top of page

13

CHAPTER 

VERSE

34

यथा प्रकाशयत्येक: कृत्स्नं लोकमिमं रवि: |
क्षेत्रं क्षेत्री तथा कृत्स्नं प्रकाशयति भारत || 13.34 ||

Yathā prakāśayatyekaḥ kṛtsnaṁ lokam imaṁ raviḥ |
Kṣetraṁ kṣhetrī tathā kṛtsnaṁ prakāśayati bhārata ||

As the sun illuminates all this universe alone, so does the knower of the field illuminate the entire field, O Arjuna!

Lesson:

He compares the knower of the field to the sun, which illuminates the entire universe by its radiant light. Similarly, the knower of the field, possessing knowledge of the self and the material world, enlightens the entirety of the field, which comprises the physical body, mind, and senses.

Krishna's analogy of the sun illuminating the universe serves to illustrate the pervasive nature of consciousness. Just as the sun's light permeates every corner of the universe, the consciousness of the knower (the individual soul or atman) pervades and sustains the entire field of existence, encompassing the body, mind, and senses.

The term "kṣhetra" refers to the physical body and the material realm, while "kṣhetrajña" denotes the knower of the field, the conscious self or the soul. Krishna explains that just as the sun illuminates the external world, the knower of the field sheds light upon the internal landscape of the body-mind complex, facilitating awareness and perception.

Krishna addresses Arjuna, urging him to recognize the intrinsic luminosity of the self. By understanding the nature of the knower of the field, one gains insight into the true essence of existence and transcends the limitations of material identification.

This verse underscores the interconnectedness of the individual soul with the cosmic reality. It emphasizes the role of consciousness in illuminating the phenomenal world and discerning the underlying unity amidst diversity. Through self-awareness and introspection, one can awaken to their true nature as the knower of the field and experience profound inner illumination.

Moreover, Krishna's teachings in this verse highlight the path to self-realization and liberation. By realizing oneself as the eternal knower of the field, distinct from the transient phenomena of the material world, one can attain liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.

In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita imparts the profound truth of the self's luminous nature and its inherent ability to illumine the entire field of existence. It encourages seekers to cultivate self-awareness and spiritual insight, transcending the limitations of the material realm and realizing their innate divinity as the eternal knower of the field.

Comments

Share Your ThoughtsBe the first to write a comment.
bottom of page