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Chapter 15
Prahuravyayam:- This tree, in the form of the world, is called imperishable, because in spite of being perishable, its beginning and end, are not known, its flow is continuous (eternal), and its root is imperishable God. As the water of sea evaporates, with the heat of sun, changes into a cloud, falls on the ground in the form of rain, and flows into the sea again, in the form of a stream or a river and the process continues endlessly, so does the cycle of the world go on, without any end. This cycle moves so rapidly, that just like a movie in spite of, being kaleidoscopic, it seems fixed.
This tree in the form of this world, is called imperishable, but in fact, it is not so. Had it been imperishable, the Lord, in the third verse of this chapter, would not have declared, "Its form is not perceived here, as it is said" nor would He have inspired Arjuna to cut off this firm rooted Pipala tree, with a strong axe of non-attachment.
Chandarbsi yasya parnani:- The Vedas, are the leaves of this tree, in the form of the universe. Here, the Vedas, mean the portion of the Vedas which deal with rituals and their performance, for the fruits,[1] As trees, with flowers and leaves without bearing any fruits cannot satisfy people, so can mundane pleasure and prosperity, looking beautiful outwardly, like flowers and leaves, not provide imperishable bliss.
Virtuous actions performed, in order to attain, heaven are better than forbidden actions, but they cannot lead to salvation as those people having enjoyed the vast heaven, enter the world of mortals, when their merit is exhausted (Gita 9/21). Thus, such actions and their fruits - both are perishable. Therefore, a striver, should realize God, by becoming detached from both of them.
Leaves are bom of the branches of a tree, and they protect and nourish it. They beautify it and strengthen it (the movement of leaves strengthen its root, stem and branches). The Vedas, are also born of Brahma, the main branch of this tree, in the form of the world and actions sanctioned by the Vedas, nourish and protect the world. So, the Vedas, have been called leaves. When actions, are performed with a desire for fruit, these lead him to heaven. This is nourishment of the tree. In heaven, there are celestial damsels and gardens etc. This is the beauty of that tree.
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