Commentary

Commentary

Bhagavad Gita 13:3 is one of the most philosophically significant verses in the entire Gita. Krishna makes two extraordinary declarations here. First, He reveals that He Himself is the knower present in all fields — not just in one body but in every body, every field of activity throughout creation. Second, He defines true knowledge: it is the understanding of the field and its knower together.

The Paramatma — Knower in All Fields

When Krishna says “know Me as the kshetrajna in all kshetras,” He is describing the Paramatma — the Supersoul, the Supreme Lord who resides within every living being. In every body, there are two conscious entities: the individual soul (jivatma), who knows only its own body, and the Supreme Soul (Paramatma), who knows all bodies simultaneously. Just as a citizen knows only his own home, but the king knows the affairs of the entire kingdom, the individual soul is aware of its own field while the Supreme Lord is aware of all fields everywhere.

What Is True Knowledge?

Krishna’s definition of knowledge here is striking. He does not say knowledge is mastery of scriptures, or proficiency in rituals, or intellectual brilliance. True knowledge — matam mama, “My considered opinion” — is understanding the relationship between the field and its knower. This means understanding what is matter and what is spirit, what is temporary and what is eternal, what is the instrument and who is the user of the instrument.

The Three Subjects

In this chapter’s discussion, three subjects will emerge: the body (kshetra), the individual soul (jivatma), and the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). Understanding all three — and especially how they relate to one another — constitutes complete knowledge. One who recognizes only the body lives in ignorance. One who recognizes the soul but not the Supreme remains incomplete. Only one who sees all three clearly has arrived at the knowledge Krishna calls genuine.

Why This Verse Challenges Certain Views

This verse directly challenges the view that the individual soul and the Supreme are identical. If they were the same, Krishna would not need to say “know Me also” — the “also” indicates a distinct identity. The individual knower knows one field; the Supreme knower knows all fields. The difference is not merely quantitative but qualitative: one is limited, the other unlimited; one is dependent, the other independent.