Chapter 13 Verse 15
Kṣhetra Kṣhetrajña Vibhāg Yog
सर्वेन्द्रियगुणाभासं सर्वेन्द्रियविवर्जितम्।असक्तं सर्वभृच्चैव निर्गुणं गुणभोक्तृ च।।13.15।।
sarvendriya-guṇābhāsaṁ sarvendriya-vivarjitam asaktaṁ sarva-bhṛich chaiva nirguṇaṁ guṇa-bhoktṛi cha
Word Meanings
| sarva | all |
| indriya | senses |
| guṇa | sense-objects |
| ābhāsam | the perciever |
| sarva | all |
| indriya | senses |
| vivarjitam | devoid of |
| asaktam | unattached |
| sarva-bhṛit | the sustainer of all |
| cha | yet |
| eva | indeed |
| nirguṇam | beyond the three modes of material nature |
| guṇa-bhoktṛi | the enjoyer of the three modes of material nature |
| cha | although |
Translation
Shining by the functions of all the senses, yet without being attached to them; unattached, yet supporting all; devoid of qualities, yet the experiencer of them.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse points to the true Self as the silent witness. It appears through the activity of the senses and minds, yet it does not cling to sense objects or personal desires. In other words, the inner light makes experience possible but remains unmoved by what it observes.
At the same time, this Self supports and sustains all living beings and their actions. Although it is beyond the three qualities of nature (sattva, rajas, tamas), it still experiences those qualities through the body-mind. So the Self is both the experiencer and the impartial witness, never limited by what it experiences.
Life Application
- Do your daily duties and use your senses fully, but practice not getting emotionally tied to every outcome. Act, then let go.
- When you feel upset or proud, step back and notice the feeling as something passing, not your true self.
- Treat others kindly, remembering that the same inner witness and support is present in everyone.
Reflection Question
When a strong emotion arises, can you briefly observe it as happening, rather than becoming it?