Tat-kshetram yach-cha yaadrik-cha yad-vikaari yatash-cha yat | Sa cha yo yat-prabhaavash-cha tat-samaasena me shrinu ||4||
Translation
Now hear from Me in brief what the field is, what it is like, what its modifications are, where it comes from, who the knower of the field is, and what his powers are.
Commentary
Commentary
Bhagavad Gita 13:4 is a transitional verse in which Krishna announces the scope of what He is about to teach. He tells Arjuna to hear from Him, in summary, the complete description of the kshetra (the field) — its nature, its modifications, its origin — and of the kshetrajna (the knower) and his powers. This verse serves as a table of contents for the detailed teaching that follows.
The Scope of the Teaching
Krishna outlines several questions He will answer: What is the field? (yat) What is its nature? (yaadrik) What are its modifications? (yad-vikaari) Where does it come from? (yatah) Who is the knower? (sa cha yah) And what are his powers? (yat-prabhaavah) These questions cover the entire range of metaphysical inquiry — from the analysis of matter to the understanding of consciousness.
Samaasena — In Brief
Krishna uses the word samaasena — “in summary” or “in brief.” The full elaboration of these topics fills entire Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and volumes of philosophical commentary. What Krishna offers here is the essential distillation, the concentrated truth that a seeker on the battlefield of life needs. This is not an academic lecture; it is practical wisdom delivered at a moment of crisis.
Setting Up the Framework
This verse prepares the listener for the structured teaching that follows. Verses 5-6 will describe the field and its components. Verses 7-11 will define what constitutes true knowledge. And verse 12 onward will describe the object of knowledge — the Supreme Brahman. Krishna is a systematic teacher, and this verse reveals His pedagogical method: announce the subject, then explain it clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Bhagavad Gita 13.4 mean?
- Now hear from Me in brief what the field is, what it is like, what its modifications are, where it comes from, who the knower of the field is, and what his powers are.
- What is the Sanskrit text of Bhagavad Gita 13.4?
- The original Sanskrit verse is: Tat-kshetram yach-cha yaadrik-cha yad-vikaari yatash-cha yat | Sa cha yo yat-prabhaavash-cha tat-samaasena me shrinu ||4||
- What are the key themes of this verse?
- This verse explores: kshetra, inquiry, modifications, Vedanta, teaching.