Chapter 15 Verse 15
Puruṣhottam Yog
सर्वस्य चाहं हृदि सन्निविष्टो मत्तः स्मृतिर्ज्ञानमपोहनं च।वेदैश्च सर्वैरहमेव वेद्यो वेदान्तकृद्वेदविदेव चाहम्।।15.15।।
sarvasya chāhaṁ hṛidi sanniviṣhṭo mattaḥ smṛitir jñānam apohanaṁ cha vedaiśh cha sarvair aham eva vedyo vedānta-kṛid veda-vid eva chāham
Word Meanings
| sarvasya | of all living beings |
| cha | and |
| aham | I |
| hṛidi | in the hearts |
| sanniviṣhṭaḥ | seated |
| mattaḥ | from me |
| smṛitiḥ | memory |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| apohanam | forgetfulness |
| cha | as well as |
| vedaiḥ | by the Vedas |
| cha | and |
| sarvaiḥ | all |
| aham | I |
| eva | alone |
| vedyaḥ | to be known |
| vedānta-kṛit | the author of the Vedānt |
| veda-vit | the knower of the meaning of the Vedas |
| eva | alone |
| cha | and |
| aham | I |
Translation
And I am seated in the hearts of all; from Me come memory and knowledge, as well as their absence. I am verily That which has to be known by all the Vedas; I am indeed the author of the Vedanta and the knower of the Vedas.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that the divine presence dwells in the heart of every being. It is the source of our memory, understanding, and even our forgetfulness. In other words, inner awareness is the root of how we think, learn, and lose focus.
The line about the Vedas and Vedanta points to one ultimate reality that all sacred knowledge points to. True knowledge is not only book-learning; it is what is realized within. The highest wisdom is recognizing that the source of knowing and not-knowing is the same inner presence.
Philosophically, the verse invites us to turn inward. Instead of seeing knowledge as only external facts, we see it as a living inner light that can guide action, calm the mind, and reveal meaning in daily life.
Life Application
- When making decisions, pause and listen inwardly rather than relying only on outside opinions; let inner clarity guide simple, steady choices.
- Treat study and learning as a practice: review, reflect, and connect ideas with experience so memory and understanding grow from within.
- Use short daily habits (breath awareness, quiet reflection, notes) to reduce forgetfulness and strengthen inner attention.
Reflection Question
Where do I turn for guidance when I feel confused—outside sources or my inner quiet?