Bhagavad Gita - 13th Discourse

Thirteenth Discourse – The Yoga of Distinction between the Field and the Knower of the Field

In this discourse, the Lord gives us a wonderfully revealing insight into the human individual. It is one of the most illuminating, most inspiring and most mystical portions of the Bhagavad Gita. The Immortal Soul, with its physical embodiment (the body), is the main theme of this discourse.

The blessed Lord tells us that the knowledge of the Field and the Knower of the Field is the true knowledge.

This body is the Field. The indwelling Soul/Atman is the Knower of the Field. Verily, it is the Supreme Being, who has projected Himself and assumed the form of this Knower of the Field within this body. This Self is none other than That. Thus, Lord Krishna explains the mystery of the individual Soul dwelling within this mortal body.

The five elements, the ego, the mind, intellect, the ten organs, desire, aversion and such factors constitute the Field.

After informing us of what constitutes true knowledge, the Lord declares that such knowledge grants us immortality. That Supreme Reality is the one seer, the witness, the guide, sustainer, experiencer and the Lord of all.

When we perceive this Supreme Presence dwelling in all beings, we cannot injure anyone in thought, word or deed. Lord Krishna asks us to see and know the difference between the Field (body) and Knower of the Field (Spirit) and thus reach the Self.