Chapter 13: Kshetra-kshetrajna-vibhaga-yoga – Distinction between Object Field and its Knower / Verse 33

Explanation of verses 13.33 and 13.34 –

Krishna, in conclusion, gives two illustrations from the object world to explain how the Soul remains absolutely unaffected while bringing about the perception of the entire object-world.

Of the five elements, space is all-pervading due to its subtlety. Likewise, the Soul in our body is subtle and all-pervasive. The space, while hosting the tremendous activities of the Universe, never gets tainted by them. The Soul too, while allowing all the functions of the body-mind personality, never gets affected the least by them.

As the single Sun reveals the infinite variety of objects, the One Soul reveals all the forms and activities manifesting in Prakrti. The Soul’s spiritual brilliance is what enables the mind and intelligence to comprehend the objects.

The Soul also reveals the subtle inner pulsations like thought, emotion, knowledge, etc. It wakes you up from sleep, revealing your own presence and that of the world around. At the end of the day, the same Soul wipes off all wakeful impressions and puts you to sleep, making all objects extinct.

Sun’s brilliance is external, visual. The Soul’s is an inner spiritual splendour, revealing everything inside. Even the external objects perceived by the senses, will have to be revealed by the Soul to be known by us.

This is in full answer to Arjuna’s enquiry and need: How to fight the grandfather and teachers? The very thought evoked untold emotional turbulence and ethical resistance, which are creations of his mind and intelligence.

Krishna’s appeasing and enlightening revelations are such that, if absorbed, they will comfort the mind and enlighten the intelligence of one and all.