श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १३.२ — इदं शरीरं कौन्तेय — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १३.२ — इदं शरीरं कौन्तेय
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
श्रीभगवानुवाच
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha
the Supreme Divine Lord said
इदम्
idam
this
शरीरम्
śharīram
body
कौन्तेय
kaunteya
O son of Kunti (Arjuna)
क्षेत्रम्
kṣhetram
the field (of activities)
इति
iti
thus
अभिधीयते
abhidhīyate
is termed, is called
एतत्
etat
this
यः
yaḥ
one who
वेत्ति
vetti
knows
तम्
tam
that person
प्राहुः
prāhuḥ
is called, they say
क्षेत्रज्ञः
kṣhetra-jñaḥ
the knower of the field
इति
iti
thus
तद्विदः
tat-vidaḥ
those who discern the truth, the knowers
Complete Translation
श्रीभगवान् ने कहा -- हे कौन्तेय ! यह शरीर क्षेत्र कहा जाता है और इसको जो जानता है, उसे तत्त्वज्ञ जन, क्षेत्रज्ञ कहते हैं।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13, Verse 2
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
The thirteenth chapter, the Yoga of the Distinction between the Field and its Knower (Kshetra-Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga), turns from action and devotion to pure knowledge. In its opening teaching, Krishna defines the body as the 'field' and the conscious self as its 'knower', laying the groundwork for the discriminative wisdom by which the soul is realized as distinct from the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of Bhagavad Gita 13.2?▼
Krishna introduces the key distinction of the thirteenth chapter: the body is the 'field' (kshetra), and the conscious self who knows the body is the 'knower of the field' (kshetrajna). The verse begins the teaching of self-knowledge by separating the experienced from the experiencer.
What is meant by 'kshetra' (field) and 'kshetrajna' (knower of the field)?▼
The kshetra is the body along with the mind, senses and all that is perceived — the arena of experience. The kshetrajna is the conscious self, the witness who is aware of the field. The wisdom of discriminating between the two is the heart of this chapter.
Why is this distinction important for spiritual life?▼
Because liberation begins when we stop identifying with the perishable body and recognize ourselves as the deathless knower. This discrimination dissolves fear, grief and attachment, and forms the basis of meditation, self-inquiry and the knowledge that leads to freedom.
How can I use this verse in daily life?▼
Throughout the day, gently notice the difference between what you experience (sensations, thoughts, the body — the field) and the awareness that knows them (the knower). Chanting this verse strengthens that discrimination, bringing detachment, steadiness and inner peace.
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