Chapter 15 Verse 16
Puruṣhottam Yog
द्वाविमौ पुरुषौ लोके क्षरश्चाक्षर एव च।क्षरः सर्वाणि भूतानि कूटस्थोऽक्षर उच्यते।।15.16।।
dvāv imau puruṣhau loke kṣharaśh chākṣhara eva cha kṣharaḥ sarvāṇi bhūtāni kūṭa-stho ’kṣhara uchyate
Word Meanings
| dvau | two |
| imau | these |
| puruṣhau | beings |
| loke | in creation |
| kṣharaḥ | the perishable |
| cha | and |
| akṣharaḥ | the imperishable |
| eva | even |
| cha | and |
| kṣharaḥ | the perishable |
| sarvāṇi | all |
| bhūtāni | beings |
| kūṭa-sthaḥ | the liberated |
| akṣharaḥ | the imperishable |
| uchyate | is said |
Translation
Two Purushas there are in this world: the perishable and the imperishable. All beings are perishable, and the Kutastha—the unchanging—is called the imperishable.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse teaches that there are two realities: the changing and the unchanging. The body, mind, and all living forms are perishable; they grow, age, and pass away.
Beyond that changing world is the Kutastha — the inner, steady Self or witness that does not change. Recognizing this unchanging presence helps separate who you truly are from the temporary parts of life.
This insight points to spiritual freedom: when you identify with the witness rather than the changing self, you feel less fear, less clinging, and a deeper peace.
Life Application
- When you feel upset or anxious, pause and notice the part of you that simply observes the feeling — practice being the witness for a minute.
- Remind yourself, “This will pass,” before reacting to stress or pleasure; it reduces impulsive attachment.
- Build a short daily habit (5–10 minutes) of silent awareness or mindful breathing to strengthen contact with the unchanging self.
Reflection Question
Which part of my experience feels permanent, and which clearly changes during the day?