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== अध्यायसारः ॥ Summary of the Thirteenth Chapter ==

== अध्यायसारः ॥ Summary of the Thirteenth Chapter ==

Sri Krishna in this Chapter explains that the knowledge of the Field and the Knower of the Field constitutes true knowledge. He says, this body is the Field and the immortal atma, dwelling in the body, is the Knower of the Field. And it is none other than the Supreme Being who has projected Himself in form of Knower of the Field within the body. It is said that the knower of the Supreme Reality is instantly liberated. Thus, Lord Krishna explains the mystery of the individual atma dwelling within the mortal body. For, the Self is none other than the Supreme reality. So, though the main theme of the chapter is the immortal atma with its physical embodiment, it also describes the supreme transcendental reality, which is the eternal substratum. And this is the knowledge that constitutes the main subject matter of all the scriptures and the highest of philosophical works. For, it is this highest and the best knowledge that grants divine wisdom and spiritual illumination that leads to divine blessings.  

Sri Krishna in this Chapter explains that the knowledge of the Field and the Knower of the Field constitutes true knowledge. He says, this body is the Field and the immortal atma, dwelling in the body, is the Knower of the Field. And it is none other than the Supreme Being who has projected Himself in form of Knower of the Field within the body. It is said that the knower of the Supreme Reality is instantly liberated. Thus, Lord Krishna explains the mystery of the individual atma dwelling within the mortal body. For, the Self is none other than the Supreme reality. So, though the main theme of the chapter is the immortal atma with its physical embodiment, it also describes the supreme transcendental reality, which is the eternal substratum. And this is the knowledge that constitutes the main subject matter of all the scriptures and the highest of philosophical works. For, it is this highest and the best knowledge that grants divine wisdom and adhyatmik illumination that leads to divine blessings.  

The Chapter begins with a deliberation on the field (physical body) where it is said that the five elements, ahankara, mind, intellect and the ten organs, desire and aversion and such factors constitute the Field. It is followed by a summary of what constitutes true knowledge. Then is the declaration of the Supreme Atma, the knowledge of which grants us immortality. That Supreme Reality is described as the one universal Essence present everywhere; pervading everything. That Supreme reality shines within the inmost chambers of the heart, it is everything, it is the one seer, the witness, the guide, sustainer, experiencer and Lord of all. One who knows this mystery is not bound by activity even in the midst of life. When one perceives the presence of the Supreme in all beings, there will be no injury to any living being. Sri Krishna therefore, asks us to see and know the difference between the Field (body or Prakriti) and the Knower of the Field (Spirit or Purusha), inorder to reach the Self.<ref name=":0" />  

The Chapter begins with a deliberation on the field (physical body) where it is said that the five elements, ahankara, mind, intellect and the ten organs, desire and aversion and such factors constitute the Field. It is followed by a summary of what constitutes true knowledge. Then is the declaration of the Supreme Atma, the knowledge of which grants us immortality. That Supreme Reality is described as the one universal Essence present everywhere; pervading everything. That Supreme reality shines within the inmost chambers of the heart, it is everything, it is the one seer, the witness, the guide, sustainer, experiencer and Lord of all. One who knows this mystery is not bound by activity even in the midst of life. When one perceives the presence of the Supreme in all beings, there will be no injury to any living being. Sri Krishna therefore, asks us to see and know the difference between the Field (body or Prakriti) and the Knower of the Field (Spirit or Purusha), inorder to reach the Self.<ref name=":0" />