Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15, Verse 18 (BG 15.18) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

As explained in the discussion of the two preceding verses, the one Supreme Self is called perishable (kshara) in the form of the changing world, and imperishable (akshara) as the unchanging knower of that world. It is universally recognized that knowledge of other changes is impossible without one unchanging reality. Therefore, if we have awareness of the modifications of body, mind, intellect, and the external world, then from this very fact the existence of that imperishable principle is established—which, remaining itself immutable, illuminates all other thoughts. It also becomes clear that only from the perspective of the perishable does the Supreme Self receive the qualification of being imperishable; otherwise, it is itself without attributes. Therefore, the Lord says here: Because I transcend both the perishable and the imperishable, I am celebrated in the world and in the Vedas as the Supreme Person (Purushottama). That is, the Lord is a person because He is complete, and He is supreme because He transcends both the perishable and the imperishable. Therefore, in the Vedas and in the world, poets and scholars have addressed and referred to Him by the name Purushottama. Now, describing the fruit of knowledge of the Supreme Self, He says: