As previously mentioned, The Holy Gita is divided into three sections. Chapters 7 to 12 focused on Bhakti Yoga. Now, Shri Krishna imparts wisdom about religious texts (Vedas) and the principles guiding righteous living. In this chapter, he elaborates on the distinctions between the body, soul, and Supreme Soul – concepts already outlined in the Vedas. Shri Krishna elucidates how comprehension of the interplay between the body and soul enables liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

 

Arjuns question 13

Verse 1

In the commentary by Swami Mukundanand ji and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, there is an additional verse that does not appear in the Gita Press Gorakhpur version. In this verse, Arjun continues to inquire of Shri Krishna, seeking deeper understanding:

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Arjun seeks clarification on the following points:

1. Prakriti (Material Energy - Maya) and Purush (Individual Soul): Arjun wishes to unravel the distinction between the material energy (Maya) and the individual soul (Purush).

2. Kshetra (Body) and Kshetrajana (Soul): He desires a more profound comprehension of the relationship between the physical body (Kshetra) and the conscious observer within (Kshetrajana).

3. True Knowledge and Its Goal: Arjun seeks insights into the nature of true knowledge and its ultimate purpose.

 

These questions delve into the very core of existence and the intricate aspects of self-discovery, reflecting Arjun's quest for profound spiritual insights.

 

Shri Krishnas Answer 13

Shri Krishna gives answers to these questions throughout Chapter 13

 

Verse 2 and 3

Shri Krishna explains that the physical body, along with the mind and intellect, represents the kshetra or the field of action. In this analogy, just as one reaps what is sown in a field, the body undergoes the consequences of its actions. The soul, on the other hand, is the Kshetrajana, the knower of the field. It comprehends the body fully but remains distinct from it.

Shri Krishna further elaborates that true knowledge lies in recognizing the differentiation between the body, soul, and the Supreme Lord. He emphasizes that the Supreme Lord possesses knowledge about all bodies and souls, functioning as the ultimate knower.

 

Verse 4 and 5

Shri Krishna proceeds to provide an in-depth understanding of the different aspects of the field (body) and the knower of the field (soul). He mentions that the great sages have extensively discussed these concepts in the Vedas and other texts, employing sound logic and supporting evidence. Shri Krishna even references the Brahma Sutra text, which specifically deals with these topics.

 

Verse 6 to 12

Shri Krishna elaborates on the nature of the field (body) and its composition, which encompasses 24 elements encompassing both physical and mental aspects. He proceeds to outline the virtues and behaviors that individuals should cultivate to attain purity of heart and fulfill the purpose of the body in the human form. This knowledge, according to Shri Krishna, is essential. Some examples of these virtues include humility, non-attachment, maintaining balance in positive and negative life events, and cultivating unwavering devotion to God.

 

Verse 13 to 18

Shri Krishna now unveils the profound object of knowledge that leads to immortality: Brahman, the Supreme God, along with his multifaceted attributes, often paradoxical and beyond human comprehension without divine grace. For instance, he exists both outside and inside all beings, and he is simultaneously indivisible yet distributed among all beings. Shri Krishna further expounds that the Supreme God assumes the roles of creator, sustainer, and destroyer of all existence. Concluding, he states that the Supreme God embodies knowledge, the pursuit of knowledge, and the ultimate goal of knowledge.

 

Verse 19

Shri Krishna asserts that he has expounded the concepts of the field, knowledge, and the essence and purpose of knowledge. However, he emphasizes that only his devotees, those with unwavering devotion, will truly comprehend these teachings through their loving connection to him.

 

Verse 20

Shri Krishna elucidates two fundamental aspects:

1. Prakriti (Maya): The divine material energy.

2. Purush: The individual soul.

He affirms that these eternal entities have existed since the beginning of time. Maya orchestrates the transformation of individual bodies from birth to death and shapes human nature through the interplay of the three qualities - Sattva Guna, Rajo Guna, and Tamo Guna.

 

Verse 21 and 22

Shri Krishna elucidates that Maya is the driving force behind our birth, while the soul experiences happiness and distress. When the soul aligns with bodily pleasures and indulges in them influenced by the three gunas, it perpetuates the cycle of life and death. This process also determines whether the soul takes a human or non-human form in the next life, based on the accumulated karma.

 

Verse 23 and 24

The Supreme Soul also dwells within the body of every living being alongside the individual soul. Those who grasp the intricate interplay between the Supreme Soul, individual soul, material nature, and gunas with profound comprehension are able to attain the Supreme and break free from the cycle of birth and death.

 

Verse 25 and 26

Now Shri Krishna proceeds to explain the various methods through which one can comprehend and internalize the knowledge shared earlier. Some individuals practice meditation, some engage in actions, while others strive for knowledge. Those who are unfamiliar with the spiritual path may hear about God and embark on worshipping Him. All these approaches enable individuals to transcend the cycle of birth and death.

 

Verse 27 and 28

Shri Krishna affirms that every being we encounter is a union of body and soul, and the Supreme Soul accompanies the individual soul within the body. While both the soul and the Supreme Soul are imperishable, the body is temporary and subject to decay.

 

Verse 29 and 30

Individuals who recognize the presence of the Supreme Soul within every being treat each person with reverence and avoid debasing themselves. This attitude renders them eligible for union (Yog) with the Supreme. Moreover, these individuals comprehend that all bodily actions are carried out by material nature, and the soul remains uninvolved in such actions.

 

Verse 31 to 35

Shri Krishna elucidates the distinction between the soul and the body, highlighting how the soul identifies with the body due to the influence of ego. The soul imparts consciousness to the body and remains separate from the material form. Those who grasp this differentiation between body and soul ultimately reach the supreme realm and liberate themselves from the cycle of birth and death.

 

Conclusion: In this chapter, Shri Krishna introduced the concept of the body, soul, and Supreme soul, explaining how their interaction with the material energy of maya leads to the cycle of birth and death. He provided a path to break free from this cycle. Moving forward, Shri Krishna delves into the three gunas (qualities of nature) and guides us on overcoming our lower tendencies to reach a higher spiritual goal.

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