Chapter 15, Verse 18
यस्मात्क्षरमतीतोऽहमक्षरादपि चोत्तम: | अतोऽस्मि लोके वेदे च प्रथित: पुरुषोत्तम: ॥18॥
yasmāt kṣaram atīto 'ham akṣarād api cottamaḥ | ato 'smi loke vede ca prathitaḥ puruṣottamaḥ
"Since I am transcendental to the mutable and above even the immutable, hence I am well known in the world and in the Vedas as the Supreme Person."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 15.18 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 15.18 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this pivotal verse, Lord Krishna defines the term 'Purushottama'. He explains that He transcends both 'Kshara' (the perishable material realm) and 'Akshara' (the imperishable soul/Brahman). By using the word 'aham' (I), He identifies Himself as this Supreme Persona, who is celebrated across both 'Loke' (the world/Smritis) and 'Vede' (the Shruti/Vedas). This establishes Krishna not just as a historical figure, but as the ultimate metaphysical principle that encompasses and exceeds all categories of existence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 15.18?
Since I am transcendental to the mutable and above even the immutable, hence I am well known in the world and in the Vedas as the Supreme Person.