The real form of this tree cannot be perceived in this world. Use the axe of ‘detachment’
This tree is not real, but a reflection of the real tree
Impossible to fully understand the real tree
Solution – But we can cut down this tree with determination with the axe of detachment
Desired destination – Then one must go beyond the tree and surrender to the Supreme Person (surrendering process is explained in Text 15.5) from whom entirety has sprout
aWhy real form cannot be understood
Because root is up and extension is at the other end
When we are entangled in material expansion one cannot see how far the tree extends and where is the beginning
bFinding out the cause — Father’s father’s father’s… to Brahmaloka to Garbodaksayi Vishnu to Krishna
Krishna is the end of research work
How to search out that origin? – From association of persons in knowledge of Supreme Personality of Godhead
cBenefits of this knowledge
One should gradually become detached from false reflection
Actually become situated in the real tree
dImportance of the word “Asanga”
Attachment for sense enjoyment and lording over material nature is very strong
Therefore learn detachment by:
Hear from those actually in knowledge – sadhus
Result of such discussion – One comes to Supreme Personality of Godhead and finally surrenders
Surrender / Devotional service results in automatic detachment SUMMARISED THEME 15A THE BANYAN TREE The material world: A perverted relflection of the spiritual world
aReflecting medium — Original tree of spiritual world is reflected on “Desire” / analogous to “Water” – “Desire” is the cause of things being situated in this reflected material light
The real root of this material existence grows upward
This means that it begins from the total material substance, from the topmost planet of the universe, Brahmaloka
The secondary roots are in the human planetary systems (Bhuloka) and grow downward and spread in all directions
They are bound to the fruitive actions of human society
Subsidiary roots are attachments and aversions, which are by products of different varieties of suffering and sense enjoyment
Tendencies towards piety and impiety are considered to develop from these secondary roots
cBranches — Upper and lower planets
fTips of branches — Senses
gFruits — Dharma, Artha, Kaama, Moksha
hNourishment — The three modes of material nature
iThe living entities involvement in this tree
Hops from one branch to another trying to taste the fruit
Can’t see how far the tree extends or where it ends
Although living entities are the eternal fragmental parts of Krishna, they are struggling with the senses (15.7) SUMMARISED THEME 15B THE ONLY WAY OUT OF THE TREE IS DETACHMENT – HOW? A) Find one in knowledge (15.4)
About the relationship between the Lord and the living entity B) Surrender to the Lord (15.5)
Through the spiritual master
No false prestige that he is lord of material nature
Gives up false association
Free from dualities C) Attain the eternal abode (15.6)