Chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled “Kshetra Kshetragna Vibhaga Yoga” or “The Yoga of the Field and the Knower of the Field,” is a profound discourse between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. In this chapter, Arjuna seeks knowledge about the fundamental aspects of existence, including the nature of the physical body (Kshetra), the conscious self (Kshetragna), true knowledge, and the ultimate goal of life.
Arjuna expresses his desire to understand the essence of Prakriti (the material nature), Purusha (the Conscious Self), Kshetra (the field, referring to the body), and Kshetragna (the knower of the field, referring to the conscious self). Lord Krishna responds by explaining that the physical body is the field, and one who understands this truth is considered the knower of the field.
Krishna elaborates that the knowledge of the field and the knower of the field has been expressed in various ways by sages and is found in the sacred scriptures. He describes the qualities of those who possess true knowledge, including absence of egoism, humility, non-violence, tolerance, simplicity, service to the teacher, cleanliness, steadfastness, self-control, renunciation of sense objects, reflection on the defects of life, non-attachment, non-identification with worldly relations, constant devotion to God, residing in seclusion, and self-knowledge.
Krishna describes the object of true knowledge as the supreme, eternal, beginningless Brahman, which transcends existence and non-existence. He explains that Brahman pervades everything and yet remains beyond all attributes. It is the light of lights, the sustainer of beings, and dwells within the hearts of all living beings. Krishna explains the relationship between Prakriti and Purusha, stating that all modifications and qualities arise from Prakriti, while Purusha experiences pleasure and pain based on its association with these qualities.
The Supreme Soul, known as the witness, the sustainer, and the controller, resides within the body. Understanding this interaction between the individual soul and material nature leads to liberation. Some perceive the soul through meditation, self-reflection, or the paths of knowledge and selfless action. Those who understand the distinction between the body and the soul attain the highest state. One who perceives all beings as rooted in the One and understands the distinction between the body and the soul attains union with Brahman.
The soul, being eternal and untainted, illuminates the body like the sun illuminates the world. In summary, this chapter explores the nature of the physical body, the conscious self, true knowledge, and the path to liberation. Through this discourse, Lord Krishna imparts profound wisdom about the fundamental aspects of existence and guides Arjuna towards spiritual realization and enlightenment.