Chapter 15, Verse 2
अधश्चोर्ध्वं प्रसृतास्तस्य शाखा गुणप्रवृद्धा विषयप्रवाला: |
अधश्च मूलान्यनुसन्ततानि कर्मानुबन्धीनि मनुष्यलोके ॥2॥
adhaśh chor-dhvaṁ prasṛitās tasya śhākhā guṇa-pravṛiddhā viṣhaya-pravālāḥ |
adhaśh cha mūlāny anusantatāni karmānubandhīni manuṣhya-loke
"The branches of this tree extend both downward and upward, nourished by the three Gunas. The sense objects are its tender shoots. Below, its secondary roots also spread out, binding the soul to actions in the world of humans."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 15.2 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 15.2 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna describes the complex structure of the material world (Samsara) as an inverted tree. The main branches stretch upward (toward celestial realms) and downward (toward lower species), depending on one's Gunas (modes of nature). While the primary root is the Supreme, secondary roots (vasanas/desires) grow downward into the human realm, fueled by the shoots of sense objects. These secondary roots represent 'Karma-anubandhini'—the cycle of action and reaction that keeps the soul entangled in human existence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 15.2?
The branches of this tree extend both downward and upward, nourished by the three Gunas. The sense objects are its tender shoots. Below, its secondary roots also spread out, binding the soul to actions in the world of humans.