Chapter 13 Verse 2
Kṣhetra Kṣhetrajña Vibhāg Yog
श्री भगवानुवाचइदं शरीरं कौन्तेय क्षेत्रमित्यभिधीयते।एतद्यो वेत्ति तं प्राहुः क्षेत्रज्ञ इति तद्विदः।।13.2।।
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha idaṁ śharīraṁ kaunteya kṣhetram ity abhidhīyate etad yo vetti taṁ prāhuḥ kṣhetra-jña iti tad-vidaḥ
Word Meanings
| śhrī-bhagavān uvācha | the Supreme Divine Lord said |
| idam | this |
| śharīram | body |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| kṣhetram | the field of activities |
| iti | thus |
| abhidhīyate | is termed as |
| etat | this |
| yaḥ | one who |
| vetti | knows |
| tam | that person |
| prāhuḥ | is called |
| kṣhetra-jñaḥ | the knower of the field |
| iti | thus |
| tat-vidaḥ | those who discern the truth |
Translation
The Blessed Lord said, "O Arjuna, this body is called the field; he who knows it is called the knower of the field by those who know them."
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse teaches a simple but deep distinction: the body and mind are the "field" where life happens, and the inner awareness that knows and experiences that field is the "knower." They are not the same. The field includes the body, senses, thoughts, and feelings; the knower is the silent awareness that notices them.
Recognizing this difference helps us step back from automatic identification with emotions, roles, or bodily states. Wise people see themselves as the observer, which brings clarity, choice, and inner freedom. At the same time, this view asks us to care for the field responsibly—healthy habits, learning, and right action matter because the knower works through the field.
Life Application
- When you feel strong emotion, pause and name it (e.g., "I notice anger"); this creates space between the knower and the feeling.
- Treat your body and mind as a garden to be tended—eat, sleep, move, and learn with care so the knower can act clearly.
- Before reacting, ask: "What does the observer want here?" This simple pause can change impulsive responses into wise actions.
Reflection Question
Can I notice myself as the watcher when a strong thought or feeling arises?