Field and the Knower of the Field - 13 - 03

The Shloka

———

क्षेत्रज्ञं चापि मां विद्धि सर्वक्षेत्रेषु भारत ।

क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोर्ज्ञानं यत्तज्ज्ञानं मतं मम ॥

———

kṣetrajñaṁ cāpi māṁ viddhi sarvakṣetreṣu bhārata।

kṣetrakṣetrajñayor jñānaṁ yattajjñānaṁ mataṁ mama॥

———

Meaning / Summary

This shloka highlights the importance of understanding both the field of activity (the body and its environment) and the knower of the field (the soul or consciousness). Recognizing the distinction and relationship between these two is essential for attaining true knowledge and liberation. Krishna emphasizes His presence as the ultimate knower, implying that self-realization involves recognizing the divine within oneself and the interconnectedness of all beings.

O Bharata, know Me to be the Knower of the field in all fields. The knowledge of the field and its Knower, that is considered by Me to be true knowledge.

Krishna tells Arjuna that He is the knower of the field in all fields. He considers the knowledge of both the field and its knower as true knowledge.

Krishna elucidates that He, as the Supreme Being, is the ultimate knower of the ‘field’ (kshetra) in all its manifestations. He emphasizes that true knowledge (jnana) lies in understanding both the nature of the field and the nature of the one who knows it. This knowledge transcends mere intellectual understanding; it encompasses a deep, experiential realization of the interconnectedness between the individual self and the Supreme Self. Understanding the field involves recognizing the body, mind, and senses as objects of experience, while knowing the Knower entails realizing the true self, which is divine and eternal.

Sentence - 1

———

क्षेत्रज्ञं चापि मां विद्धि

———

Meaning

And also know Me as the knower of the field.

Meaning of Words

क्षेत्रज्ञं	kṣetrajñam
The knower of the field The one who knows or is conscious of the ‘kshetra’ or the field of activity. This refers to the individual soul or consciousness dwelling within the body.
च	ca	And
अपि	api	Also
मां	māṁ	Me
विद्धि	viddhi
Know Understand, recognize, be aware of. It implies a deeper understanding beyond mere intellectual knowledge.

Sentence - 2

———

सर्वक्षेत्रेषु भारत ।

———

Meaning

O Bharata, in all fields.

Meaning of Words

सर्वक्षेत्रेषु	sarvakṣetreṣu
In all fields In every ‘kshetra’ or field of activity, encompassing all bodies, minds, and experiences.
भारत	bhārata
O Bharata An epithet for Arjuna, meaning ‘descendant of Bharata’. It is used to remind Arjuna of his noble lineage and duties.

Sentence - 3

———

क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोर्ज्ञानं

———

Meaning

The knowledge of the field and the knower of the field,

Meaning of Words

क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोः	kṣetrakṣetrajñayoḥ
Of the field and the knower of the field Relating to both ‘kshetra’ (the field) and ‘kshetrajna’ (the knower of the field). It signifies the understanding of their distinct natures and their relationship.
ज्ञानं	jñānaṁ
Knowledge Understanding, wisdom, awareness. It refers to the realization of the true nature of reality.

Sentence - 4

———

यत्तज्ज्ञानं मतं मम ॥

———

Meaning

That is considered by Me to be true knowledge.

Meaning of Words

यत्	yat	That
तत्	tat	That
मतं	mataṁ
Considered Regarded, thought of, opinion. It signifies Krishna’s viewpoint or judgment.
मम	mama	My

---