kṣetra-jñaṁ cāpi māṁ viddhi sarva-kṣetreṣu bhūta-sachin | na tad asti vinaa yena hi sarvaṁ jagatāṁ vyāptam || 12 ||
“Know Me, the Knower of the fields, to be existent in all fields, and that there is no existence of the entire world without Me.”
Structure
kṣetra-jñaṁ ca api māṁ viddhi sarva-kṣetreṣu bhūta-sachin | na tat asti vinaa yena hi sarvaṁ jagatāṁ vyāptam
kṣetra-jñaṁ (the knower of the field) ca (and) api (also) māṁ (Me) viddhi (know) sarva-kṣetreṣu (in all fields) bhūta-sachin (the consciousness that pervades all existence); na (not) tat (that) asti (exists) vinaa (without) yena (which) hi (indeed) sarvaṁ (the entire) jagatāṁ (of the world) vyāptam (pervades)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kṣetra-jñaṁ | kṣetra-jñam | compound | bahuvrīhi · "kṣetra-jñaḥ" | one who knows the field |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| māṁ | mām | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | me |
| viddhi | viddhi | verb | √vid · liṅ-optative · second | know |
| sarva-kṣetreṣu | sarva-kṣetreṣu | compound | tatpuruṣa · "sarva-kṣetra" | in all fields |
| bhūta-sachin | bhūta-sacin | compound | bahuvrīhi · "bhūtānāṁ sacin" | the living and the unchanging |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tat | tat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | that |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | is |
| vinaa | vina | indeclinable | — | without |
| yena | yena | pronoun | ablative · singular · masculine | by whom |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for |
| sarvaṁ | sarvam | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | all |
| jagatāṁ | jagatām | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the worlds |
| vyāptam | vyāptam | verb | √vyāp · past participle | pervaded |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, affirming that the kṣetra-jña, the knower of the field, is existent in all fields. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this as an affirmation of the ultimate identity between the individual self (ātman) and the supreme reality (brahman). The phrase 'na tad asti vinaa yena hi sarvaṁ jagatāṁ vyāptam' suggests that nothing exists without the presence of this ultimate reality, reinforcing the idea that the universe is an undivided whole, with the ātman and brahman being one and the same. This understanding points to the realization that all distinctions, including the one between the individual and the divine, are mere illusions.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation, emphasizes the concept of 'viśiṣṭādvaita' or qualified non-dualism, where the jīva, though distinct from Īśvara, is inseparable from Him. The verse highlights the all-pervading nature of the divine, suggesting that every existence is imbued with the presence of the lord. This understanding fosters a deep sense of devotion and dependence on Īśvara, recognizing that all existence is sustained by His presence. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse through the lens of 'dvaita' or dualism, emphasizing the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, yet affirming the absolute dependence of the former on the latter.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, when viewed through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, offers a profound message of universality and interconnectedness. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. He might interpret this verse as a call to recognize the divine in all aspects of existence, fostering a sense of unity and compassion among all beings. S. Radhakrishnan, in a similar vein, would likely focus on the philosophical implications of this verse, highlighting the concept of the 'universal self' that underlies all existence. This understanding has direct applications in contemporary life, encouraging individuals to transcend barriers of religion, caste, and creed, and to work towards a more harmonious and inclusive society. By recognizing the all-pervading presence of the divine, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and cooperation, leading to a more peaceful and progressive world.