Bhagavad Gita- Chapter 13: The Body and the Master who resides within!
This is an humble attempt to simplify the message of Bhagavad Gita so that it can reach to many. Gita is an ocean of knowledge, a few drops have the power to change our lives.
Original Sanskrit shloka is followed by verbatim translation, and then a simplified version for better understanding.
Read along
Chapter 13: Verse 1 and Verse 2
13.1- C13V1:
Literal translation:
Arjun says- Hey Krishna
I want to understand the difference between Prakriti and Purusha. About Kshetra and Kshetragya. About Gyaan(Knowledge) and the purpose of such Knowledge.
This simply translates to the following:
I want to know what human Prakriti* and Purusha* are. I want to the know the difference between Kshetra*(you) and Kshetrajna*(~Soul), the different between Knowledge and the purpose of such knowledge.
*Krishna is yet define these words. He will do so later in the chapter.
13. 2- C13V2:
Krishna says:
Hey Arjun, This body is called as Kshetra and the one who has knowledge of this residence in this body is called as Kshetrajna. This has been told by people who know this truth.
13.3 C13V3
Literal Translation:
O Descendant of Bharat
I am the Kshetrajna(Soul) who resides in the Keshtra(body) of everyone. The one who knows this truth- the independent existence of the Kshetra(body) and Khestrajna(soul)- has TRUE knowledge!
I my submission… Says Krishna
It simply means:
I am the Soul who resides in everyone’s body. The one who knows this truth- the independent existence of body and soul- has acquired TRUE knowledge!
I my submission… Says Krishna
13.4 C13V4
Literal Translation:
Krishna Says
Now you listen to me, while I give you a short explanation of what ‘Kshetra’ is- how is it made, how does it get created, how changes take place in it. I will tell you who know about this Kshetra, and what are the effects of that.
It simply means:
Krishna tells Arjun
Let me tell you in brief, of what your Body actually is. How is it created, what it is made of, how does changes take place within it. And of course, I will tell you about with Soul within, and what difference does it make!
13.5 C13V5
Literal Translation:
This knowledge been talked about by the Sages(Rishis) in form of various and different mantra contained in the Vedas. This knowledge is contained in Brahma Sutra with all its arguments.
It simply means:
This knowledge comes from the Vedas. These knowledge has been disseminated by the enlightened Sages in form of Mantras.
13.6 & 13.7
Literal Translation:
The 5 elements(Sky, Earth, Water, Air, Fire), Ego, Wisdom, and that which can’t be described. The 11 Senses and the 5 types of sensory cravings: Desire, Aversion, Happiness, Misery, the tendency to collect memories and thought, Consciousness, Will- all these make up the Khestra and its inner workings.
It simply means:
We are made of:
The 5 Elements- Sky, Earth, Water, Air, Space, Ego, Intellect
& ‘something that which can’t be described’
We are commanded by our 11 Senses. These are
- The 5 Sensory faculties (Buddhi Indriyan)- 1. Eyes 2. Nose 3. Ears 4. Skin 5. Mouth
- The 5 Motor Faculties (Karma Indriyan)- 6. Hand 7. Legs 8. Anus 9. Penis 10. Speech Organs
- 11. Mind (Manas)- Ubhaya Indriya — the one which have both buddi and Karma indriya
These senses have 5 types of cravings:
1. Desire, 2. Aversion, 3. Happiness, 4 .Misery, 5. Collection of Sensory Data
Along with this our Consciousness & our Will make up the Kshetra and are the drivers of its inner functionings.
