Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 13 Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yogah

श्रीभगवानुवाच इदं शरीरं कौन्तेय क्षेत्रमित्यभिधीयते |
एतद्यो वेत्ति तं प्राहु: क्षेत्रज्ञ इति तद्विद: ||1||

This body, O son of Kunti, is called the field, and one who knows it is called the knower of the field by the sages.

Kshetra: The field, referring to the body.
Kshetrajna: The knower of the field.
Kaunteya: Son of Kunti, Arjuna.

The introduction of the "field" and the "knower of the field" sets the stage for understanding the body as a transient entity and the soul as eternal. This distinction underpins the spiritual discourse that will follow, emphasizing self-awareness and detachment.

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क्षेत्रज्ञं चापि मां विद्धि सर्वक्षेत्रेषु भारत |
क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोर्ज्ञानं यत्तज्ज्ञानं मतं मम ||2||

Know Me as the knower in all fields, O Bharata. Knowledge of the field and its knower is true knowledge, in My opinion.

Bharata: A descendant of the Bharata dynasty.
Kshetra: The field, referring to the body.
Kshetrajna: The knower of the field.

Krishna introduces the idea of the universal self, the knower of all fields. This declaration transitions the discussion from individual identity to a cosmic perspective, urging Arjuna to grasp the unity underlying apparent diversity.

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तत्क्षेत्रं यच्च यादृक्च यद्विकारि यतश्च यत् |
स च यो यत्प्रभावश्च तत्समासेन मे शृणु ||3||

What the field is, what it is like, its transformations, and whence it is, I shall explain briefly with its powers.

Vikara: Transformations or modifications.
Prabhava: Power or influence.
Samasa: A brief or concise explanation.

The qualities, transformations, and origins of the field are introduced as essential to understanding the interplay between material existence and the spiritual essence. This prepares the listener for a deeper dive into the dynamics of prakriti and purusha.

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Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yogah - It has been sung by sages in many ways, distinctly and in various hymns, and also in the well-reasoned aphorisms of the Brahma-sutras.

ऋषिभिर्बहुधा गीतं छन्दोभिर्विविधै: पृथक् |
ब्रह्मसूत्रपदैश्चैव हेतुमद्भिर्विनिश्चितै: ||4||

It has been sung by sages in many ways, distinctly and in various hymns, and also in the well-reasoned aphorisms of the Brahma-sutras.

Rishis: Sages or seers who spread knowledge.
Chandas: The Vedic hymns.
Brahma-sutras: Aphorisms expounding Vedantic philosophy.

The reliance on ancient wisdom underscores the universality and timelessness of this knowledge. Krishna emphasizes the authoritative nature of the teachings derived from the sages and scriptures, rooting the discourse in tradition.

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Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yogah - The great elements, ego, intellect, unmanifested, ten senses, mind, and the five sense objects—these constitute the field.

महाभूतान्यङ्ककारो बुद्धिरव्यक्त मेव च |
इन्द्रियाणि दशैकं च पञ्च चेन्द्रियगोचरा: ||5||

The great elements, ego, intellect, unmanifested, ten senses, mind, and the five sense objects—these constitute the field.

Mahabhutas: The five great elements.
Ahankara: Ego or sense of self.
Avyakta: The unmanifested or primal nature.

The enumeration of elements constituting the field connects the tangible and intangible aspects of existence. Krishna presents a comprehensive view, bridging physical reality with mental and spiritual dimensions.

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Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yogah - Desire, aversion, pleasure, pain, the aggregate, consciousness, and steadfastness are also declared to be the field with modifications.

इच्छा द्वेष: सुखं दु:खं सङ्घातश्चेतना धृति: |
एतत्क्षेत्रं समासेन सविकारमुदाहृतम् ||6||

Desire, aversion, pleasure, pain, the aggregate, consciousness, and steadfastness are also declared to be the field with modifications.

Iccha: Desire or longing.
Dvesha: Aversion or dislike.
Chetana: Consciousness or awareness.

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.

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Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yogah - Humility, unpretentiousness, non-violence, forgiveness, straightforwardness, service to the teacher, purity, steadfastness, self-control—these are knowledge.

अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा क्षान्तिरार्जवम् |
आचार्योपासनं शौचं स्थैर्यमात्मविनिग्रह: ||7||

Humility, unpretentiousness, non-violence, forgiveness, straightforwardness, service to the teacher, purity, steadfastness, self-control—these are knowledge.

Amanitvam: Humility or absence of pride.
Adambhitvam: Non-pretentiousness or absence of hypocrisy.
Shaucha: Purity, both internal and external.

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.

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