Chapter 13 Verse 3
Kṣhetra Kṣhetrajña Vibhāg Yog
क्षेत्रज्ञं चापि मां विद्धि सर्वक्षेत्रेषु भारत। क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोर्ज्ञानं यत्तज्ज्ञानं मतं मम।।13.3।।
kṣhetra-jñaṁ chāpi māṁ viddhi sarva-kṣhetreṣhu bhārata kṣhetra-kṣhetrajñayor jñānaṁ yat taj jñānaṁ mataṁ mama
Word Meanings
| kṣhetra-jñam | the knower of the field |
| cha | also |
| api | only |
| mām | me |
| viddhi | know |
| sarva | all |
| kṣhetreṣhu | in individual fields of activities |
| bhārata | scion of Bharat |
| kṣhetra | the field of activities |
| kṣhetra-jñayoḥ | of the knower of the field |
| jñānam | understanding of |
| yat | which |
| tat | that |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| matam | opinion |
| mama | my |
Translation
Do thou also know Me as the knower of the field in all fields, O Arjuna. Knowledge of both the field and the knower of the field is considered by Me to be the knowledge.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna tells Arjuna to recognize Him as the inner knower present in every living being and in every situation. The "field" means the body, mind, senses, and the world of change; the "knower of the field" is the awareness that watches and knows that field.
Real wisdom is to see both sides: the changing field and the steady knower. When you can clearly tell what is temporary (thoughts, feelings, body) and what is aware of them, you gain inner freedom and clarity.
This insight also points to a deeper truth: the same witnessing presence is behind all lives. Seeing that unity brings humility, compassion, and steadiness in action.
Life Application
- Spend a few minutes each day noticing thoughts and sensations without grabbing them — observe "I am aware" to strengthen the sense of the inner witness.
- When you meet others, remember the same inner knower is in them; let that reminder shape your kindness and patience.
- Do your work with full attention, but release attachment to results — act from awareness, not from anxiety or ego.
Reflection Question
When you notice a strong emotion, can you find the part of you that is simply watching it?