Bhagavad Gita · Verse 15.17
Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga (पुरुषोत्तमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
उत्तमः पुरुषस्त्वन्यः परमात्मेत्युदाहृतः । यो लोकत्रयमाविश्य बिभर्त्यव्यय ईश्वरः ॥१७॥
uttamaḥ puruṣastvanyaḥ paramātmetyudāhṛtaḥ | yo lokatrayamāviśya bibhartyavyaya īśvaraḥ ||17||
Complete Shloka Translation
But the highest Person is distinct, spoken of as the Supreme Self: the imperishable Lord who enters the three worlds and sustains them.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| परमात्मन् | paramātman | Supreme Self |
| ईश्वर | īśvara | Lord |
| उत्तमः | uttamaḥ | [term] in context of But the highest Person is dist... |
| पुरुषस्त्वन्यः | puruṣastvanyaḥ | [term] in context of But the highest Person is dist... |
| परमात्मेत्युदाहृतः | paramātmetyudāhṛtaḥ | [term] in context of But the highest Person is dist... |
| यो | yo | [term] in context of But the highest Person is dist... |
| लोकत्रयमाविश्य | lokatrayamāviśya | [term] in context of But the highest Person is dist... |
| बिभर्त्यव्यय | bibhartyavyaya | [term] in context of But the highest Person is dist... |
| ईश्वरः | īśvaraḥ | [term] in context of But the highest Person is dist... |
| १७ | īśvaraḥ | [term] in context of But the highest Person is dist... |
Supreme Self
Lord
[term] in context of But the highest Person is dist...
[term] in context of But the highest Person is dist...
[term] in context of But the highest Person is dist...
[term] in context of But the highest Person is dist...
[term] in context of But the highest Person is dist...
[term] in context of But the highest Person is dist...
[term] in context of But the highest Person is dist...
[term] in context of But the highest Person is dist...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The highest Person is introduced beyond the twofold distinction of 15.16 and identified as Paramatman. Entering and sustaining the worlds expresses both divine presence and sovereignty; the relation among these terms has distinct explanations across traditions.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Contemplate the sustaining presence that gives unity to existence."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What helps you sense unity amid life's diversity?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.