15.15 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 15, Verse 15

In Bhagavad Gita verse 15.15, Lord Krishna reveals one of the most profound aspects of His divine nature - His presence within the heart of every living being. After explaining how He sustains the physical universe through cosmic arrangements, Krishna now shifts to the intimate spiritual connection He maintains with each soul. This verse serves as a beautiful bridge between the material truths previously discussed and the deeper spiritual knowledge that follows.

The Sanskrit verse begins with "sarvasya chaham hridi sannivishto" - "I am seated in the hearts of all." This is not merely poetic language but a fundamental spiritual reality. Krishna resides in everyone as the Paramatma (Supreme Soul), witnessing our journey through countless lifetimes. From this intimate position, He influences our cognitive faculties in three crucial ways: providing memory (smriti), knowledge (jnanam), and even forgetfulness (apohanam).

This triad of cognitive functions reveals Krishna's compassionate design. Memory allows us to learn from experiences and build upon knowledge. Knowledge illuminates our path forward. But perhaps most surprising is that forgetfulness also comes from the divine. Without the ability to forget, especially the countless sufferings from past lives, existence would become unbearable. Forgetfulness thus operates as a divine mercy, allowing us fresh beginnings despite our complicated histories.

Our relationship with these three faculties is reciprocal. When we sincerely turn toward spiritual truth, Krishna responds by enhancing our memory and knowledge of what is beneficial. When we choose to pursue desires that lead us away from higher understanding, He respects our free will by allowing a certain forgetfulness to take hold. This demonstrates not an arbitrary control but a responsive relationship between the divine and our consciousness - Krishna honors our choices while remaining ever-present.

In the second half of the verse, Krishna makes three profound declarations about His relationship to sacred knowledge: "I alone am to be known by all the Vedas," "I am the author of Vedanta," and "I am the knower of the Vedas". This establishes that all genuine spiritual knowledge ultimately points toward understanding Him. The diverse teachings, rituals, philosophies, and practices of the Vedic tradition converge on this essential truth - knowing Krishna is their ultimate purpose.

Krishna's claim to be both the author and the knower of Vedic wisdom carries deep significance. As their author (through sages like Vyasa), He implanted these teachings in human history. As their knower, He understands their true intent even when scholars misinterpret them. This suggests that approaching spiritual texts with devotion to Krishna opens the door to their correct understanding, while academic study alone may miss their essence.

This verse beautifully completes a section of the Gita focused on knowledge. Krishna has provided a progressive path: first recognizing divine presence in the external world, then perceiving the divine within one's own heart, and finally understanding that all authentic spiritual teachings ultimately reveal Him. The verse thus weaves together cosmic truth, personal experience, and scriptural wisdom into a cohesive vision of spiritual reality where Krishna stands at the center - not distant but intimately present within our very consciousness.