THE COSMIC TREE
This sacred fig tree symbolizes the material world.
What is the aśvattha tree?
These nourish the branches of the tree of material existence.
What are the three guṇas?
This “weapon” is required to cut down the tree of illusion.
What is detachment (asaṅga)?
Those who reach the supreme abode are free from this illusion.
What is delusion (moha)?
The roots of the cosmic tree are said to be located here.
What is above (the spiritual realm)?
The buds of the tree are compared to these.
What are sense objects?
Detachment is called a weapon because it does this.
What is cuts bondage at the root?
This quality is described as eternal in the supreme abode.
What is divine light (self-illumination)?
These represent the Vedas on the aśvattha tree.
What are the leaves?
The downward-growing roots represent actions that bind the soul.
What is karma?
After cutting down the tree, one should seek this ultimate goal.
What is the supreme spiritual abode?
This verse states that the sun, moon, and fire do not illuminate the supreme realm.
What is verse 15.6?
This quality makes the true form of the tree difficult to perceive.
What is impermanence / constant change?
This is why living beings remain entangled in the material world.
What is attachment to action and sense enjoyment?
This phrase describes the destination from which one never returns.
What is God's abode?
The Supreme Person described in Chapter 15 is known by this name.
Who is Puruṣottama?