Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13: the Yoga of the Distinction Between the Field and the Knower of the Field
Chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita- The Yoga of the Distinction between the Field and the Knower of the Field (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga) in Spanish / English /Hindi
The thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, known as the Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga, marks a profound shift into the realm of spiritual knowledge (Jnana Yoga). In this pivotal discourse, Sri Krishna reveals to Arjuna the foundational metaphysics of human existence by drawing a clear distinction between "the Field" (the physical body, mind, and material nature) and "the Knower of the Field" (the immortal, changeless Soul or Atman).
Translated, compiled, and deeply integrated with the universal philosophies of and Swami Vivekananda, this edition curated by Spanish Vedanta expert Pedro Nonell of the Instituto Gita provides modern seekers with a clear, rational pathway to self-realization.
By understanding this divine separation, one transcends temporary bodily modifications to connect deeply with the supreme reality.
KUnderstanding Kshetra and Kshetrajna: The Metaphysics of Body and Soul
In this chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna explained to Arjuna the distinction between body (non-Self, field: Kshetra) and the Atman (the Self) the Immortal Soul (self), which resides in the body (the Field). It is the Supreme Person who projects Himself and assumes the form of this Knower of the Field within this body.
This chapter is one of the most illuminating and mystical of the Bhagavad Gita, where the Lord explains the metaphysics of man, how the immortal Soul is physically incarnated in man, the transcendental Supreme Spirit.
True knowledge is the Knowledge of the Field and the Knower of the Field, which grants divine wisdom and spiritual enlightenment to man.
“Kshetra” means field (of experience, the physical body and the mind) and “Kshetrajna” the knower of the field.
Subject Syllabus:
- Introduction to Chapter 13- The Yoga of the Distinction between the Field and the Knower of the Field (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga)
- Chapter reading Chapter 13 - Yoga of the Distinction between the Field and the Knower of the Field (Gandhi's Gita, Sivananda):
- Key topics of Chapter 13:
- Verses 1 -7: Nature, modifications and origin of the Field (Kshetra) and the Knower of the Field (Kshetrajna)
- Verses 8-12: Profile of the Jnani Yogi
- Verses 13-19: What Should Be Known: The Supreme Brahman (Supreme Person)
- Verses 20-35: difference between Prakriti (nature) and Purusha (spirit)
- Reading the versified adaptation of this chapter
- Analysis of each verse and its comments from chapter 13 (Gita Makaranadam by )
- Swami Vivekananda Readings related to Chapter 13- The Yoga of the Distinction between the Field and the Knower of the Field
- Exercises of Chapter 13- Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga
Summary of the Chapter
At the beginning of the chapter Arjuna asked Sri Krishna about Nature (matter) and Spirit (soul), the Field (body) and the Knower of the Field, knowledge and what should be known (Gita 13.1)
Sri Krishna's response was clear:
“The Supreme Divine Lord said: This body, Ο son of Kunti, is called the Field (Kshetra), and he who knows it is called the Knower of the Field (Kshetrajnana, Pure Intelligence) by the sages who discern the truth about both” Bhagavad Gita 13.2.
Sri Krishna emphasized in omnipresence of the Lord and in the true Knowledge to achieve:
That is, the Lord is omnipresent in all bodies (Jnana and Vedanta), it is the mystery of the individual soul that resides in each body. Sri Krishna emphasized that this Knowledge of the Field is the basis of different religions and philosophies (Unity in diversity).
“Sri Krishna: All this has been sung by the sages (Rishis) in multiple forms, in various Vedic hymns, and has been especially revealed in the Brahma Sutras (of Viasa), with overwhelming logic and conclusive evidence” Bhagavad Gita 13.5.
Sri Krishna then explained the modifications to the field:
“Sri Krishna: The great elements, the consciousness of the self, the intellect and the primordial unmanifested matter; the ten senses, the mind, the five sense objects; desire, hatred, happiness, pain, the whole (of body and senses), intelligence and strength: this, briefly stated, is the Field (of activities) along with its modifications.” Bhagavad Gita 13.6-7.
Swami Sivananda titled this discourse as “The Yoga of the Distinction between the Field and the Knowledge of the Field.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main theme of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13?
Chapter 13 focuses on the deep metaphysical distinction between Kshetra (the Field, which includes the physical body, thoughts, and material nature) and Kshetrajna (the Knower of the Field, representing the conscious soul or Atman).
Who is Pedro Nonell and how does he interpret Chapter 13?
Pedro Nonell is a prominent Spanish author, translator, and leading expert on the Bhagavad Gita, Advaita Vedanta, Sri Ramakrishna, and Swami Vivekananda. His commentaries emphasize Practical Vedanta, bridging classic Eastern spiritual traditions with contemporary analytical perspectives for a global audience.
How can I access lectures and video resources for this chapter?
You can access complete instructional video breakdowns, scriptural recitations, and guided study modules with English subtitles hosted by Pedro Nonell on his official YouTube channel: @InstitutoGita.
How is the concept of God explained in Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga?
In this chapter, God is revealed as the ultimate, all-pervading Supreme Brahman. Instead of existing as an external force, God resides within every individual "Field" as the ultimate Knower, serving as the source of all consciousness, strength, and life.
Conclusion
Chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita serves as a profound guide for distinguishing between our external experiences and our true, inner identity.
Through the insights of Spanish expert Pedro Nonell, the complex concepts of Kshetra and Kshetrajna are made accessible, allowing us to view our daily mental and physical challenges simply as modifications of a temporary field.
By anchoring our awareness in the eternal Knower within, we align ourselves with the universal harmony taught by Sri Ramakrishna and the practical strength championed by Swami Vivekananda.
Ultimately, studying this chapter shifts your perspective from identifying with the fragile, changing body to realizing your nature as the changeless, immortal self.
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
Yoga del Campo y del Conocedor del Campo 
Ioga do Campo e do Conhecedor do Campo.
Bhagavad Gita recited in Spanish (Pedro Nonell) and Sanskrit (Dr Ghazal Srinivas)
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
