The Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran

chapter fifteen
╭ The Supreme Self
T his is a difficult chapter, for it deals
essentially with questions of theology and ultimate mystical
experience.
Krishna reveals that he transcends not only the world of matter
but also the immortal Atman that dwells as the conscious
“knower” within all beings. Krishna has said that he is the
Atman; but the paradox is that he also transcends the Atman.
In this highest aspect Krishna is Ishvara, the cosmic Lord, who
abides in his own mystery. The liberated Self enjoys union with
Krishna and lives in Krishna’s highest home. But the Self does
not become Krishna: the immortal soul, even when liberated
from its mortal journeying, does not become God.
The chapter opens with the image of an upside-down tree,
a world-tree rooted in Brahman which branches out into a
manifold creation in this realm below. This is said to be an
ashvattha or pipal tree, a kind of fig. Like the banyan, it sends
out roots into the air, spreading above and below.
In this chapter about Krishna’s most exalted nature, it
229 ╯