Field and the Knower of the Field - 13 - 02

The Shloka

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श्रीभगवानुवाच ।

इदं शरीरं कौन्तेय क्षेत्रमित्यभिधीयते ।

एतद्यो वेत्ति तं प्राहुः क्षेत्रज्ञ इति तद्विदः ॥

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śrībhagavānuvāca।

idaṁ śarīraṁ kaunteya kṣetram ityabhidhīyate।

etad yo vetti taṁ prāhuḥ kṣetrajña iti tadvidaḥ ॥

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Meaning / Summary

This verse sets the stage for the thirteenth chapter, which delves into the nature of the body (kshetra), the Self (kshetrajna), and the relationship between them. Understanding this distinction is essential for spiritual progress and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It highlights the importance of self-awareness and discerning between the temporary, material body and the eternal, conscious Self.

The Supreme Lord said: This body, O son of Kunti, is called the field, and one who knows this body is called the knower of the field by those who know.

Lord Krishna explains that the body is the field of activity, and the one who knows this body is the knower of the field.

Lord Krishna begins the thirteenth chapter by defining two fundamental concepts: the ‘field’ (kshetra) and the ‘knower of the field’ (kshetrajna). The ‘field’ refers to the physical body, which encompasses not only the gross physical elements but also the subtle elements of mind, intellect, and ego. It is the arena where all experiences, actions, and reactions take place. The ‘knower of the field’ is the individual consciousness or the Self (Atman) that resides within the body and is aware of all the activities occurring within the field. Krishna clarifies that those who truly understand these concepts recognize the distinction between the body (the field) and the Self (the knower of the field). This distinction is crucial for liberation, as it helps to overcome attachment to the body and realize one’s true nature as eternal consciousness.

Sentence - 1

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श्रीभगवानुवाच ।

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Meaning

The Supreme Lord said:

Meaning of Words

श्रीभगवान्	śrībhagavān
The Supreme Lord Shri Bhagavan refers to the Supreme Lord, Krishna. ‘Shri’ is a title of respect, indicating auspiciousness, glory, and beauty. ‘Bhagavan’ denotes one who possesses all opulence, strength, fame, beauty, knowledge, and renunciation.
उवाच	uvāca
Uvacha means ‘said’ or ‘spoke’. It is the past tense form of the verb ‘vach’, meaning to speak.

Sentence - 2

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इदं शरीरं कौन्तेय क्षेत्रमित्यभिधीयते ।

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Meaning

This body, O son of Kunti, is called the field.

Meaning of Words

इदं	idaṁ
This Idam means ‘this’. It refers to something that is near or present.
शरीरं	śarīraṁ
Body Shariram means ‘body’. It is the physical form or structure of a living being.
कौन्तेय	kaunteya
O son of Kunti Kaunteya refers to Arjuna, the son of Kunti (also known as Pritha). Krishna addresses Arjuna by this name to remind him of his noble lineage and his duty as a warrior. Kunti was the sister of Vasudeva, Krishna’s father, and Arjuna’s mother. By calling Arjuna ‘Kaunteya,’ Krishna establishes a familial connection and highlights the importance of their relationship in delivering this profound wisdom.
क्षेत्रं	kṣetram
Field Kshetram means ‘field’. In this context, it refers to the body as the field of activity, where all actions, experiences, and reactions take place. It encompasses not only the physical body but also the mind, intellect, and ego.
इति	iti
Thus Iti means ‘thus’ or ‘in this way’. It is often used to indicate the end of a quote or to emphasize a point.
अभिधीयते	abhidhīyate
Is called Abhidhiyate means ‘is called’ or ‘is referred to’. It implies that the body is known or designated by the term ‘kshetra’ (field).

Sentence - 3

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एतद्यो वेत्ति तं प्राहुः क्षेत्रज्ञ इति तद्विदः ॥

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Meaning

And one who knows this body is called the knower of the field by those who know.

Meaning of Words

एतत्	etat
This Etat means ‘this’ or ‘this one’. It refers to the ‘field’ (kshetra) mentioned in the previous part of the verse.
यः	yaḥ
Who Yah means ‘who’ or ‘he who’. It refers to the one who knows or understands the field.
वेत्ति	vetti
Knows Vetti means ‘knows’ or ‘understands’. It implies a deep knowledge and awareness of the field.
तं	taṁ
Him Tam means ‘him’ or ‘that one’. It refers to the one who knows the field.
प्राहुः	prāhuḥ
They call Prāhuḥ means ‘they call’ or ‘they say’. It implies that this is the accepted understanding among those who possess true knowledge.
क्षेत्रज्ञ	kṣetrajña
Knower of the field Kshetrajna means ‘knower of the field’. It refers to the individual consciousness or the Self (Atman) that resides within the body and is aware of the activities within the field. It is the one who observes and experiences everything within the body.
तद्विदः	tadvidaḥ
Those who know Tadvidah means ‘those who know’ or ‘the knowers of that’. It refers to those who possess true knowledge and understanding of the relationship between the field and the knower of the field.

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