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Chapter 13 · Nature, the Enjoyer and Consciousness · 35 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.
Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›
Soul & knowledgeChapter 13 · Nature, the Enjoyer and Consciousness

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 13.35

Seeing rightly the body, soul and the Supreme

Jīva · The soul

क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोरेवमन्तरं ज्ञानचक्षुषा ।

भूतप्रकृतिमोक्षं च ये विदुर्यान्ति ते परम् ॥ ३५ ॥

kṣetra-kṣetrajñayor evam

antaraṁ jñāna-cakṣuṣā

bhūta-prakṛti-mokṣaṁ ca

ye vidur yānti te param

Translation

Those who see with eyes of knowledge the difference between the body and the knower of the body, and can also understand the process of liberation from bondage in material nature, attain to the supreme goal.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Knowledge That Leads to Liberation

  1. 1

    Those who understand the difference between the body and its knower, and the way to freedom from material bondage, reach the supreme goal.

  2. 2

    Prabhupāda explains that the body, the soul, and the Supersoul are distinct. Understanding them makes one eligible to enter the spiritual world.

  3. 3

    Hear about God in good association, and study this chapter with a spiritual master's guidance.

Key points from the purport

Seeing with the eyes of knowledge, the following things, one attains the Supreme Goal

The difference between the body and the knower of the body

The process of liberation from bondage in material nature

a

Purport of Chapter 13

One should know the distinction between the body, owner and the Supersoul

Recognize the process of liberation as per Texts 13.8 – 13.12

Then one can go to the Supreme destination

b

How the process works

Faithful person should have some good association

Hearing in good association

Accepts a spiritual master

Know the difference between body and matter as the stepping stone for further realisation

Analyze the body with twenty-four elements

Then analyze soul and Supersoul as separate

c

Conclusion and Suggestion

These things are meant for contemplation and for realization

Have a complete understanding of this chapter with the help of the spiritual master SUMMARIZED THEME 13C THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE A) One can distinguish between spirit and matter in all circumstances (13.27)

One sees all moving and non-moving as a combination of the field and knower of the field B) One sees indestructible Supersoul accompanying the indestructible individual soul in all the bodies (13.28) C) One sees the Supersoul equally present everywhere (13.29) D) One sees that all activities are performed by the body and the self does nothing (13.30) E) One sees the living entity as distinct from the field of activities (13.31) F) One sees that soul never mixes with the body, but is transcendental and eternal (13.32)

End of chapter 13

Bhagavad Gita Notes 1 Chapter 13 Appendix CHAPTER 13 Appendix Selected Texts extracted from “Surrender unto Me”

Further reading

Jnana-Chakshu: The Vision Of Knowledge

Those who see the distinction between the body, its owner and the Supersoul, and who recognize the process of liberation, can attain the Supreme goal (13.35)

Chapter 13, section V: Jnana-Chakshu: The Vision Of Knowledge
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. kṣetraof the body
  2. kṣetra-jñayoḥof the proprietor of the body
  3. evamthus
  4. antaramthe difference
  5. jñāna-cakṣuṣāby the vision of knowledge
  6. bhūtaof the living entity
  7. prakṛtifrom material nature
  8. mokṣamthe liberation
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: ātmā, jñāna.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 13.35 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to soul & knowledge?

Practice

Spend five minutes reflecting on what in you does not change.

5

The story behind it

Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.

All stories for chapter 13 ›
6

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

Live this todayKnow the Two KnowersA practice from BG 13.3, close to this verse

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.