13-1

Arjuna inquired: O my dear Kṛṣṇa, I wish to know about prakṛti [nature], puruṣa [the enjoyer], the field and the knower of the field, and of knowledge and the object of knowledge.

Explanation: In this verse, Arjuna expresses his desire to learn about the basic concepts that are essential on the spiritual path. He wants to understand the concepts of matter and Spirit, body and soul, knowledge and the goal of knowledge, which are essential for understanding one's true nature and relationship with the Divine.

13-2

The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: This body, O son of Kuntī, is called the field, and one who knows this body is called the knower of the field.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna gives definitions of the body as the field and the soul as the knower of the field. The body is the field of activity, but the soul is the one who is conscious of this field and what is happening in it.

13-3

O descendant of Bharata, understand that I am also the knower in all bodies, and understanding this body and its knower is knowledge. Such is My opinion.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna reveals that He is the Supreme Knower, residing within all bodies. He is aware not only of the individual soul but also of the Supersoul, who accompanies every living being as a witness and permitter. He emphasizes that true knowledge is the understanding of the body and its knower – both the individual soul and the Supersoul.

13-4

Now, please hear My brief explanation of this field of activity and how it is constituted, what its transformations are, where it comes from, who is the knower of this field, and what is his influence.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna invites Arjuna to hear His explanation about the field of activity (the body), its structure, transformations, origin, as well as the knower of the field (the soul) and its influence. This explanation will help Arjuna better understand the interaction between matter and spirit.

13-5

This knowledge of the field of activity and the knower of activity has been described by various sages in different Vedic scriptures. It is particularly explained in the Vedanta-sūtra, where causes and effects are fully substantiated.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna points out that the knowledge of the field of activity and its knower is not new but can be found in various Vedic scriptures described by ancient sages. He particularly highlights the Vedanta-sūtra, where this topic is discussed in detail, logically substantiating causes and effects.

13-6

The five gross elements, false ego, intelligence, the unmanifested, the ten senses, and the mind, the five sense objects.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna begins listing the components of the field or body. The five gross elements are earth, water, fire, air, and ether – the space in which the other elements manifest. False ego is the mistaken conception of oneself as the body. Intelligence is the ability to think and analyze. The unmanifested is the subtle matter from which everything originates. The ten senses include five sensory senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) and five working senses (speech, grasping, walking, evacuation, and procreation). The mind is the internal instrument that processes information. The five sense objects are sound, touch, form, taste, and smell.

13-7

Desire, hatred, happiness, suffering, the aggregate body, the life symptoms, and conviction – all these together are considered the field of activities and its transformations.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna continues to describe the manifestations of the field of activity or the body. Desire and hatred, happiness and suffering are emotions that arise in the body. The aggregate body is a manifestation of the field, which includes both gross and subtle elements. Life symptoms are the bodily functions that sustain life. Conviction is deeply rooted beliefs that guide actions. All these manifestations are subject to transformations and are part of the field of activity.

13-8

Humility, simplicity, nonviolence, tolerance, honesty, service to a bona fide spiritual master, cleanliness, steadiness, and self-control.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna begins listing the qualities necessary for acquiring true knowledge and liberation from the limitations of the field of activity. Humility means reducing one's ego. Simplicity means abstaining from extravagance and pretense. Nonviolence means not causing harm to others, either physically or emotionally. Tolerance means the ability to endure hardships and inconveniences. Honesty means truthfulness in words and deeds. Service to a bona fide spiritual master is essential for receiving proper guidance on the spiritual path. Cleanliness refers to both external and internal purity. Steadiness means firmly adhering to spiritual principles. Self-control means the ability to control one's desires and impulses.

13-9

Detachment from sense enjoyment, being free from false ego, and understanding the evil of birth, death, old age, and disease.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna continues to list qualities that help one become detached from the material world. Detachment from sense enjoyment means not indulging in excessive desires. Being free from false ego means understanding that we are not the body but an eternal soul. Understanding the evil of birth, death, old age, and disease helps one understand the suffering nature of material existence and motivates one to seek spiritual refuge.

13-10

Nonattachment to children, wife, home, and the rest, equanimity in the presence of the desirable and the undesirable.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes the need to be free from excessive attachment to family and property, as well as to maintain a balanced mind in both favorable and unfavorable circumstances. This does not mean abandoning family or ignoring responsibilities, but rather freeing oneself from emotional dependence and developing inner peace.

13-11

Constant and pure devotion to Me, living in a secluded place, detachment from the general mass of people.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna speaks of constant and pure devotional service as an important practice on the spiritual path. Living in secluded places and detachment from the general mass of people helps one concentrate on spiritual practice and avoid unnecessary distractions. This does not mean complete isolation from society, but rather a conscious choice in favor of an environment that promotes spiritual growth.

13-12

Realization of the importance of self-realization, and philosophical search for the Absolute Truth – all this I declare to be knowledge, and what is contrary to this is ignorance.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna concludes the summary of the previously listed qualities and principles, declaring them to be true knowledge. Realization of the importance of self-realization and the search for the Absolute Truth are cornerstones of spiritual growth. Everything contrary to these principles is ignorance, which hinders spiritual progress. This knowledge helps a person break free from the limitations of the material world and approach the Divine.

13-13

Now I will explain to you what needs to be known, and knowing this, you will know the eternal. It is called the Supreme Truth, which has no beginning and is subordinate to Me. It is beyond the causes and effects of this material world.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna marks the transition to the explanation of the Supreme Truth, or the Divine. This Truth is eternal, without beginning, and is beyond the laws of cause and effect that operate in the material world. It is subordinate to Him as the Supreme Lord of All.

13-14

Everywhere are His hands and legs, His eyes, heads and faces, and everywhere He has ears. In this way, the Supreme Soul pervades everything.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna figuratively describes the omnipresence of the Supreme Soul. Although the Divine has no material body, His presence and influence are felt everywhere. He is the source and sustainer of all that exists, and His consciousness pervades all of creation.

13-15

The Supreme Soul is the original source of all senses, yet He Himself is without senses. He is unattached, although He is the maintainer of all beings. He is transcendental to the qualities of material nature, and at the same time He is the master of all these qualities.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna continues to explain the transcendental nature of the Supreme Soul. He is the original source of all senses, although He Himself has no material sensory organs. He is unattached to anything, but at the same time sustains the existence of all beings. He is beyond the qualities of material nature (goodness, passion, and ignorance), but at the same time is the master of these qualities and controls them.

13-16

The Supreme Truth is outside and inside all beings, moving and non-moving. Because He is subtle, He cannot be understood with material senses. Although He is very far away, He is also close to everyone.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes the all-encompassing presence of the Supreme Truth - both outside and inside all beings, moving and non-moving. He is so subtle that He cannot be grasped by the material senses. Although the Supreme Truth may seem distant and unattainable, He is also very close, because He resides in everyone's heart.

13-17

Although the Supreme Soul appears divided among all beings, He is never divided. He is one whole. Although He is the maintainer of all living beings, it must be understood that He devours everything and creates everything.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that although the Supreme Soul may appear divided because He resides in every living being, He is actually one whole and indivisible. He is the maintainer of all beings, but also the creator and destroyer, who devours everything into Himself. This verse emphasizes the unity and all-encompassing nature of the Divine.

13-18

He is the source of light of all luminous bodies. He is beyond the darkness of matter and is unmanifested. He is knowledge, He is the object of knowledge, and He is the goal of knowledge. He resides in everyone's heart.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes the Supreme Soul as the source of light of all that exists, who is beyond the darkness of matter. He is unmanifested and transcendental. He is both knowledge, the object of knowledge, and the goal of knowledge, and He resides in everyone's heart as the center and guide of all that exists.

13-19

Thus, I have briefly explained to you the field of activity (the body), knowledge and the object of knowledge. Only My faithful devotees can fully understand this and thus attain My essence.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna summarizes the explanation previously given about the body, knowledge, and the object of knowledge. Only His faithful devotees, who have dedicated themselves to Him, can fully understand these teachings and thus attain His divine essence.

13-20

It should be known that matter and living beings are without beginning. Their transformations and material qualities arise from matter.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that both matter and living beings (souls) are eternal and without beginning. All the transformations and qualities we see in the material world arise from the interaction of matter, not from the soul.

13-21

It is said that nature is the source of all material causes and effects, but the living being is the cause of various sufferings and pleasures in this world.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains the role of nature and the living being in the material world. Nature is the source of all material causes and effects; it creates bodies and circumstances. The living being, being in this material environment, experiences various sufferings and pleasures depending on its interaction with nature and its qualities.

13-22

Thus, the living being in material nature follows the paths of life, enjoying the three qualities of material nature. This happens because it comes into contact with matter. Thus, it experiences good and evil in various forms of existence.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna continues to explain the experience of the living being in the material world. The living being enjoys the influence of the three qualities of material nature, and this contact with matter determines that the living being is born in various forms of existence, experiencing both good and evil.

13-23

Yet there is another, a transcendental enjoyer, who is the Lord, the supreme proprietor, who exists as the overseer and permitter, and who is known as the Supersoul.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna reveals that in the body, besides the individual soul, there is another - the Supersoul, who is a transcendental enjoyer, the Lord, and the supreme proprietor. He is present as a witness, overseer, and permitter of all the actions performed by the individual soul.

13-24

One who understands this philosophy concerning the living entity, matter and the interaction of the two is sure to attain liberation. He will not take birth here again, regardless of his present position.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes that understanding the living entity, matter, and their interaction is the path to liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This understanding helps to realize that the soul is not the body and that it is eternal and unchanging. One who truly understands this teaching will not be reborn in the material world, regardless of their current status or circumstances. Understanding is the key to spiritual freedom.

13-25

Some perceive the Supersoul within themselves through meditation, others through the cultivation of knowledge, and still others through selfless action.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna points out three main paths by which people can reach the realization of the Supersoul: contemplation, self-inquiry, and serving God. Each of these paths is suitable for a particular person's character and level of understanding.

13-26

Again there are those who, although not conversant in spiritual knowledge, begin to worship the Supreme Whole, having heard of Him from others. Because of their tendency to hear from authorities, they also transcend the path of birth and death.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna speaks about those who, without acquiring spiritual knowledge themselves, begin to worship the Supreme Whole by hearing about Him from authoritative sources. Such people, thanks to their willingness to listen to and follow instructions, can also transcend the cycle of birth and death.

13-27

O best of the Bhāratas, know that whatever exists, both moving and unmoving, is only a combination of the field of activities and the knower of the field.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna summarizes that everything that exists in the material world, both moving and unmoving, is the result of the combination of the field of activities (the body) and the knower of the field (the soul). This interaction is the basis of all existence, and that the body and soul are interconnected but at the same time distinct.

13-28

One who sees the Supersoul equally present everywhere in every living being and does not degrade himself by his mind sees things as they are.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that to truly see means to perceive the presence of the Supersoul in all bodies, accompanying the individual soul. Both the soul and the Supersoul are eternal and do not perish, although the body is subject to destruction, and that this understanding is the basis of true spiritual vision.

13-29

One who sees the Supersoul equally present everywhere and in everyone does not degrade himself by his mind. Thus, he approaches the transcendental destination.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna indicates that one who is able to see the equal presence of the Supersoul everywhere and in everyone does not allow his mind to degrade and delude himself. Such an understanding helps to approach the transcendental goal - spiritual liberation and unity with the Divine.

13-30

One who can see that all activities are performed by the body, which is created of material nature, and sees that the self does nothing, actually sees.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna emphasizes that true understanding is to realize that all activities in the material world are performed by the body, which is created from matter, but the soul itself is a non-doer. The soul is merely an observer, and its true nature is transcendental and unconnected to the body's activities.

13-31

When a sensible man ceases to see different identities, which are due to different material bodies, and sees how beings are expanded everywhere, he attains to the Brahman conception.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna explains that a sensible person who is able to rise above bodily differences and see the presence of souls everywhere reaches the understanding of the Supreme Truth. This understanding means seeing the spiritual unity of all beings and realizing their connection to the Divine.

13-32

Those with the vision of eternity can see that the imperishable soul is transcendental, eternal, and beyond the modes of nature. Despite contact with the material body, O Arjuna, the soul neither does anything nor is entangled.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna indicates that those who look at the world with the vision of eternity, i.e., with spiritual understanding, see that the soul is transcendental, eternal, and beyond the influence of the modes of material nature. Although the soul comes into contact with the material body, it does not actually do anything and is not entangled in the body's activities.

13-33

The all-pervading air, due to its fineness, does not mix with anything. Similarly, the soul that is aware of the Divine does not mix with the body, even though it is in it.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna uses the analogy of air, which, due to its fineness, does not mix with anything, to illustrate how the soul that is aware of the Divine remains unattached to the body, even though it is in it. Here, air is compared to ether, not just air, and the spiritual nature of the soul allows it to remain free from the influence of the material world.

13-34

O descendant of Bharata, as the Sun alone illuminates this entire Universe, so the one living entity in the body illuminates the entire body with consciousness.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna uses the analogy of the Sun to explain how the soul residing in the body illuminates the entire body with consciousness. Just as the Sun, being one, illuminates the entire Universe, so too the soul, though singular, imparts consciousness to the entire body.

13-35

Those who see with the eyes of knowledge the difference between the body and the knower of the body, and understand the process of liberation from the bonds of matter, also attain the supreme goal.

Explanation: In this verse, Krishna concludes the chapter by emphasizing that those who can see the difference between the body and the soul with the eyes of knowledge, and also understand the process of liberation from the bonds of the material world, attain the highest spiritual goal – liberation and unity with the Divine. This understanding is the key to spiritual enlightenment and allows one to achieve the highest goal.