Bhagavad Gita 13.1

Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

Arjuna said I wish to learn about Nature (matter) and the Spirit (soul), the field and the knower of the field, knowledge and that which ought to be known, O Kesava.

Sanskrit

अर्जुन उवाच | प्रकृतिं पुरुषं चैव क्षेत्रं क्षेत्रज्ञमेव च | एतद्वेदितुमिच्छामि ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं च केशव ||१३-१||

Transliteration

arjuna uvāca . prakṛtiṃ puruṣaṃ caiva kṣetraṃ kṣetrajñameva ca . etadveditumicchāmi jñānaṃ jñeyaṃ ca keśava ||13-1||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this opening verse of Chapter 13, Arjuna asks Lord Krishna to explain the fundamental difference between matter and spirit. He specifically requests a clear understanding of 'Prakriti' (the field or material nature) versus 'Purusha' (the knower of the field or consciousness). By asking for this knowledge, Arjuna seeks to understand what is worth knowing in order to find true peace amidst his confusion about duty and life.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse establishes the foundational framework for Sankhya philosophy, which is later synthesized into Vedanta through Krishna's teachings in this chapter. It introduces the critical distinction between 'Kshetra' (the field of matter and mind) and 'Kshetrajna' (the conscious self), a dualism that serves as the basis for understanding liberation from suffering.

Word by Word

प्रकृतिम् the Prakriti (matter), पुरुषम् the Purusha (Spirit or Soul), च and, एव even, क्षेत्रम् the field, क्षेत्रज्ञम् the knower of the field, एव even, च and, एतत् this, वेदितुम् to know, इच्छामि (I) wish, ज्ञानम् knowledge, ज्ञेयम् what ought to be known, च and, केशव O Kesava

Classical Commentary

In some of the books you will not find this verse. If you include this verse also, the number of verses of the Bhagavad Gita will come to 701. Some commentators look upon this verse as an interpolation. We have come to the beginning of the third section of the Gita. Essentially the same knowledge is taught in this section but there are more details. This discourse on Kshetra (matter) is commenced with a view to determine the essential nature of the possessor of the two Prakritis (Natures), the lower and the higher, described in chapter VII, verses 4 and 5.In the previous discourse a description of the devotee who is dear to the Lord is given from verse 13 to the end. Now the estion arises What sort of knowledge of Truth should he possess The answer is given in this discourse. Nature is composed of the three alities. It transforms itself into the body, senses and the sensual objects to serve the two purposes of the individual soul, viz.? Bhoga (enjoyment) and Apavarga (liberation).The Gita is divided into three sections illustrative of the three words of the Mahavakya or Great Sentence of the Sama Veda -- TatTvamAsi (That thou art). In accordance with this view the first six chapters deal with the path of action or Karma Yoga and the nature of the thou (TvamPada). The next six chapters explain the path of devotion or Bhakti Yoga and the nature of That (TatPada). The last six chapters treat of the path of knowledge or Jnana Yoga and the nature of the middle term art (AsiPada) which establishes the identity of the individual and the Supreme Soul (Jiva Brahma Aikyam).Arjuna now wishes to know in detail the difference between Prakriti and Purusha (Matter and Spirit). He desires to have a discriminative knowledge of the difference between them.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra during the Mahabharata war, where Arjuna has just laid down his bow in despair after seeing his relatives and teachers ready to fight. Krishna has concluded His initial exhortations about duty (Svadharma) but pauses as a student-teacher relationship deepens when Arjuna realizes he needs more than just motivation; he needs the ultimate truth of existence. Spoken with humility, this marks the transition from practical advice on action to profound philosophical inquiry into the nature of reality.

Living It Out Today

When facing an overwhelming decision at work or a family crisis that feels like your whole world is collapsing, apply this verse by mentally separating yourself from the immediate chaos (the 'field') and recognizing your inner stability as the observer. Instead of getting lost in the stress signals flooding your mind, step back to identify which parts are external circumstances you can influence versus your core values and consciousness that remain unchanged. This shift allows you to make clear-headed choices based on what truly matters rather than reacting out of fear or temporary emotion.

Explained for Children

Imagine your body is like a bicycle that you ride every day. The bike itself—the wheels, pedals, and frame—is the 'field' of nature, while the rider inside who knows how to steer it and feels happy or tired is the 'knower.' Arjuna wants Krishna to explain exactly what makes up the bike versus what makes up the rider, so he can understand that even when the bike gets scratched or broken, the rider remains safe. This helps us realize we are not just our bodies, but something much deeper and special.

Daily Reflection

Today, you are invited to pause before the noise of daily tasks and ask yourself: who is truly listening? You often identify so deeply with your thoughts or emotions that you forget there is a deeper 'knower' behind every experience. Remember that while the field of life shifts from joy to sorrow, the one witnessing it remains steady and whole.

A Practice for Today

Begin by placing your attention on your body, recognizing it as the 'field' where life's experiences unfold and change. Then gently shift your awareness to that silent presence within which observes these changes without being touched by them; rest here for a few breaths.

Key Teachings

Distinguishing Matter from Spirit
The verse initiates a vital discrimination between 'Prakriti' (matter/nature) which evolves, and 'Purusha' (spirit/soul) which is the silent witness. This separation allows us to stop identifying our true self with temporary physical or mental states.
The Field and Its Knower
Just as a farmer tends to his field, the body is described as the 'field' of action where karma grows. The 'Knower of the field' (Kshetrajna) is the conscious observer who must learn to distinguish itself from the activities happening within that field.
The Unity of Knowledge and Object
True wisdom requires knowing not just facts, but understanding 'that which ought to be known'—the ultimate reality behind all phenomena. This holistic knowledge transforms mere information into a spiritual realization that liberates the seeker.
The Unity of Knowledge and Object
True wisdom requires knowing not just facts, but understanding 'that which ought to be known'—the ultimate reality behind all phenomena. This holistic knowledge transforms mere information into a spiritual realization that liberates the seeker.

Themes

The Nature of SelfMatter vs SpiritSelf-KnowledgeDuality of ExistenceConsciousnessSpiritual Inquiry

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Read This Next

2.13 — Read this next for Krishna's explicit description of how the soul remains unchanged while inhabiting different bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking to whom in this verse?

In this verse, Arjuna is addressing Lord Krishna. He refers to Krishna by the name 'Kesava' (the slayer of the demon Keshi), which signifies deep devotion and reverence for his divine friend and charioteer.

What are the two main things Arjuna wants to understand?

Arjuna asks Krishna to explain 'Prakriti' (material nature or matter) and 'Purusha' (the spiritual soul), as well as the relationship between them, which he describes metaphorically as the field and its knower. He seeks clarity on what is subject to change versus what remains eternal.

Why does Arjuna ask this question after Krishna's previous teachings?

After receiving instruction on duty, Arjuna realizes that true peace comes not just from action but from deep self-knowledge. He understands that without distinguishing between the temporary body and the eternal soul, he cannot fully detach himself from his grief or perform his duties effectively.

How does this verse introduce Chapter 13?

This verse serves as the opening question for Chapter 13, titled 'The Field and the Knower of the Field,' which is dedicated entirely to analyzing the nature of reality. It sets the stage for Krishna's detailed exposition on how the body functions versus how consciousness perceives it.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 13.1 →