prakṛtiṁ puruṣaṁ caiva kṣetraṁ kṣetrajñaṁ eva ca.
“The knowable field, the knower of the field, and both Nature and the Self.”
Structure
prakṛtiṁ puruṣaṁ ca eva kṣetraṁ kṣetrajñaṁ ca eva
prakṛtiṁ (nature) ca (and) puruṣaṁ (the puruṣa) eva (indeed) kṣetraṁ (the field) kṣetrajñaṁ (the knower of the field) ca (and) eva (also)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| prakṛtiṁ | prakṛtiṁ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | nature |
| puruṣaṁ | puruṣaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | purusha, the living being |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| kṣetraṁ | kṣetraṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | field |
| kṣetrajñaṁ | kṣetrajñaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | one who knows the field |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'prakṛtiṁ puruṣaṁ caiva kṣetraṁ kṣetrajñaṁ eva ca' underscores the fundamental distinction and ultimate non-duality between the knowable field (prakṛti) and the knower of the field (kṣetrajña), which is the puruṣa or the Self. According to Shankara's commentary on this verse, this distinction highlights the ultimate reality of Brahman, which is both the material and efficient cause of the universe. The Self (ātman) is not distinct from Brahman but is the very essence of it. This verse, in essence, points to the identity of brahman-ātman, emphasizing that the ultimate reality is the unchanging, all-pervading Brahman. Shankara, in his Brahma Sutra Bhashya, further elucidates this concept by explaining that the knowledge of the field and its knower is a means to understand the ultimate non-dual reality, leading to liberation. This understanding resonates with Shankara's philosophy that the world is an illusion (māyā), and the realization of the Self is the path to mokṣa.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta interprets this verse as emphasizing the body-soul analogy, where the body (kṣetra) is the field, and the soul (kṣetrajña) is the knower of the field. The relationship between prakṛti and puruṣa is seen as one of dependence, where the individual self (jīva) is dependent on the Supreme Lord (Īśvara) for its existence and liberation. Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedānta, on the other hand, sees this verse as emphasizing the real distinction between the individual self and the Supreme Lord, with the latter being the ultimate reality and goal of human existence. For Ramanuja, the knowledge of the field and its knower is a means to understand the nature of the relationship between the individual self and the Supreme Lord, leading to devotion and ultimately, liberation. This devotional reading emphasizes the role of bhakti in achieving mokṣa.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse is often seen as a call to explore the human condition and the nature of reality. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, emphasized the importance of understanding the distinction between the knowable field (prakṛti) and the knower of the field (kṣetrajña) as a means to achieve self-realization. He saw this verse as an invitation to introspection and the pursuit of knowledge, leading to the realization of one's true nature. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, further emphasized the universal and practical application of this verse, seeing it as a means to understand the human condition and the nature of reality. For Radhakrishnan, the knowledge of the field and its knower is a means to understand the ultimate reality, which is not just a philosophical concept but a lived experience. This understanding can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life, where the individual can realize their true potential and contribute to the betterment of society. In contemporary life, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of introspection, self-awareness, and the pursuit of knowledge in achieving personal growth and fulfillment.