The Yoga of the Field and the Knower of the Field
Chapter 13
The thirteenth chapter delves into the fundamental distinction between the physical body (ksetra, the field) and the soul (ksetrajna, the knower of the field). Krishna elucidates the nature of reality, explaining what constitutes the field of activities, what is knowledge, and what is worth knowing. He describes the process of self-realization and the importance of understanding the difference between matter and spirit. The chapter emphasizes that true knowledge is understanding the distinction between the body (temporary) and the soul (eternal).
🎭Context & Background
What Happened Before This Moment?
The Bhagavad Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where two groups of cousins—the Pandavas and Kauravas—are about to engage in a devastating war.
The Kauravas, led by Duryodhana, had unjustly usurped the kingdom that rightfully belonged to the Pandavas. Despite numerous attempts at peace, including Krishna's diplomatic mission, war became inevitable.
Both armies have assembled on the sacred field of Kurukshetra. Arjuna, the greatest archer among the Pandavas, has Krishna as his charioteer. As the conch shells blow signaling the start of battle, Arjuna asks Krishna to position his chariot between the two armies so he can survey the warriors.
What happens next—Arjuna's sudden crisis of conscience upon seeing his relatives, teachers, and friends on both sides—sets the stage for one of humanity's greatest philosophical dialogues.
Want to learn the complete story? The full Mahabharata story will be available soon in our Mahabharata section.
👥Key Characters
Dhritarashtra
The blind king of Hastinapura, father of the Kauravas. Unable to see the battlefield, he asks his advisor Sanjaya to describe the events.
Sanjaya
Dhritarashtra's charioteer and advisor, blessed by sage Vyasa with divine vision to see and narrate the entire battle from a distance.
Arjuna
The great warrior prince and Pandava, who will experience a moral crisis on seeing his relatives arrayed for battle. His conversation with Krishna forms the Bhagavad Gita.
Krishna
Arjuna's charioteer and divine guide. Though introduced briefly in Chapter 1, he will deliver the profound teachings that form the essence of the Gita.
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