Gita 13.4
Kshetra Kshetragna Vibhaga Yoga
तत्क्षेत्रं यच्च यादृक्च यद्विकारि यतश्च यत् | स च यो यत्प्रभावश्च तत्समासेन मे शृणु ||४||
tat kṣetraṁ yac ca yādṛk ca yad-vikāri yataś ca yat | sa ca yo yat-prabhāvaś ca tat samāsena me śṛṇu ||4||
In essence: Krishna promises to explain what the field is, its nature, modifications, and source—plus who the knower is and what powers it possesses.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "Guru ji, why does Krishna need to give such a detailed analysis? Isn't it enough to just say 'You are the witness, not the body'?"
Guru: "Intellectual understanding is not realization. Saying 'You are not the body' has been said millions of times. But until you thoroughly understand what this body-mind actually IS—its components, its modifications, its source—how can you truly disidentify from it?"
Sadhak: "That makes sense. Like knowing every detail of a magic trick helps you stop being fooled by it."
Guru: "Exactly. Maya's magic is the seeming reality of the field. A detailed understanding of the trick reveals that what appears solid and real is actually a play of elements and modifications. Once you see through the trick, you're never fooled again."
Sadhak: "What about 'prabhava'—the powers of the knower? What powers does awareness have?"
Guru: "The greatest power: to know without being affected by what is known. The screen shows fire but doesn't burn. The mirror reflects ugliness but remains pure. And beyond even this—the power to recognize its identity with the Supreme, with Krishna Himself."
Sadhak: "Krishna says He'll explain 'in brief' (samasena). Is this chapter a summary of something larger?"
Guru: "Yes—it's a summary of the entire Sankhya-Vedanta philosophy, which in its full form spans hundreds of texts. Krishna gives the essence. What would take a lifetime of study He distills into a few verses. This is the grace of the Guru."
Did this resonate with you? Share it with someone who needs to hear this.
🌅 Daily Practice
Before engaging with the day, acknowledge: 'Today I will see many modifications in the field—in my body, my mind, and the world. Through it all, I am the unchanged witness.'
When you notice change (mood shifting, energy fluctuating), recognize: 'This is a vikara—a modification in the field. I am not changing; the content of my experience is.'
Reflect: 'What modifications appeared in the field today? How did my body change? My thoughts? My emotions?' See how everything changed while you—the knower—remained consistent throughout.