यथा प्रकाशयत्येक: कृत्स्नं लोकमिमं रवि: | क्षेत्रं क्षेत्री तथा कृत्स्नं प्रकाशयति भारत || 34 || |
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“Just as the sun illuminates the entire world with its radiance, similarly, the knower of the field (the soul) illuminates the entire field (the body), O Arjuna.”
Commentary: This Lord draws a parallel between the illuminating function of the sun and the knower of the field (the soul). Just as the sun shines and spreads its light to illuminate the entire world, the knower of the field (the soul) enlightens and brings awareness to the entire field (the body).
The analogy of the sun’s illumination signifies the role of consciousness and self-awareness. The soul, as the knower of the field, is the source of consciousness within an individual. It is the illuminator that enables one to perceive, experience, and be aware of the activities and functioning of the body and mind. The soul’s consciousness pervades the entirety of the body and makes all experiences and actions possible.
Addressing Arjuna as “Bharata” (descendant of King Bharata), Lord Krishna emphasizes that this illuminating function of the soul is a universal phenomenon, applicable to all individuals. He reminds Arjuna, and by extension all readers, of the inherent nature of the soul to bring awareness and consciousness to the entire field of existence.