Bhagavad Gita 13.27

Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

Wherever a being is born, whether unmoving or moving, know thou, O best of the Bharatas (Arjuna), that it is from the union between the field and its knower.

Sanskrit

यावत्सञ्जायते किञ्चित्सत्त्वं स्थावरजङ्गमम् | क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञसंयोगात्तद्विद्धि भरतर्षभ ||१३-२७||

Transliteration

yāvatsañjāyate kiñcitsattvaṃ sthāvarajaṅgamam . kṣetrakṣetrajñasaṃyogāttadviddhi bharatarṣabha ||13-27||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that every living being in the universe, whether it is a stationary plant or a moving animal (and by extension all sentient life), comes into existence through the union of two principles: 'Kshetra' (the body and material world) and 'Kshetrajna' (the conscious soul). Krishna emphasizes that without this specific combination of matter and consciousness, no birth can occur. The key teaching is that understanding this relationship helps one distinguish between the temporary physical form and the eternal observer within.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse belongs to the core of Jnana Yoga (the yoga of knowledge) and Sankhya philosophy, which emphasizes discriminative wisdom between matter and spirit. It develops the fundamental concept of 'Dvaita' in practice—distinguishing the temporary field (body/mind) from the eternal Knower (Atman)—which is essential for liberation.

Word by Word

यावत् whatever, सञ्जायते is born, किञ्चित् any, सत्त्वम् being, स्थावरजङ्गमम् the unmoving and the moving, क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञसंयोगात् from the union between the field and the knower of the field, तत् that, विद्धि know, भरतर्षभ O best of the Bharatas

Classical Commentary

O Arjuna, remember that whatever is born, unmoving or moving, know thou that to be done to the union between the body and the Self. The knower of the field is like the ether without parts. Therefore, there cannot be a union of the field and the knower of the field through contact of each others parts like the contact of the drum and the stick or a rope and a vessel. There cannot be the inseparable connection between them like the connection that exists between the head and the neck, or the arm and the shoulder, because the field and its knower are not related to each other as cause and effect. Then, what sort of union is there between the field and its knower It is of the nature of mutual superimposition or illusion. This consists in confounding the one with the other as well as their attributes, like the union of a rope with a snake, and motherofpearl with silver, on account of lack of discrimination of their real nature. The attributes of the Self are transferred to the body and vice versa. The insentient body is mistaken for the sentient Self. The activities of the body or Nature are transferred to the silent, actionless Self. This sort of illusion or superimposition will disappear when one attains knowledge of the Self, when he is able to separate the field from the knower like the reed from the Munja grass, when he realises that Brahman which is free from all limiting adjuncts is his own immortal Self, and that the field is a mere appearance like the snake in the rope, silver in motherofpearl, an imaginary city in the sky, and is like an object seen in a dream or like the horses, places and forests projected by ajuggler. A sage who has the knowledge of the Self is not born again.

Where This Happens

This verse appears on the battlefield of Kurukshetra within Chapter 13, where Krishna has just finished explaining that the physical world is a field for action while the individual self is the knower. Arjuna, overwhelmed by grief and confusion about fighting his kin, is listening to these deep philosophical distinctions intended to clarify the nature of reality before he must act. By addressing him as 'Bharatarshabha' (best of the Bharatas), Krishna gently guides a confused warrior toward a higher understanding that will dissolve his attachment to the physical outcomes of war.

Living It Out Today

When you face a difficult decision at work where your team is in conflict, remember that this verse teaches separation between the 'field' and the 'knower.' You can view the stressful meeting or project deadlines as just the temporary field (the situation), while your true self remains the calm observer untouched by the chaos. Instead of getting lost in the drama of the outcome, focus on acting with clarity from within, knowing that your worth is not defined by this specific union of circumstances and reactions.

Explained for Children

Imagine a magic video game character; for them to appear on your screen, you need both the special toy controller (the body) and the player's mind behind it (your soul). Krishna is teaching Arjuna that just like in the game, every living thing needs two things to exist: a physical body to hold life and an inner spark of consciousness called the 'Knower' inside. Without this team-up between the body and the soul, no one could be born or move around.

Daily Reflection

When you feel overwhelmed by movement or stagnation today, remember that your true nature is not merely the field where life happens, but the eternal knower observing it all. This verse invites you to stop identifying solely with the struggles of motion and stillness, seeing them instead as natural sprouts arising from a deeper source. You are invited to rest in the awareness behind every thought, knowing that your essence remains untouched by the changing seasons of existence.

A Practice for Today

Sit quietly and visualize your body as a vast field, observing the thoughts and sensations arising within it without attachment. Recognize that just as crops grow from soil meeting seeds, every living experience is born from the union of this physical existence with the silent consciousness witnessing it.

Key Teachings

The Interplay of Field and Knower
Every living entity, whether moving like an animal or stationary like a tree, emerges from the dynamic interaction between matter (the field) and consciousness (the knower). Without this union, life as we know it cannot manifest in any form.
Universality of Consciousness
The verse explicitly includes both 'moving' and 'unmoving' beings to teach that the same divine principle animates all creation equally. This dissolves hierarchy, showing that a flower and a human are born from the same fundamental cosmic mechanism.
Transcending Identification
By understanding that our birth is a result of this union rather than an isolated event, we begin to distinguish ourselves from mere physical existence. This knowledge helps us see beyond the temporary body to realize our identity as the eternal witness.

Themes

The Soul and BodyConsciousnessSankhya PhilosophyNature of ExistenceDetachment from FormSelf-Knowledge

Related Verses

2.13 2.20 5.7 6.9 14.18

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'Kshetra' and 'Kshetrajna'?

'Kshetra' refers to the physical body, senses, mind, and the entire material world that undergoes change. 'Kshetrajna' is the conscious soul or witness within who knows these changes but remains untouched by them.

Does this verse apply only to humans?

No, Krishna explicitly mentions both unmoving (plants/trees) and moving beings (animals/humans), indicating that the principle applies to all life forms in existence. Every living entity requires the union of matter and consciousness to exist.

How does knowing this help reduce anxiety?

By realizing you are the 'Knower' rather than just your body or circumstances, you learn not to identify with temporary stress. This perspective allows you to observe challenges without being overwhelmed by them.

Is this verse about reincarnation?

While it doesn't explicitly detail the mechanics of rebirth here, it establishes the cause: the union of field and knower leads to birth. This implies that as long as consciousness is bound in a body due to past actions, the cycle continues.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 13.27 →