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Chapter 13 · Nature, the Enjoyer and Consciousness · 35 verses

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Soul & knowledgeChapter 13 · Nature, the Enjoyer and Consciousness
13.413.6

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 13.5

The body, its knower and the field of knowledge

ऋषिभिर्बहुधा गीतं छन्दोभिर्विविधै: पृथक् ।

ब्रह्मसूत्रपदैश्चैव हेतुमद्भ‍िर्विनिश्चितै: ॥ ५ ॥

ṛṣibhir bahudhā gītaṁ

chandobhir vividhaiḥ pṛthak

brahma-sūtra-padaiś caiva

hetumadbhir viniścitaiḥ

Translation

That knowledge of the field of activities and of the knower of activities is described by various sages in various Vedic writings. It is especially presented in Vedānta-sūtra with all reasoning as to cause and effect.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
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Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

Knowledge from Vedic Authorities

  1. 1Sages explain the field of activities and its knower in Vedic writings, especially Vedānta-sūtra, with reasoning about cause and effect.
  2. 2Prabhupāda explains that the Supreme Lord is the supreme knower of the field, while the individual soul is a subordinate knower.
  3. 3Seek to enjoy in harmony with the Supreme Lord, who is full of joy. Prabhupāda says this brings the living being to perfection.

Where we are

In the story

Chapter 13, Nature, the Enjoyer and Consciousness: the body, its knower and the field of knowledge.

What it teaches

Theme summary

Discern the eternal self from the temporary.

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Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: ātmā, jñāna.

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Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 13.5 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to soul & knowledge?

Practice

Spend five minutes reflecting on what in you does not change.

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Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 13.1The body, its knower and the field of knowledgeBG 13.2The body, its knower and the field of knowledgeBG 2.13The self endures bodily changeBG 4.34The humility of real inquiry

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

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Ask about BG 13.5 — get a simple answer linked to related ideas and verses.

Back to step 3The key ideasNext · Step 5 of 7 · 5 minLive the teachingsBring it into your day with a practice and a question, straight from Prabhupāda's purports.