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The Yoga of the Field and the Knower of the Field
Chapter 13, Verses 1-34
Summary of Chapter 13
Chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled “Kshetra Kshetragna Vibhaga Yoga” or “The Yoga of the Field and the Knower of the Field,” delves into the metaphysical concepts of matter and spirit. Lord Krishna explains that the “field” (Kshetra) represents the body or the physical world, while the “knower of the field” (Kshetragna) symbolizes the soul or consciousness within. He describes the nature of both the field, which includes the five elements, ego, intellect, and the ten senses, and the knower of the field, which is the immortal soul that experiences and observes. This chapter also discusses the nature of knowledge and the qualities necessary to truly understand the difference between the physical body and the eternal soul.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 13
In the contemporary context, Chapter 13’s exploration of the relationship between the physical and the spiritual provides valuable insights. It encourages a deeper understanding of the self, distinguishing between our material existence and our inner consciousness. This distinction is particularly relevant in an age where materialism often overshadows inner development. The qualities deemed necessary for spiritual knowledge, such as humility, non-violence, and self-control, are ever-relevant virtues, promoting a more reflective and conscious way of living that is in harmony with oneself and the world.
The Field and the Knower of the Field (Chapter 13, Verses 1-7)
Krishna begins by explaining the concepts of ‘Kshetra’ (the Field) and ‘Kshetrajna’ (the Knower of the Field). The Field represents the body and the physical world, while the Knower of the Field signifies the soul or consciousness within.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 13, Verses 1-7
This section explores the relationship between the physical and the spiritual, a topic of significant relevance today. It encourages an understanding of oneself not just in terms of physical existence but also as a conscious, spiritual being. This perspective can foster deeper self-awareness and holistic well-being.
13.1(Chapter 13, Verse 1): Arjuna inquires, “O my dear Krishna, I wish to know about prakriti (nature), purusha (the enjoyer), the field (kshetra), the knower of the field (kshetrajna), knowledge, and the object of knowledge.”
13.2 (Chapter 13, Verse 2): Lord Krishna replies, “This body, O son of Kunti, is called the field, and he who knows this body is called the knower of the field by those who know of them.”
13.3 (Chapter 13, Verse 3): He adds, “And understand that I am the knower of the field in all fields, O Bharata. The knowledge of the field and the knower of the field I consider as true knowledge.”
13.4 (Chapter 13, Verse 4): Krishna explains, “What the field is and of what nature, what its changes are and from what it is, and also who that knower of the field is and what his powers are – that is briefly described by me.”
13.5 (Chapter 13, Verse 5): He continues, “That has been sung by Rishis in various ways, in various distinctive chants, and also in the suggestive words about Brahman, full of reasoning and decisive.”
13.6 (Chapter 13, Verse 6): Krishna elaborates, “The great elements, ego, intellect, and the unmanifested nature; the ten senses, and one, and the five objects of the senses.”
13.7 (Chapter 13, Verse 7): He concludes, “Desire, hatred, pleasure, pain, the aggregate, intelligence, and fortitude; the field has been thus briefly described with its modifications.”
Nature, Spirit, and the Origin of All Beings (Chapter 13, Verses 8-12)
Krishna describes the virtues that lead to true knowledge, including humility, non-violence, and self-control. He also discusses the nature of spirit and its role as the source of all beings.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 13, Verses 8-12
This theme emphasizes the importance of ethical and moral virtues in achieving true knowledge and understanding. In a modern context, cultivating these virtues can lead to a more compassionate, balanced, and fulfilling life.
13.8 (Chapter 13, Verse 8): Krishna states, “Humility, unpretentiousness, non-injury, forgiveness, uprightness, service to the teacher, purity, steadfastness, self-control.”
13.9 (Chapter 13, Verse 9): He continues, “Detachment from the objects of the senses, absence of egotism, keeping in mind the evils of birth, death, old age, disease, and distress.”
13.10(Chapter 13, Verse 10): Krishna adds, “Non-attachment, absence of clinging to son, wife, home, and the like, and constant even-mindedness in desired and undesired events.”
13.11 (Chapter 13, Verse 11): He elaborates, “Unflinching devotion to Me with single-minded yoga, inclination to reside in a secluded place, distaste for the company of men.”
13.12 (Chapter 13, Verse 12): Krishna concludes, “Constantly cultivating the knowledge of the self, and the perception of the end of true knowledge – this is declared to be knowledge, and what is contrary to it is ignorance.”
Understanding and Realizing the Supreme (Chapter 13, Verses 13-18)
Krishna speaks about the nature of the Supreme Being, who pervades all and is beyond the physical universe. He describes the Supreme as both immanent and transcendent.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 13, Verses 13-18
The discussion of a supreme, all-pervading reality aligns with modern concepts of a universal consciousness or energy. It invites reflection on our connection to a larger existence and promotes a sense of unity with the universe.
13.13 (Chapter 13, Verse 13): Krishna describes, “I shall now explain that which ought to be known and by knowing which one attains immortality. The supreme Brahman, without beginning, called neither being nor non-being.”
13.14(Chapter 13, Verse 14): He continues, “With hands and feet everywhere, with eyes, heads, and mouths everywhere, with ears everywhere, He exists enveloping all.”
13.15(Chapter 13, Verse 15): Krishna adds, “Shining by the functions of all the senses, yet without the senses; unattached, yet supporting all; devoid of qualities, yet their experiencer.”
13.16 (Chapter 13, Verse 16): He elaborates, “Outside and inside all beings, the animate and the inanimate; because of His subtlety, unknowable; near and far, and undivided, yet He seems divided among beings.”
13.17(Chapter 13, Verse 17): Krishna explains, “He, the light of all lights, is said to be beyond darkness; knowledge, the object of knowledge, and the goal of knowledge; situated in the hearts of all.”
13.18 (Chapter 13, Verse 18): He concludes, “Thus the field, as well as knowledge and the knowable, have been briefly stated. My devotee, knowing this, enters into My being.”
The Difference between the Physical and the Spiritual (Chapter 13, Verses 19-34)
In these verses, Krishna differentiates between the perishable physical nature and the imperishable soul. He explains the interaction of Nature and Spirit, which leads to the creation of all life.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 13, Verses 19-34)
This section delves into the distinction between the temporary material world and the eternal spiritual realm. In contemporary life, this distinction helps in understanding the transient nature of physical existence and the enduring aspect of our spiritual or conscious self, guiding us towards seeking deeper meaning in life.
13.19 (Chapter 13, Verse 19):Krishna says, “Know that both the material nature and the spiritual being are beginningless, and know also that all transformations and the three modes of material nature are produced by the material nature.”
13.20 (Chapter 13, Verse 20): He continues, “Material nature is said to be the cause of the production of material effects and causes, while the spiritual being is said to be the cause of experiencing pleasure and pain.”
13.21 (Chapter 13, Verse 21):Krishna elaborates, “For the living being, bound by his nature to material nature, the cause of his birth, death, and various states is material nature.”
13.22 (Chapter 13, Verse 22): He explains, “The spiritual being in material nature thus follows the ways of life, enjoying the three modes of nature. This is due to his association with material nature. Thus, he meets with good and evil among various species.”
13.23 (Chapter 13, Verse 23):Krishna says, “Yet in this body, there is another, a transcendental enjoyer, who is the Lord, the supreme proprietor, who exists as the overseer and permitter, and who is known as the Supersoul.”
13.24(Chapter 13, Verse 24): He continues, “One who understands this philosophy concerning material nature, the living being, and the interaction of the modes of nature is sure to attain liberation. He will not take birth here again, regardless of his present position.”
13.25 (Chapter 13, Verse 25): Krishna adds, “Some perceive the Supersoul within themselves through meditation, others through the cultivation of knowledge, and still others through working without fruitive desires.”
13.26 (Chapter 13, Verse 26): He elaborates, “Again, there are those who, although not conversant in spiritual knowledge, begin to worship the Supreme Person upon hearing about Him from others. Because of their tendency to hear from authorities, they also transcend the path of birth and death.”
13.27 (Chapter 13, Verse 27):Krishna states, “O Arjuna, whatever you see in existence, both moving and unmoving, is only the combination of the field and the knower of the field.”
13.28 (Chapter 13, Verse 28): He explains, “One who sees the Supreme Lord existing equally in all beings, the unperishing within the perishing, actually sees.”
13.29 (Chapter 13, Verse 29):Krishna adds, “One who sees the Supersoul in every living being and equal everywhere does not degrade himself by his mind. Thus, he approaches the transcendental destination.”
13.30 (Chapter 13, Verse 30): He says, “One who can see that all activities are performed by the body, which is created of material nature, and sees that the self does nothing, actually sees.”
13.31 (Chapter 13, Verse 31):Krishna elaborates, “When a sensible man ceases to see different identities, which are due to different material bodies, and he sees how beings are expanded everywhere, he attains to the Brahman conception.”
13.32 (Chapter 13, Verse 32): He continues, “Those with the vision of eternity can see that the soul is immutable, transcendental, and beyond the modes of nature. Despite contact with the material body, O Arjuna, the soul neither does anything nor is entangled.”
13.33 (Chapter 13, Verse 33): Krishna explains, “As the all-pervading ether is unaffected because of its subtlety, the self situated in the body is unaffected by the body.”
13.34 (Chapter 13, Verse 34) He concludes, “O son of Bharata, as the sun alone illuminates all this universe, so does the living entity, one within the body, illuminate the entire body by consciousness.”