kṣetra-jñena - tathā - jñeyaṁ - kṣetraṁ - ca - yena - sarvam - yaṁ - yogena - vṛddhāṣṭena - pravivekṣya - pravocati

kṣetra-jñena (by the knower of the field) tathā (thus) jñeyaṁ (the knowable) kṣetraṁ (the field) ca (and) yena (by whom) sarvam (all) yaṁ (which) yogena (by yoga) vṛddhāṣṭena (the wise) pravivekṣya (having examined) pravocati (speaks)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is pivotal in understanding the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes that the kṣetra (field) and kṣetra-jña (knower of the field) are ultimately one. He argues that the distinction between the two is a product of avidyā (ignorance), and through the means of Yoga, one can realize the true nature of the self, which is none other than Brahman. This verse points to the Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is not separate from the ultimate reality. Shankara's reasoning on this verse is closely tied to his concept of māyā, where the illusory distinctions between the field and the knower are transcended, revealing the non-dual truth. In essence, this verse underscores the importance of self-inquiry and the direct experience of the ultimate reality, which is the core of Advaita Vedānta.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an affirmation of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gita, interprets the kṣetra-jña as the individual self, which is dependent on Īśvara for its existence and knowledge. The verse is understood to emphasize the importance of devotion and surrender to the Lord, who is the ultimate knower of the field. The means of Yoga, in this context, refer to the practice of bhakti, or loving devotion, which enables the individual to realize their true nature as a servant of the Lord. Rāmānujācārya's position on this verse highlights the significance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as the means to attain liberation and experience the loving grace of the Lord.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal application of this verse. He saw the kṣetra-jña as the symbol of the human potential, which can be realized through the means of Yoga. Vivekānanda understood Yoga as a broad term, encompassing not just physical postures but also mental discipline, self-inquiry, and service to others. This verse, in his view, points to the importance of integrating spiritual practices into daily life, recognizing the non-dual nature of reality, and cultivating a sense of universal compassion. In his speech at the World Parliament of Religions, Vivekānanda cited the Bhagavad Gita as an example of the universal message of Vedānta, which transcends sectarian boundaries and speaks to the human experience as a whole. This verse, in particular, resonates with his emphasis on the importance of self-awareness, self-discipline, and service to humanity, as the means to attain true fulfillment and liberation.

More from this source