Desire, aversion, pleasure, pain, the aggregate, consciousness, and steadfastness are also declared to be the field with modifications.
Desire and aversion, as elements of the field, highlight the dualities that bind beings to the material world. This shloka emphasizes the need for equanimity and awareness to transcend the limitations of the field.
Humility, unpretentiousness, non-violence, forgiveness, straightforwardness, service to the teacher, purity, steadfastness, self-control—these are knowledge.
The virtues described here lay the foundation for cultivating knowledge and spiritual growth. By practicing humility, purity, and self-control, one aligns with the path of liberation and develops clarity about the nature of the self.
Indifference to sense objects, absence of ego, insight into birth, death, old age, and disease, and recognizing their evils.
Krishna shifts focus to detachment and the recognition of life’s transient nature. By contemplating the inevitability of birth, death, and suffering, one develops dispassion, a key step toward liberation.
Non-attachment, absence of possessiveness regarding son, wife, house, and a constant even-mindedness in the face of both pleasant and unpleasant events.
This verse reinforces the practice of even-mindedness and non-attachment, particularly in relationships and outcomes. It prepares the seeker to navigate the dualities of pleasure and pain with equanimity.
Unwavering devotion to Me with exclusive focus, preference for solitude, and aversion to the crowd.
The emphasis on unwavering devotion and solitude underscores the importance of introspection and dedication. Krishna hints that true spiritual progress arises from focused practice and inner clarity.
Constant engagement in self-knowledge and vision of the goal of knowledge. This is declared as knowledge, and what is contrary to it is ignorance.
Krishna elaborates on self-knowledge and insight into ultimate truths as the pinnacle of wisdom. By contrasting it with ignorance, this verse bridges practical virtues and philosophical understanding.
I shall explain what is to be known, knowing which one attains immortality. It is beginningless, supreme Brahman, said to be neither existent nor non-existent.
The supreme Brahman, described here as beyond existence and non-existence, invites contemplation of the ultimate reality. This shloka prepares Arjuna to grasp the profound nature of the unmanifest and its omnipresence.