Chapter 15 Verse 2

Its branches spread below and above, nourished by the Gunas; its buds are sense-objects, and its roots stretch forth below in the world of men, originating action.

Core Meaning

The verse uses a tree to describe our conditioned life. Its branches reach up and down; their buds are the sense-objects that attract us. This shows how the world of sights, sounds, tastes, and desires grows around us and keeps us busy.

These branches are fed by the Gunas — the natural tendencies that shape our mind and behavior (calmness, activity, and dullness). Those tendencies make sense-objects appealing and keep our attention hooked.

The roots spread below into the human world and give rise to action. In other words, our attachments and inner habits are the roots that generate the choices we make. If the roots remain, actions continue to bind us; to change our life we must loosen those roots.

Life Application

• Notice urges before acting: pause briefly when a desire arises and ask whether the action brings lasting good or more binding habit.
• Reduce what feeds the branches: limit exposure to tempting media, simplify choices, and avoid repeatedly feeding unhealthy cravings.
• Strengthen inner clarity with small daily practices (short meditation, mindful breathing, reading something that inspires calm) so actions come from awareness rather than impulse.

Reflection Question

What habitual desire or attachment today is most shaping the choices you make?