Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj has done a translation of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 that describes the upside-down hanging world like a tree whose root is Purna Paramatma; who is the creator of the entire universe. He while entering all regions sustains and nurtures everyone. He is attainable by true worship told by the enlightened saint. There is a description of three gods- Kshar Purush (Perishable), Akshar Purush (Perishable), and Param Akshar Purush (Imperishable). The identity of a Tatavdarshi sant has also been explained.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 1, it is stated that – with the roots above in the form of Purna Parmatma and the three Gunas-like (Rajgun-Brahma Ji, Satgun-Vishnu Ji, and Tamgun-Shiv Ji) branches below, the tree of the world is eternal and extensive. It is like a Peepal tree that has numerous twigs and branches. Its smaller divisions are twigs and leaves etc. One, who knows that world-like tree in this manner, is a completely knowledgeable person i.e. is a Tatvadarshi saint.
Almighty Kabir states –
Kabir, Akshar Purush ek ped hai, Niranjan (Brahm) vaaki daar |
Teeno deva shaakha hain, paat roop sansaar ||
Kabir, hum hi alakh Allah hai, mool roop kartaar |
Ananat koti Brahamand ka, mein hi sirjanhaar ||
This is the creation of the tree of the world hanging upside down. The root above (Purna Brahm Parmatma – Param Akshar Purush) is SatPurush, Akshar Purush (ParBrahm) is the trunk visible outside earth, Jyoti Niranjan (Brahm – Kshar Purush) is a branch, and the three gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh) are smaller branches. Know the twigs and leaves as gods-goddesses and ordinary living beings.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 2, it is said that its (tree of Akshar Purush) Gunas-like (Brahma-Rajgun, Vishnu-Satgun, and Shiv-Tamgun) shoots and twigs (in the form of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiv) of evil habits (lust, anger, attachment, greed, arrogance) extended above and below are the prime cause of binding this soul according to the actions and are arranged below (to put in hell and the births of 84 lakh life-forms) and above (to enjoy for some time in heaven, etc).
(It is evident in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14 Verse 5 that – ‘O Mahabaho (Arjun)! Satgun, Rajgun-Brahma, and Tamgun, who are born from Prakriti (Maya), these three Gunas bind the soul to the body).
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 3
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 3, Brahm, the narrator of Gita, is saying that neither the knowledge of this creation’s beginning, nor of the end, and nor the form (as is visible) is to be found and in our this discussion of Gita’s knowledge, even I do not know its proper state. Cutting down this strong creation which has a permanent state with the weapon of complete knowledge (by knowledge of Suksham Ved), which means after becoming conversant with it, one becomes detached from Kaal (Brahm), and Brahma-Vishnu-Shiv, the three Gunas and pitras, ghosts, goddesses, gods, Bhairon, Googa Peer, etc. Therefore, has said about cutting this tree.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 4, has explained that after finding the above-mentioned Tatvadarshi Saint, whose description is also given in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 1 and Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Verse 34, one should search for that place (Satlok-Sachkhand), having gone where devotees do not return (in birth-death) to this world i.e. attain the eternal salvation and the Supreme God, from whom the creation which is going on since ancient times has originated. I, Kaal, also seek refuge in that eternal Purna Parmatma. One should do bhakti of only that Purna Parmatma with full determination and not of others. Its evidence is also in holy Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 62, 46, 61, 66 the giver of the knowledge of Gita has told about some other god other than him. He has told to go in His refuge and says He is his venerable deity as well. He is in His refuge.
Another Example:- There is evidence in Gita Chapter 18 Verse 64, the giver of the knowledge of Gita says ‘listen to the most confidential of the confidential knowledge which I will say in your interest that about whom I have told in Gita Chapter 18 Verse 61, 62, I have told you to go in His refuge. (Itti) He (me) my (dhrinam IshtH) is surely my respected God.
Special: The other translators in Chapter 18 Verse 64 have done the meaning of ‘Isht’ word as ‘Dear’ which is not appropriate. In Chapter 9 Verse 20 has done the meaning of ‘Ishtwa’ as ‘by worship’, and in this Chapter 18 Verse 70, has done the meaning of ‘Isht’ word as ‘venerable’. If in Verse 64 they would have done ‘worshipable’ then it would have been fine. It has been made clear in Gita Chapter 18 Verse 63 that I have told the most confidential of the confidential knowledge in this Gita. Do what you feel is appropriate. In Chapter 8 Verse 5, 7 has told to worship him to attain him. In Verse 8, 9, 10 has told to worship Param Akshar Brahm stated in Verse 3. His worshipper will attain Him. In Chapter 18 Verse 64 has told He is his venerable god as well.
Identity of a Tattavdarshi (Enlightened) Saint: Aforesaid, in Gita Chapter 15 Verse 1 it has been told that the Saint who will tell all divisions separately of the World-like tree, will be the knower of the meaning of Vedas, will be Tattavdarshi Sant. As you read above that the roots/origin of the tree is Param Akshar Brahm, the trunk is Akshar Purush means Parbrahm, the branch is Kshar Purush means Brahm (Kaal), and the three branches are Rajgun Brahma Ji, Satgun Vishnu Ji, and Tamgun Shiv Ji, and leaves are people.
Second Identity- In Gita Chapter 8 Verse 16 it has been told that all regions including Brahmlok are destructible. In Gita Chapter 8 Verse 17 it has been told that one day of ParBrahm is of one-thousand Yuga and the same are nights. One who knows this duration and Kaal from the element is the enlightened saint. Also, see the translation of Gita Chapter 8 Verse 17.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 5, it is said that those whose attachment, moving away from every object, is engaged in the attainment of God, only those devotees attain that eternal Supreme God.
And in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 6 it is stated that Kaal God is himself saying that the Satlok, having gone where devotees do not return to this world, neither the sun, nor fire, nor the moon illuminates that Satlok. That Satyalok is superior to my lok and is my Supreme Abode. Because Kaal (Brahm) has also been expelled from that same Satlok. Therefore, says that my supreme abode (actual residence) is also that same Satlok.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 7, it is stated that in this mortal world, soul, the part of Primordial God, is tortured by these six, my man (the second form of Kaal is munn) along with the senses, situated in Prakriti.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 8, has said that ‘Just as wind, the master of smell, keeps smell with it (carries it along), so the Purna Parmatma being the master of this soul takes it from one body to another, which it (soul) has attained; which means does not part from it.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 9, it is stated that this God (who is with the soul) enjoys the sense of objects (sound, touch, form, taste, smell) through ears, eyes, skin, tongue, nose, and mind.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 10, it is explained that foolish people do not know this God residing with the soul while leaving the body or when dwelling in the body and while enjoying the Gunas. Those who have acquired complete knowledge of the tree of the world, are said to possess the eyes of wisdom i.e. are known as completely knowledgeable. Only they know. For special evidence see Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13 Verse 22 to 27 in which it is stated that Tatvadarshi sant only knows well that the immortal God potentially remains with the soul after death, that is, do not separate with the soul even before and after it goes in another body, means the power of that God influences everyone in invisible form.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 11, it is said that the Yogis (sadhak) who strive to attain God properly know (perceive) the God situated in their soul and those whose inner-self is not pure, those ignorant persons even on striving do not correctly know (perceive) this God. On acquiring complete knowledge it is perceived every day that without the permission of Purna Parmatma even a leaf does not move, i.e. the Supreme God only is the basis of all living beings. Those who are ignorant/foolish, think that I am doing. When this living being comes in the refuge of the Purna Parmatma, then the Purna Parmatma (KavirDev) performs all the possible and impossible tasks of that dear devotee. Ignorant devotees do not have any knowledge. Those who are knowledgeable know that only the Almighty Purna Brahm can perform all the tasks, nothing is in control of a living being. Like, a small child tries to lift a pestle (a heavy cylindrical wooden beam) standing against a wall. When his Father forbids him, then the child starts crying. Then to please that child, the Father himself lifts that pestle holding it from above and that innocent child only holds it with hands and walks away. The Father says that look, my son has lifted a pestle. Then that child walks smiling with pride. He believes that I have lifted the pestle. But one who is wise realizes that lifting a pestle is out of my reach.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 12, 13, it is stated that the light in the sun, moon, and fire, etc, know it as mine only, and I (Kaal as a servant of that Supreme God), entering this Earth, by the power of that Supreme God, sustain all the living beings. Becoming the moon, infuse (nourish) flavor (quality) into medicinal herbs. Respected Garib Das Ji Maharaj (disciple of Sahib Kabir Ji) states that –
Garib, Kaal (Brahm) to peese peesna, jaura hai panihaar |
Ye do asal major (servants) hain, mere Satguru (Kabir) ke darbaar ||
Meaning: God Brahm grinds flour of Purna Brahm and Jaura (death) fetches water for Purna Brahm Kabir Sahib i.e. both of these are servants (laborers) of my Kabir Satguru (Purna Brahm). They follow His (Kaviragni) orders.
Important: Kaal (Brahm) himself is saying in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 4 that I (Brahm-Kaal) am in the refuge of (am dependant on) that Supreme God only. Chapter 18 Verse 64 has told Him only to be his venerable God.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 14, has said that I, taking shelter (aashritH) in the bodies of all the living beings and by dwelling in all the lotuses as MahaBrahma, MahaVishnu, and MahaShiv, combining with the in-going and out-going breath (air) become the fire of digestion in the stomach and like a servant digest the food in four ways.
The translation of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 15 is that I instill scripture-based thoughts (opinion) in the hearts of all living beings. I only am memory, knowledge, and ratiocinative faculty (dispel doubts) and the creator of Vedanta i.e. I illuminate the four Vedas. The purport is that Kaal Brahm is saying that I am the giver of the knowledge of the Vedas and I only am the knower of the Vedas and by all the Vedas, I alone am to be known.
In this Verse, Brahm God is saying that I instill my scripture-based knowledge in the hearts of all the living beings and I (Brahm) know all those scriptures, knowledge of Vedas and memory, etc. And they contain my special knowledge. Hence, in this lok and Veda, I am regarded as the Supreme God worthy of being known.
The meaning of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 16 is that there are two types of Gods (Purush) in this lok of Earth (Brahm’s twenty-one brahmands and ParBrahm’s seven sankh brahmands, both are known as the loks of Earth. Like, things made from mud (earth) can be cups, saucers, plates, and pots, etc, but they are called earthenware only).
Considering the state of Kshar Purush (Brahm-Kaal) and the living in his twenty-one brahmands as a white tea-cup made up of porcelain, it clearly appears to be perishable. As soon as it slips from hand and drops on the ground, it breaks into pieces.
The second is Akshar Purush (somewhat imperishable ParBrahm). Like, a cup made up of steel that appears to be imperishable (durable). No matter how many times it drops, does not break into pieces; therefore, it is considered a durable metal. But, in reality, even steel is not an imperishable metal. After a long time, steel will get rusted and get destroyed. Thus Akshar Purush (ParBrahm) is also said to be imperishable because when Brahm will die a thousand times, then ParBrahm’s (Akshar Purush) one day will end. The night is of the same duration. In this way, one month of 30 days-night and one year of 12 months, and ParBrahm’s age is of 100 years. Therefore, ParBrahm is known as Akshar Purush, but on completion of 100 years, he will also die and all the brahmands will be destroyed. Then the Purna Brahm, KavirDev (Kabir Parmeshwar) will create afresh all the brahmands of ParBrahm (Akshar Purush) and Brahm (Kshar Purush).
The third metal is gold, which does not rust. In reality, the durable (imperishable) metal is something else other than these above-mentioned clay and steel.
Similarly in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 17, it is said that in reality, the imperishable God is someone else other than both the above-mentioned Purushas (Gods), Kshar Purush (Brahm), and Akshar Purush (ParBrahm), who is actually said to be the Eternal Parmatma, Parmeshwar. He only, by entering into the three loks, sustains everyone.
The meaning of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 17 is that the Supreme God (Purna Brahm) is someone else who is known by the name, Eternal God (Purna Brahm), and entering the three loks, He only maintains and sustains everyone.
As Kabir Sahib states –
Kabir, Akshar Purush (ParBrahm) ek ped hai, Niranjan (Brahm) vaaki daar |
Teeno deva (Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh) saakha hain, paat roop sansaar ||
Kabir, hum hi Alakh Allah hai, mool roop kartar |
Anant koti Brahmand ka, mein hi Sirjanhaar ||
It is clear in this that Akshar Purush is the tree (trunk) that is visible above the ground. Then consider one of its big branches (daar) as Kshar Purush (Kaal-Brahm). The three gods, Brahma-Vishnu-Shankar, are smaller branches and twigs and the whole world is in the form of leaves.
Here the root is NiHakshar (the Eternal Parmatma, Purna Brahm, who is not visible). Therefore, Kabir Sahib further states that –
Kabir, ekae saadhe sab sadhae, sab saadhae sab jaay |
Maali seechaen mool ko, foolae-falae aghaay ||
The purport of this speech is that by the worship of one Purna Brahm in the form of root, the whole tree blossoms (remains lust green). By worship of (by watering) the trunk (ParBrahm-Akshar), big branch (Brahm), and the smaller branches (Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh), the whole tree will dry out i.e. the sadhana will go in vain.
Respected Garib das Ji Maharaj states that –
Karm bhram bhaari lage, sansa sool banbool |
Daali paano dolte, parsat naahin mool ||
Therefore, by seeking refuge in only one Parmeshwar (SatPurush, Kabir Sahib), one can become completely liberated and can escape from Kaal’s trap.
Its evidence is explained in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 1 to 4 in the form of an example of a tree.
To understand the meaning of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 16, 17, read the above-mentioned example carefully and then reflect. Because Kaal is more powerful (possesses one thousand arms) than Brahma, Vishnu, Shankar, and Mai; therefore the living beings of the three loks regard him (Kaal) alone as Purushottam. Because only this is called Purushottam in Verse 18.
The meaning of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 18 is that Kaal (Brahm) is saying that I am beyond (ateetH or am out of reach of) the material body composed of five elements which are perishable (Kshar) and the soul (that is imperishable). Therefore, in Vedas and the three loks, I (Kaal-Brahm) alone am known as the Supreme (Purushottam) God. Actually, Purna Avinashi (eternal) and Uttam (supreme) Purush (God) is someone else who has been described in above Verse 17.
I am more powerful than all the living beings in my twenty-one brahmands whether they are in the material body with perishable qualities or in soul with imperishable qualities. I am the master of all these; therefore, based on LokVed, they regard me as Purushottam. But, in reality, Purushottam is someone else who has been described in above Verse 17.
LokVed: - Regional hearsay knowledge (folklore) contrary to the scriptures is known as LokVed. Like, in some regions, there is more importance of worship of Durga Ji. In some regions of Hanuman Ji; in some of Shri Ganesh Ji, in some Shri Khatu Shyam Ji, in some of Shri Ram, and some there is an emphasis on the worship of Shri Krishna, only on the basis of LokVed. Like, until now, even the knowledge about one brahmand was not complete. Even Shri Brahma Ji, Shri Vishnu Ji, and Shri Shiv Ji did not have complete knowledge about one Brahm/brahamand. In Shri Devibhagwat MahaPuran, third Skand, on being asked by his son Narad Ji that how did one brahmand originate, Shri Brahma Ji replied that ‘Son Narad, I do not know how did I originate on the lotus flower? Who is my originator? Then by making the three, Brahm-Vishnu-Shiv Ji, sit in an aircraft, Durga sent them to Brahmlok. They were astonished to see one more Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva there. Then after going to Devi, Brahma Ji-Vishnu Ji-Shiv Ji are themselves accepting that we are in birth and death, are destructible; we are not imperishable (eternal). We take birth (Aavirbhav) and die (tirobhav). Contrary to this, based on LokVed, knew these three gods by following analogies as Ajar-Amar (immortal), Sarveshwar (the God of gods), Maheshwar (the greatest God), Ajanma (unborn), Vasudev (omnipresent), they have no mother-father, etc. had regarded their worship as final. Whereas in holy Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 12 to 15, the worshippers of the three Gunas (Rajgun-Brahma, Satgun-Vishnu, and Tamgun-Shiv) are said to be fools, with demoniac nature, the lowest among men and who perform evil deeds. Based on LokVed (regional knowledge opposed to scriptures) the sages who studied Vedas and who did not find a Tattavdarshi sant themselves delivered a conclusion and kept referring to Brahm (Kaal) as Purushottam. Purna Parmatma, KavirDev Himself describes His magnificence and brings the true knowledge (healthy/sound knowledge) by Himself becoming a messenger. (It is evident in YajurVeda Chapter 29 Mantra 25.) Then, Himself plays the role of a devotee, God, and Satguru.
Doha (couplet) –
Kabir, pichhe laga jaaun tha, lok ved ke saath |
Raste mein Satguru mile, Deepak de diya haath ||
The meaning of aforesaid sacred speech is: - This Das previously was a staunch worshipper of Shri Hanuman Ji, Shri Khaatu Shaym Ji, and Shri Vishnu Ji i.e. Shri Krishna Ji, Shri Ramchandra Ji, etc. used to fast and was doing all baseless sadhana. On the auspicious day of 17 February 1988, Tattavdarshi Param Sant Pujya Gurudev Swami Ramdevanand Ji Maharaj granted me this lamp of Tattavgyan (true knowledge) and in its light, I realized that I was going on the wrong path. All the religious practices I was following were against our holy scriptures (holy Gita Ji and holy four Vedas). I was doing them based on LokVed. Therefore in the above-mentioned sacred speech, God Kabir Sahib Ji is explaining to us that you are doing sadhana opposite to scriptures based on LokVed. Now based on this true knowledge (Tattavgyan), by taking spiritual instruction from a Complete Saint according to the injunctions of the scriptures, bring about the welfare of your soul. Do not do useless sadhana.
Purna Parmatma, playing the role of an innocent devotee, is saying that previously, I was doing sadhana according to Lokved (hearsay knowledge opposite to scriptures), I found a Purna Saint (Tatvadarshi Saint) who gave the lamp of the actual way of worship and true knowledge. Now I will not forget the path in the darkness of ignorance.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 19, it is stated that ‘O Bharat (Arjun)! A knowledgeable person (learned) who knows me in this way {as is said in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 18 that I am regarded as the Supreme God because I am superior (more powerful than) to Kshar (embodied living beings) and Akshar (souls). Therefore, in loks (Heaven-Earth-Nether world) and Vedas, I am famous by the name, Purushottam (Supreme God). In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 17, has said that in reality, Purushottam is someone else, who by entering into the three loks, sustains everyone and is called as Eternal God.} i.e. knows the Purushottam (Brahm-Kaal) of the Vedas as the Purna God, he only worships me (Kaal) wholeheartedly (considering God).
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 20, it is said that ‘O sinless Arjun! This most confidential knowledge (shastra) has been revealed by me. He who comes to know about this in the right manner will become enlightened (completely knowledgeable) and will (escape from Kaal’s trap) become blessed.
He will become blessed by searching Tatavadarshi sant described in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Verse 34. But the Kaal God has nowhere described the method of attaining the Purna Purush Parmatma (SatPurush). The description of Yagyas and the Jaap of OM mantra is only for attaining heaven and great heaven, and not for the attainment of Purna Brahm and complete liberation. Therefore, a knowledgeable person who will even come to know about this that someone else is the protector and the kind God, because of being out of his reach, will continue doing Kaal sadhana and remain in Kaal’s trap. To attain the way of worship and complete knowledge of Purna Parmatma, it is indicated in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Verse 34.
Question: A bhakt said that fruit is obtained from the branches only, not from the roots?
Answer: The branches only have to give fruits but we will have to serve (worship) the roots. If we will not water the roots, then the plant of bhakti will become dry. Therefore, by giving manure and water to the roots, the branches will themselves give the fruits.
Until now we had planted the plant of bhakti in the ground by the branches. Had kept the roots above. Therefore, it has been indicated that plant the plant of bhakti correctly. Worship the root (base) i.e. Purna Parmatma from whom nourishment will reach the three Gunas (Rajgun-Brahma, Satgun-Vishnu, and Tamgun-Shiv)-like branches, then the fruit of bhakti will appear. Without asking, the three gods will provide you with all the facilities based on your actions. Its evidence is in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 11 to 15. It is stated that God after creating nature had told everyone that do devotion according to scriptures and had told that do scriptures based worship of Purna Parmatma who is worshipped in Yagya, from whom Kaal has originated. In this way, upgrade these gods. These grown-up gods will provide you happiness automatically even without asking.
Second example: Suppose you need a government job. You will worship your king (Chief Minister) i.e. you will write an application to him. Then, on approving your application (worship), the Chief Minister will appoint you to some department. Even then you will continue to worship-work (serve) for the Chief Minister (government). But the wages determined by the Chief Minister will be given to you by other officials. They are also higher servants of that same master. If you would have only worshipped those higher officials, then they would have only served you refreshments, which would not have sustained you. Now the same known officers will provide you with all the facilities. Similarly, by worshipping the Purna Parmatma (KavirDev), the three gods, Shri Brahma Ji, Shri Vishnu Ji, and Shri Shiv Ji, will only keep giving you your wages (results of work done). If you will abandon worshipping the Purna Parmatma, then all the facilities will stop.
Hence, Purna Brahm SatPurush alone is worthy of being worshipped. He is situated in all the Yagyas i.e. all the religious acts, Yagyas, should be performed keeping Him foremost. Then that same God will provide you with all the facilities through His other gods. That Purna Parmatma even gives more than what is destined. But other gods can only grant whatever is destined. Like, a Chief Minister can also grant a bonus to his worker apart from the predetermined wages. But the officers can only give the pre-determined wages. Likewise, having understood the Tattavgyan, find a Tattavdarshi sant and by obtaining updesh (spiritual instruction) attain complete liberation.
Conclusion: The above explanation of all Verses of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 has been done by great Tatvadarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. In this chapter, the description of the upside-down hanging world-like Peepal tree has been provided which says that the root is Purna Parmatma who is the creator of the entire universe and is only worshipable. The enlightened saint will explain all its divisions. God Kaal states that Satlok is superior to his lok and is his supreme abode as well. He says that those who have acquired complete knowledge of the tree of the world are completely knowledgeable and know well that even a leaf does not move without the permission of Purna Parmatma (Kavir Dev). There is a description of three gods, Kshar Purush and Akshar Purush both are perishable whereas, in reality, Purna Parmatma is imperishable, seeking whose refuge one can become completely liberated and can escape from Kaal’s trap. Satpurush/Purna Parmatma is situated in all Yagyas, religious acts and He is attainable by true worship told by Tatavadarshi sant. The above explanation of all Verses of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 has been done by the great Tatvadarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.