Chapter 13, Verse 2
श्रीभगवानुवाच | इदं शरीरं कौन्तेय क्षेत्रमित्यभिधीयते | एतद्यो वेत्ति तं प्राहु: क्षेत्रज्ञ इति तद्विद: ॥2॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca | idaṁ śarīraṁ kaunteya kṣetram ity abhidhīyate | etad yo vetti taṁ prāhuḥ kṣetrajña iti tadvidaḥ ||
"The Supreme Lord said: This body, O son of Kunti, is called the field (kṣhetra), and one who knows this body is called the knower of the field (kṣhetrajña) by the sages who understand these matters."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 13.2 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 13.2 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna introduces the fundamental distinction between the 'Seen' and the 'Seer'. The 'Field' (Kshetra) represents the body, mind, and the material world—the arena where actions are performed and fruits are reaped. The 'Knower of the Field' (Kshetrajna) is the conscious entity (the soul) that observes and experiences the field. Just as a farmer is different from his land, the conscious self is distinct from the physical and mental apparatus it inhabits. Realizing this separation is the beginning of true wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 13.2?
The Supreme Lord said: This body, O son of Kunti, is called the field (kṣhetra), and one who knows this body is called the knower of the field (kṣhetrajña) by the sages who understand these matters.