Sixth Adhyaya, Eleventh Khanda (3 mantras)

Mantra 6.11.1.

1. If some one were to strike at the root of this large tree, it would live, so long as the Jīva (the Lord Aniruddha) presides over it, though it will bleed. If he were to strike at its middle, so long as the Jīva (Aniruddha) is there, it would live though it would bleed. If one were to strike at its top, it would live, so long as the Jīva (Aniruddha) is there, though it would bleed. That Jīva of the tree is pervaded by the Jīva (Living) Self, (the Lord called Jīva Atman); and lienee the body of the tree stands firm, drinking in nourishment, and the Jīva of the tree rejoices.—452.

Mantra 6.11.2.

2. (But even when not struck by any one, still) when the Lord Aniruddha leaves one of its branches, that branch withers; if he leaves a second branch that also withers; if he leaves the third branch, that also withers, if he leaves the whole tree, the whole tree withers. In exactly the same manner, my child know this. Thus he spoke.—454.

Note.— This shows how the Jīva is under the control of the Lord. So long as the Lord is in the Jīva of the tree, the tree may be struck, but still live and will not die. But when the Lord leaves the tree, it dies even when not struck by anybody. Thus the Jīva is under the control of the Lord.

Mantra 6.11.3.

3. This tree indeed withers and dies when the Lord called Jīva has left it, but the Living Lord dies not. (That Highest God is) the Essence and Ruler of all, the desired of all and known only through the subtlest intellect. All this universe is controlled by Him, He pervades it all and is the Good. This God is the destroyer of all and full of perfect qualities. Thou O Śvetaketu art not that God (why then this conceit).

“Pease sir, instruct me still more” said the son. “Be it so, my child,” replied the father.—455.

Madhva’s commentary called the Bhāṣya:

In the tree, there exist the soul of the tree and also the Lord Hari the over-soul. That the soul of the tree is uot identical with him or independent is a matter of daily observation, for the tree cannot move from its place. The Jīva of the tree is therefore in a very low stage of evolution, but all the same the tree produces beautiful fruits and flowers. It is owing to the Lord, who regulates the functions of the tree, that this is so.

The Lord Hari is perceived as separate from the soul of the tree, for the tree has no independence of its own and is absolutely dependent on the Lord. When the Lord (Jīva Ātmā) leaves any portion of the tree, that portion dries up, in spite of the Jīva of the tree being still in that tree. This drying up shows the want of independence in the tree. Much more so is the case with man.

As the tree is not independent so also is man, by the very fact that he is constantly frustrated in his efforts. That all he desires do not come to take place, it is proved there is some One within man, who baffles his attempts and frustrates his efforts,

The following verse of Maulānā Rum shows the same idea:—