
20/07/2025
Chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita – Kṣetra and Kṣetrajña (The Field and the Knower of the Field)
In this chapter, Krishna teaches Arjuna to distinguish between the kṣetra (the “field” – our body, mind, senses, and the whole material world) and the kṣetrajña (the “knower of the field” – the Self or pure consciousness that observes but is not changed). The field is ever‐changing: bodies age, thoughts come and go, and experiences rise and fall. Yet the knower remains untouched—a silent witness behind all activity. Recognising this difference frees us from over‐identifying with our pain, desires, or limitations. We learn that while the body and mind can be trained and transformed, they are not our true essence.
“Know the difference between the body and the Self.”
“Your body changes, but your true self doesn’t.”
By keeping these truths in mind, we cultivate detachment without indifference. We care for and honor our bodies, but we don’t mistake fleeting sensations for who we really are. In practice, this means observing our breath, thoughts, and emotions as they pass—much like a yogi holds a pose or a meditator watches each inhale and exhale. Over time, we develop steady inner peace, because our sense of worth and identity rests not on changing circumstances, but on the unshakeable ground of pure awareness.