Meaning
This universe is {like a} banyan tree with roots extending upwards and branches hanging downwards. Within this enduring tree, said to be imperishable, the Vedic hymns serve as {mere} leaves. One who comprehends the essence of this World Tree grasps the essence of the Vedas. (15:1)
Commentary
The term “indestructible” or “imperishable” when applied to this world, as an extension of God-the-Supreme, signifies that despite the cycle of creations and dissolutions, this cosmic manifestation has persisted since time immemorial. However, it’s important to note that the world is not “indestructible” or “imperishable” in the same sense as the soul and God, for the latter are truly beyond destruction or decay. Instead, the world’s continuity is relative and bound by the cyclic processes of creation and dissolution.
The tree mentioned here is employed as a metaphor. In the AnuGitā within the Mahābhārata, it is referred to as the Brahm Vriksha, signifying the tree that is an extension of the Supreme God (Brahm).
Sanskrit
ऊर्ध्वमूलमधःशाखमश्वत्थं प्राहुरव्ययम् ।
छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि यस्तं वेद स वेदवित् ॥ 15:1 ॥
Word Separation
ऊर्ध्व-मूलम्, अधः-शाखम्, अश्वत्थम् प्राहुः अ-व्ययम्;
छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि, यः तम् वेद, सः वेद-वित्।