behold Him, who posses the eye-of-Knowledge.

The seekers striving (for Perfection) behold Him dwelling in the Self; but, the unrefined and unitelligent, even though striving, see Him not.

That Light which is residing in the Sun and which illumines the whole world, and that which is in the moon and in the fire --- know that Light to be Mine.

Permeating the earth I support all beings by (My) energy; and having become the liquid moon, I nourish all herbs.

Having become (the Fire) VAISHVAANARA, I abide in the body of beings, and associated with PRANA and APANA, digest the four-fold food.

And I am seated in the hearts of all, from Me are memory, knowledge, as well as their absence. I am verily that which has to be known in all the VEDAS; I am indeed the author of VEDANTA, and, the knower of the VEDAS am I.

Two PURUSHAS are there in this world, the Perishable and the Imperishable. All beings are the Perishable and the KOOTASTHAH is called the Imperishable.

But distinct is the Supreme PURUSHA called the Highest Self, the Indestructible Lord, who, pervading the three worlds (waking, dream and deep-sleep), sustains them.

As I transcend the perishable and I am even Higher than the Imperishable, I am declared as the PURUSHOTTAMA (the Highest -PURUSHA) in the world and in the VEDAS.

He who undeluded, thus knows Me, the Supreme PURUSHA, he, all-knowing, worships Me with his whole being, O Bharata.

Thus, this most secret science (teaching), has been taught by Me, O sinless one. On knowing this (a man) becomes wise, and all his duties are accomplished, O Bharata. Thus in the Upanishads of the glorious Bhagavad Gita, the science of the Eternal, the scripture of Yoga, the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna, ends the fifteenth discourse entitled "The Yoga of the Supreme Person."