GitaChapter 13Verse 5

Gita 13.5

Kshetra Kshetragna Vibhaga Yoga

ऋषिभिर्बहुधा गीतं छन्दोभिर्विविधैः पृथक् | ब्रह्मसूत्रपदैश्चैव हेतुमद्भिर्विनिश्चितैः ||५||

ṛṣibhir bahudhā gītaṁ chandobhir vividhaiḥ pṛthak | brahma-sūtra-padaiś caiva hetumadbhir viniścitaiḥ ||5||

In essence: This truth about field and knower isn't Krishna's invention—it has been proclaimed by countless sages through Vedic hymns and established logically in the Brahma-sutras.

A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply

Sadhak-Guru Dialogue

Sadhak: "Guru ji, why does Krishna reference other scriptures? Isn't His word enough?"

Guru: "For certain. But by citing sages, Vedas, and Brahma-sutras, He shows this isn't His personal philosophy but eternal truth recognized across traditions. It also tells Arjuna—and us—where to go for deeper study."

Sadhak: "What are the Brahma-sutras exactly?"

Guru: "They're 555 aphorisms that systematize Upanishadic wisdom. Composed by Vyasa, they reconcile apparently contradictory passages in the Upanishads and establish the coherent philosophy of Vedanta. All major acharyas wrote commentaries on them."

Sadhak: "If this knowledge is established through logic, does that mean anyone can reason their way to liberation?"

Guru: "Reason can take you far—it removes wrong notions and points in the right direction. But final realization transcends reason. It's like using a pole to vault over a wall—you need the pole, but at some point you must let go of it."

Sadhak: "The verse says sages sang this truth 'in many ways.' Why not just one clear way?"

Guru: "Because seekers are different. A poet needs the truth in verse; a philosopher needs logic; a devotee needs stories. The same medicine in different forms for different constitutions. The disease is one—ignorance. The cure is one—knowledge. But the prescription varies."

Did this resonate with you? Share it with someone who needs to hear this.

🌅 Daily Practice

🌅 Morning

Acknowledge the lineage: 'This wisdom comes through countless sages. I receive it gratefully and will honor it by putting it into practice.'

☀️ Daytime

When doubts arise, apply reason: 'Does this thought serve freedom or bondage? Is this identification with field or recognition as knower?' Use logic to clarify.

🌙 Evening

Contemplate the vastness of the tradition: 'Millions of seekers have walked this path before me. I am not alone. The same truth that liberated them is available to me.'

Common Questions

Do I need to study all these texts to understand what Krishna is teaching?
Not necessarily. Krishna's teaching in the Gita is complete in itself. The reference to other texts is for those who wish deeper scholarly engagement. For most seekers, the Gita, properly understood, is sufficient. However, studying traditional commentaries can enrich understanding.
If the truth can be established by reasoning, why do we need revelation (shruti)?
Reason operates within certain limits—it can only work with concepts the mind can grasp. The nature of the ultimate reality transcends conceptualization. Revelation (shruti) transmits the direct experience of enlightened seers. Reason validates and clarifies what revelation reveals; they work together.
With so many different versions and commentaries, how do I know what's correct?
The proof is in practice. Teachings that, when applied, lead to peace, clarity, and freedom are valid. The diversity of commentaries accommodates different temperaments. Find a traditional lineage that resonates with you and go deep rather than sampling superficially from many.