Na roopam-asyeha tathopalabhyate naanto na chadir-na cha sampratishthaa | ashvattham-enam suviruudha-moola- masanga-shastrena dridhena chhittvaa ||3||
Translation
The real form of this tree cannot be perceived in this world. No one can understand where it ends, where it begins, or where its foundation is. But with determination, one must cut down this strongly rooted tree with the weapon of detachment.
Word-by-Word Meaning
न
not
रूपम्
form
अस्य
of this tree
इह
in this world
तथा
also
उपलभ्यते
can be perceived
न
not
अन्तः
end
न
not
च
also
आदिः
beginning
न
not
च
also
सम्प्रतिष्ठा
foundation
अश्वत्थम्
banyan tree
एनम्
this
सुविरूढ
strongly rooted
मूलम्
root
असङ्ग-शस्त्रेण
by the weapon of detachment
दृढेन
strong
छित्त्वा
cutting
Commentary
Commentary
After describing the vast banyan tree of material existence, Krishna now reveals a startling truth: its real form cannot be perceived while one is within it. When you are entangled in the branches, you cannot see the beginning, the end, or the foundation of the tree. This is the nature of maya — the more deeply one is involved in material life, the harder it is to see its structure.
This verse carries an important word: asanga-shastrena — the weapon of detachment. The only tool that can cut through this deeply rooted tree is non-attachment. Not intellectual analysis alone, not mere renunciation of action, but a profound inner letting-go of one’s identification with the material world.
The word dridha (firm, strong) is significant. A weak attempt at detachment will not suffice. The roots of this tree are suviruudha — very strongly established. They have been growing for countless lifetimes. Therefore the detachment must be equally strong and determined. Half-hearted spirituality will not cut through the bonds of material existence.
The practical implication is clear: one must seek the company of those who have understood this tree, study the scriptures that reveal its nature, and cultivate genuine non-attachment through devotion to the Supreme. Only then can the weapon of detachment become firm enough to sever the roots of material bondage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Bhagavad Gita 15.3 mean?
- The real form of this tree cannot be perceived in this world. No one can understand where it ends, where it begins, or where its foundation is. But with determination, one must cut down this strongly rooted tree with the weapon of detachment.
- What is the Sanskrit text of Bhagavad Gita 15.3?
- The original Sanskrit verse is: Na roopam-asyeha tathopalabhyate naanto na chadir-na cha sampratishthaa | ashvattham-enam suviruudha-moola- masanga-shastrena dridhena chhittvaa ||3||
- What are the key themes of this verse?
- This verse explores: supreme person, liberation, detachment, knowledge, renunciation.