
13
CHAPTER
VERSE
3
क्षेत्रज्ञं चापि मां विद्धि सर्वक्षेत्रेषु भारत |
क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोर्ज्ञानं यत्तज्ज्ञानं मतं मम || 13.3 ||
Kṣetrajñaṁ cāpi māṁ viddhi sarva-kṣetreṣu bhārata |
Kṣetra-kṣetrajñayor jñānaṁ yat tat jñānaṁ matam mama ||
O Arjuna, understand Me to be the knower of the field in all fields. The understanding of both the field and its knower is considered by Me to be true knowledge.
Lesson:
Shri Krishna imparts profound wisdom to Arjuna, addressing him as 'Bharata,' a term of endearment referring to his lineage as a descendant of Bharata, a legendary king. Krishna instructs Arjuna to recognize him as the 'kshetrajna' or the knower of the field (kshetra) in all fields.
Here, the term 'field' refers to the physical body and the material world, while the 'knower of the field' signifies the eternal soul, the true self, which resides within the body and perceives the experiences of life. Krishna teaches Arjuna that he, as the Supreme Soul (Paramatma), is the ultimate knower of all fields, implying his omnipresence and omniscience.
Krishna emphasizes the importance of understanding both the 'kshetra' (the field) and the 'kshetrajna' (the knower of the field) for attaining true knowledge. He suggests that true wisdom lies in comprehending the distinction between the perishable body and the immortal soul, recognizing the divine presence within oneself and all beings.
This verse encapsulates the essence of self-realization, highlighting the journey from identification with the transient body to realization of the eternal soul. It invites Arjuna to transcend the limited perception of the material world and recognize the higher truth of spiritual existence.
Krishna's teachings in this verse emphasize the significance of self-awareness and introspection in the pursuit of spiritual evolution. By understanding the nature of the field (body) and its knower (soul), one gains insight into the eternal truths of life and transcends the cycle of birth and death.
Moreover, Krishna's statement reflects the universal applicability of spiritual wisdom. It resonates with seekers across time and space, guiding them towards self-realization and liberation from the illusion of material existence. Through the practice of discernment and self-inquiry, one can attain true knowledge and experience inner peace and satisfaction.
In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita underscores the importance of self-awareness and spiritual discernment in the journey of self-realization. It reminds us that true wisdom lies in understanding the eternal nature of the soul and recognizing the divine presence within ourselves and all living beings. Through contemplation and self-reflection, we can unravel the mysteries of existence and attain the ultimate goal of life - union with the divine.