189. Field and Knower of the Field

The thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is called ‘Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhag Yoga’ (yoga through the distinction between the field and the knower of the field). The chapter starts with Arjuna’s question, “I wish to understand what are prakriti (nature or matter) and purush (spirit or living entity); and what are kshetra (field) and kshetrajna (knower of the field). I also wish to know what knowledge is and that which ought to be known” (13.1). Krishna replies, “This body is termed as kshetra and the one who knows this is called kshetrajna” (13.2). Kshetra or field is a scientific term and in that sense this chapter presents a scientific perspective too.

In verses 12.13 to 12.20, Krishna talked about various qualities which are dear to Him. Some of them are being content, not attached to anything, shraddha-vaan (one with shraddha or trust), free of ahankaar and forgiving. It is dropping hatred, agitation, desires, expectations, jealousy, fear and anxiety. It is attaining samatva (equanimity) by treating praise and insult; honour and dishonour; sukh (pleasure) and dukh (suffering) as the same; being alike to friend and foe.

Scientifically, both negative qualities and positive qualities exist in the kshetra, which is our physical body and mind.  The kshetrajna is the one who experiences them. In other words, the kshetrajna brings life to kshetra which carries various attributes, feelings and emotions. This raises a fundamental question: How do we shed negative qualities and cultivate positive ones?

The solution is to drop identification with the negative qualities by attaining sakshi bhaav or being witness to them when they pass through our mind. Temporary numbing through alcohol and other substances brings a similar effect but it is about dropping identification with them through awareness. It is realising that kshetra and kshetrajna are separate and the realisation about the separation strengthens sakshi bhaav.