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Chapter 15 • Verse 18
The Yoga of the Supreme Person
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna declares Himself as Purushottama: 'Yasmāt kṣaram atīto 'ham akṣarād api cottamaḥ'—because I transcend the perishable and am even higher than the imperishable. Krishna transcends both: the perishable (all material beings) and the imperishable (individual souls). He's not just beyond material—He's even higher than the individual soul. 'Ato 'smi loke vede ca prathitaḥ puruṣottamaḥ'—therefore I am celebrated in the world and in the Vedas as Purushottama. This is Krishna's declaration: He is Purushottama—the Supreme Person. This is the culmination of Chapter 15: after explaining the ashvattha tree, the living entity, and the two purushas, Krishna now reveals His true identity as Purushottama. Understanding this is the key: Krishna is not just a teacher, not just a guide—He is Purushottama, the Supreme Person who transcends both material and spiritual. He's the highest—the goal of all spiritual paths, the source of everything, the Supreme Person to whom everything returns.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
Krishna is Purushottama—the Supreme Person who transcends both the perishable (material) and the imperishable (individual soul). He's not just a teacher or guide—He's the Supreme Person to know, to worship, to take refuge in. He transcends both material and spiritual—you don't need to choose between them, you need to recognize Purushottama who transcends both. Purushottama is the ultimate goal—all goals lead to knowing Him. He's celebrated in the world and in the Vedas—not just a concept, but the Supreme Person. Understanding this transforms your relationship: not just learning from Krishna, but knowing and worshiping Purushottama. This is the key: recognizing Krishna as Purushottama, the Supreme Person.
Personal Reflection
Do you recognize Krishna as Purushottama? Can you see the Supreme Person who transcends both material and spiritual? What would knowing and worshiping Purushottama look like? How would this transform your spiritual journey?
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