Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15, Verse 17

English Translation

But different is th supreme Person who is spoken of as the transcendental Self, who, permeating the three worlds, upholds (them), and is the imperisahble God.

Detailed Commentary

।।15.17।। Explanation -- The Uttama Purusha is distinct. After describing the Kshara and Akshara Purushas in the previous verse, the Lord states that there is another Purusha, superior to both. Here, the term 'anya' (distinct) is used not to separate the Paramatma from the indestructible Akshara (Jivatma), but to indicate its unique excellence. Therefore, in the subsequent eighteenth verse, the Lord declares Himself to be beyond the perishable Kshara and superior to the imperishable Akshara. Even though the Jivatma is a part of Paramatma, its inclination is towards the perishable Kshara. Hence, the Lord is described as distinct from it. Paramatma itself signifies the Uttama Purusha. The word 'Paramatma' refers to that formless (Nirakara) principle, meaning the Supreme Soul or the Soul of all beings. In this verse, both the words 'Paramatma' and 'Ishvara' have appeared, meaning that both Nirguna (attributeless) and Saguna (with attributes) are but one Purushottama. That Uttama Purusha (Paramatma) is eternally pervading all three worlds, that is, everywhere. The term 'Bibharti' means that truly, Paramatma alone nourishes and sustains all beings. However, the Jivatma, by assuming a connection with the world, considers people as its own and takes the responsibility of their sustenance upon itself, thereby experiencing sorrow. Calling the Lord 'Avyaya' (imperishable/immutable) means that even while sustaining everyone at all times, there is no decrease or change in Him. He remains just as He is. The word 'Ishvara' refers to the Saguna (with attributes) aspect, meaning the one who governs. The profound point is that just as parents nurture a child, but the child is unaware of it, similarly, the Lord alone sustains everyone, but the ignorant person does not comprehend this. Only a devotee of the Lord knows that only the Lord is properly sustaining everyone. In nurturing and sustaining, the Lord shows no partiality towards anyone. He equally sustains devotees and non-devotees, sinners and righteous souls, believers and atheists alike. It is directly observed that in the creation manifested by the Lord, the sun, earth, fire, air, and food are equally available to all. Connection -- Now, revealing His unity with the Uttama Purusha described in the previous verse, Lord Krishna, manifest in His concrete form, unveils His most profound secret.