Shrimad Bhagavad Gita · 35 verses
Chapter 13: The Field and the Knower
The body is the "field" and the soul that knows it is the "knower of the field". The marks of true knowledge include humility, non-violence and patience.
Some editions don't count Arjuna's opening question ('prakṛtiṃ puruṣaṃ caiva…') as a verse, so they have 34 verses here and their numbers are one behind ours.
All verses, with meaning
13.1Arjuna's six questionsArjuna said: Keshav, I wish to understand Prakriti (nature) and Purusha (the conscious Sel…13.2The body is the fieldShri Krishna said: Arjuna, this body is called the "field". Those who know the truth call …13.3The Knower in all fieldsKnow me also as the knower in all fields, Arjuna. Understanding the field and its knower —…13.4Hear about the fieldHear from me briefly what the field is, what it is like, what changes it goes through and …13.5Sung by sages and scripturesThis truth has been sung by the sages in many ways, in many Vedic hymns, and in the reason…13.6What makes up the fieldThe five great elements, ego, intellect and unmanifest nature; the ten senses and the mind…13.7The field and its changesdesire, aversion, pleasure, pain, the body as a whole, awareness and steadiness — this, in…13.8Marks of true knowledgeHumility, freedom from pretence, non-violence, patience, honesty, serving one's teacher, p…13.9Seeing life's sorrows clearlydetachment from sense pleasures, freedom from ego, and seeing clearly the pain and faults …13.10Even mind in all eventsnon-attachment, not clinging to children, spouse, home and the like, and a mind that stays…13.11Unwavering devotionsteady, single-minded devotion to me, love for quiet places, and no craving for crowds and…13.12This is knowledgeconstant focus on knowledge of the Self and seeing the purpose of knowing the truth — this…13.13The Supreme to be knownI will now tell you what is to be known, knowing which one tastes immortality. It is the b…13.14Hands and feet everywhereIts hands and feet are everywhere; its eyes, heads and faces are everywhere; its ears are …13.15Beyond the sensesIt shines through all the senses yet has no senses of its own. It is unattached yet suppor…13.16Far yet nearIt is outside and inside all beings, both moving and unmoving. Being so subtle, it cannot …13.17Undivided in allThough undivided, it seems divided among beings. Know it as the one who sustains all being…13.18Light of all lightsIt is the light of all lights and is said to be beyond darkness. It is knowledge, what is …13.19Devotee attains His natureSo the field, knowledge and what is to be known have been told in brief. My devotee who un…13.20Nature and Self are beginninglessKnow that both Prakriti (nature) and Purusha (the Self) are without beginning. Know also t…13.21Who acts, who experiencesNature is said to be the cause of the body, the senses and all action. The Self is said to…13.22Attachment causes rebirthThe Self, dwelling in nature, experiences the qualities born of nature. Its attachment to …13.23The Supreme Self as witnessIn this body there is also the Supreme Person — the witness, the one who permits, the supp…13.24Freedom through understandingOne who truly understands the Self and nature along with its qualities is not born again, …13.25Many paths to the SelfSome see the Self within themselves through meditation, by their own purified mind. Others…13.26Faith by hearingStill others, not knowing these paths, hear about it from others and worship with faith. T…13.27Union of field and knowerWhatever comes into being, moving or unmoving, know that it arises from the union of the f…13.28The Lord equal in allOne who sees the Supreme Lord present equally in all beings, the undying within the dying …13.29Seeing God everywhereSeeing the same Lord present equally everywhere, such a person does not harm the Self by t…13.30Nature does all actionsOne who sees that all actions are done entirely by nature, and that the Self is not the do…13.31All from the OneWhen one sees that the separate existence of all beings rests in the One, and that everyth…13.32The Self is untouchedBecause it has no beginning and is beyond the qualities, this imperishable Supreme Self, t…13.33Like the sky, unstainedJust as the all-pervading sky, being so subtle, is not stained by anything, so the Self pr…13.34Like the sun lighting the worldJust as the one sun lights up this whole world, so the knower of the field lights up the e…13.35The eye of wisdomThose who see with the eye of wisdom the difference between the field and its knower, and …