Gita 13.7
इच्छा द्वेष: सुखं दु:खं सङ्घातश्चेतना धृति: |
एतत्क्षेत्रं समासेन सविकारमुदाहृतम् || 7||
ichchhā dveṣhaḥ sukhaṁ duḥkhaṁ saṅghātaśh chetanā dhṛitiḥ
etat kṣhetraṁ samāsena sa-vikāram udāhṛitam
1. The Kṣhetra (Field of Activities)
Refers to the body and its associated faculties, but goes beyond the physical form.
It is the arena through which the soul experiences the world and strives toward self-realisation or material enjoyment.
2. Six Transformations of the Body
The body undergoes six stages of change:
- Asti – Coming into existence
- Jāyate – Birth
- Vardhate – Growth
- Viparinamate – Reproduction or transformation
- Apakṣhīyate – Withering or decline
- Vinaśhyati – Death
These stages show that the body is temporary and ever-changing.
3. Consciousness
Originates from the soul, not the body.
Like fire transferring heat to an iron rod, the soul imparts life and awareness to the body.
Consciousness is thus included as an essential trait of the kṣhetra.
4. Will (Determination)
A function of the intellect, energised by the soul.
Directs the body’s actions and focus.
Governed by the three guṇas (qualities):
Sattva (goodness)
Rajas (passion)
Tamas (ignorance)
These guṇas influence the strength and direction of the will, as elaborated in Gita verses 18.33–18.35.
5. Desire
A function of both mind and intellect.
Causes longing for people, objects, or situations.
Plays a central role in human motivation.
Two types of desires:
Material desires → Cause bondage
Spiritual desires → Lead to liberation
A self-realised soul replaces worldly desires with the desire for God.
6. Aversion
Mental and intellectual repulsion toward disagreeable entities.
Reflects the duality in human emotion—desire attracts, aversion repels.
Also part of the field of experience in the kṣhetra.
7. Happiness
Experienced in the mind when desires are fulfilled or through pleasant circumstances.
The soul mistakenly identifies with the mind and partakes in the sensation of happiness.
However, material happiness is temporary and cannot satisfy the soul’s true yearning.
True fulfilment comes from divine bliss.
8. Misery
Also experienced in the mind, in response to unpleasant or painful circumstances.
Reinforces the transitory and dualistic nature of the material field.
9. Purpose of the Kṣhetra
The field of activities is designed for the soul’s evolution toward knowledge and liberation.
Shree Krishna transitions from describing the field to enumerating the virtues necessary for attaining self-knowledge and realisation.
This sets the stage for the means to transcend the limitations of the field.
Gita 13.8 & 13.9
अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा क्षान्तिरार्जवम् |
आचार्योपासनं शौचं स्थैर्यमात्मविनिग्रह: || 8||
इन्द्रियार्थेषु वैराग्यमनहङ्कार एव च |
जन्ममृत्युजराव्याधिदु:खदोषानुदर्शनम् || 9||
amānitvam adambhitvam ahinsā kṣhāntir ārjavam
āchāryopāsanaṁ śhauchaṁ sthairyam ātma-vinigrahaḥ
indriyārtheṣhu vairāgyam anahankāra eva cha
janma-mṛityu-jarā-vyādhi-duḥkha-doṣhānudarśhanam
Spiritual knowledge of the kṣhetra (body) and kṣhetrajña (knower of the body) is not just intellectual—it demands inner transformation. Unlike theoretical or bookish learning, it requires the purification of the heart, meaning the mind and intellect must be cleansed and refined for true understanding.
Humbleness
Pride in personal attributes such as beauty, intellect, or strength distances us from God. These qualities are God-given, and taking personal credit for them contaminates the mind and becomes a major obstacle in the path of self-realisation.
Freedom from Hypocrisy
A hypocrite maintains a false external image of virtue while remaining flawed internally. Such a facade is hollow and insincere. True spiritual progress requires inner purity, not external show.
Non-violence
Spiritual knowledge requires respect for all living beings. Practising non-violence means not treating others in ways we would not want to be treated. It purifies our actions and supports inner growth.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is letting go of ill will, even toward those who have wronged us. Harbouring resentment harms us more than others. By forgiving, we cleanse our minds and foster spiritual development.
Simplicity
Simplicity involves honesty and straightforwardness in thought, speech, and actions. It includes the absence of deceit, envy, gossip, and pretentious behaviour, promoting purity and clarity in life.
Service of the Guru
The Guru is the medium for receiving divine knowledge. A disciple must serve the Guru with devotion and humility, creating the receptivity needed for wisdom to be imparted effectively.
Cleanliness of Body and Mind
Both internal and external cleanliness are essential. Physical cleanliness aids discipline, while mental cleanliness—achieved through focus on God—is key to spiritual purity.
Steadfastness
Spiritual progress demands persistence and patience. The journey to self-realisation takes time, and only those who consistently move forward without giving up reach the final goal.
Self-control
Self-control involves restraining the senses and mind from indulging in worldly pleasures. It conserves spiritual energy and keeps the intellect and personality from becoming dissipated.
Dispassion Toward Sense Objects
Dispassion goes beyond self-control. It is a genuine lack of interest in sensory pleasures. While self-control restrains by force, dispassion removes the desire itself, paving the way to God-realization.
Absence of Egotism
Egotism—rooted in the false identification with the body—blocks divine connection. Saints teach that only when the ego is dissolved can God enter the heart. In bhakti-yog, transforming “I” to “I am the servant of God” (dāsoham) naturally removes harmful pride and nurtures devotion.
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Bhagavad Gita [English]- 26.07.2025
