JNANA-CHAKSHU (13.27 – 13.35)

Text 13.35

A one verse chapter summary

THEME: Seeing with the eyes of knowledge, the following things, one attains the Supreme Goal

The difference between the body and the knower of the bod
The process of liberation from bondage in material nature

Learnings from Purport 13.35

(a) Purport of Chapter 13

One should know the distinction between the body, owner and the Supersoul
Recognize the process of liberation as per Texts 13.8 – 13.12
Then one can go to the Supreme destination

(b) How the process works

Faithful person should have some good association
Hearing in good association
Accepts a spiritual master
Know the difference between body and matter as the stepping stone for further realisation
Analyze the body with twenty-four elements
Then analyze soul and Supersoul as separate

(c) Conclusion and Suggestion

These things are meant for contemplation and for realization
Have a complete understanding of this chapter with the help of the spiritual master

SUMMARISED THEME 13C

THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE

One sees all moving and non-moving as a combination of the field and knower of the field

(a) Consciousness is the proof of presence of soul – e.g. Sunshine is the proof of sun

Consciousness is not a product of a combination of matter – Because

When soul leaves there is no more consciousness

(b) Difference between “Supreme consciousness” and “individual consciousness”

Living entity is only conscious of one body, although he is qualitative one with the Supreme
Supersoul is conscious of all bodies

Text 13.35

A one verse chapter summary

THEME: Seeing with the eyes of knowledge, the following things, one attains the Supreme Goal

The difference between the body and the knower of the bod
The process of liberation from bondage in material nature

Learnings from Purport 13.35

(a) Purport of Chapter 13

One should know the distinction between the body, owner and the Supersoul
Recognize the process of liberation as per Texts 13.8 – 13.12
Then one can go to the Supreme destination

(b) How the process works

Faithful person should have some good association
Hearing in good association
Accepts a spiritual master
Know the difference between body and matter as the stepping stone for further realisation
Analyze the body with twenty-four elements
Then analyze soul and Supersoul as separate

(c) Conclusion and Suggestion

These things are meant for contemplation and for realization
Have a complete understanding of this chapter with the help of the spiritual master

SUMMARISED THEME 13C

THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE

One sees all moving and non-moving as a combination of the field and knower of the field

(a) A sensible man ceases to see different identities due to different material bodies

Thus absence of any material differentiation because of different bodies

(b) Sees how beings are expanded everywhere, and thus attains to the “Brahman conception”

Purified consciousness can thus develop Krishna consciousness

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 13.29 – 13.31 :

One should be neither disturbed, nor envious. He must act properly and see the Supersoul – The ultimate sanctioning agent – present in all beings (13.29)
Text 13.30 explains further the knowledge given in Text 13.21: “I, the soul, am the cause of various sufferings and enjoyments, but I do nothing; only material nature acts.” For the purpose of engendering humility, it is stressed herein that the individual soul does nothing (13.30)
All bodies must one day cease to exist. Therefore, when we see many different individuals, we should stop seeing them as their fields of activity; the ksetra-jna—both the soul and the Supersoul—have nothing to do with matter. That is Brahman vision. (13.31)

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.31 & 13.32: What does a person with Brahman vision see?

Text 13.32

THEME: Vision of eternity is further explained – One can see that the soul never mixes with the body

Imperishable soul is transcendental, eternal and beyond the modes
Despite contact with material body, the soul neither does anything nor is entangled
This fact is explained by two analogies in Texts 13.33 – 13.34

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.32 & 13.33:

QUESTION: Krishna states clearly in Text 13.32 that only the body changes. The soul is eternal and changeless. As the soul is nevertheless within the body, does he combine with it?

ANSWER: Krishna answers in Text 13.33 by saying that matter and spirit do not mix. He explains this with two analogies in Text 13.33 and 13.34 respectively

Text 13.33

THEME: 1st Analogy – Like the sky (because of its subtle nature) does not mix with anything, although it is all pervading; similarly the soul in Brahman vision does not mix with the body, though situated in the body

e.g. Air enters mud, stool, water but does not mix with anything
Similarly the living entity is situated in varieties of bodies but remains aloof
Scientists cannot ascertain this

Text 13.34

THEME: 2nd Analogy -As the sun alone illuminates all this universe, similarly the living entity illuminates the entire body by consciousness.

Learnings from Purport 13.34

(a) Consciousness is the proof of presence of soul – e.g. Sunshine is the proof of sun

Consciousness is not a product of a combination of matter – Because

When soul leaves there is no more consciousness

(b) Difference between “Supreme consciousness” and “individual consciousness”

Living entity is only conscious of one body, although he is qualitative one with the Supreme
Supersoul is conscious of all bodies

Text 13.35

A one verse chapter summary

THEME: Seeing with the eyes of knowledge, the following things, one attains the Supreme Goal

The difference between the body and the knower of the bod
The process of liberation from bondage in material nature

Learnings from Purport 13.35

(a) Purport of Chapter 13

One should know the distinction between the body, owner and the Supersoul
Recognize the process of liberation as per Texts 13.8 – 13.12
Then one can go to the Supreme destination

(b) How the process works

Faithful person should have some good association
Hearing in good association
Accepts a spiritual master
Know the difference between body and matter as the stepping stone for further realisation
Analyze the body with twenty-four elements
Then analyze soul and Supersoul as separate

(c) Conclusion and Suggestion

These things are meant for contemplation and for realization
Have a complete understanding of this chapter with the help of the spiritual master

SUMMARISED THEME 13C

THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE

One sees all moving and non-moving as a combination of the field and knower of the field

(a) A sensible man ceases to see different identities due to different material bodies

Thus absence of any material differentiation because of different bodies

(b) Sees how beings are expanded everywhere, and thus attains to the “Brahman conception”

Purified consciousness can thus develop Krishna consciousness

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 13.29 – 13.31 :

One should be neither disturbed, nor envious. He must act properly and see the Supersoul – The ultimate sanctioning agent – present in all beings (13.29)
Text 13.30 explains further the knowledge given in Text 13.21: “I, the soul, am the cause of various sufferings and enjoyments, but I do nothing; only material nature acts.” For the purpose of engendering humility, it is stressed herein that the individual soul does nothing (13.30)
All bodies must one day cease to exist. Therefore, when we see many different individuals, we should stop seeing them as their fields of activity; the ksetra-jna—both the soul and the Supersoul—have nothing to do with matter. That is Brahman vision. (13.31)

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.31 & 13.32: What does a person with Brahman vision see?

Text 13.32

THEME: Vision of eternity is further explained – One can see that the soul never mixes with the body

Imperishable soul is transcendental, eternal and beyond the modes
Despite contact with material body, the soul neither does anything nor is entangled
This fact is explained by two analogies in Texts 13.33 – 13.34

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.32 & 13.33:

QUESTION: Krishna states clearly in Text 13.32 that only the body changes. The soul is eternal and changeless. As the soul is nevertheless within the body, does he combine with it?

ANSWER: Krishna answers in Text 13.33 by saying that matter and spirit do not mix. He explains this with two analogies in Text 13.33 and 13.34 respectively

Text 13.33

e.g. Air enters mud, stool, water but does not mix with anything
Similarly the living entity is situated in varieties of bodies but remains aloof
Scientists cannot ascertain this

Text 13.34

THEME: 2nd Analogy -As the sun alone illuminates all this universe, similarly the living entity illuminates the entire body by consciousness.

Learnings from Purport 13.34

(a) Consciousness is the proof of presence of soul – e.g. Sunshine is the proof of sun

Consciousness is not a product of a combination of matter – Because

When soul leaves there is no more consciousness

(b) Difference between “Supreme consciousness” and “individual consciousness”

Living entity is only conscious of one body, although he is qualitative one with the Supreme
Supersoul is conscious of all bodies

Text 13.35

A one verse chapter summary

THEME: Seeing with the eyes of knowledge, the following things, one attains the Supreme Goal

The difference between the body and the knower of the bod
The process of liberation from bondage in material nature

Learnings from Purport 13.35

(a) Purport of Chapter 13

One should know the distinction between the body, owner and the Supersoul
Recognize the process of liberation as per Texts 13.8 – 13.12
Then one can go to the Supreme destination

(b) How the process works

Faithful person should have some good association
Hearing in good association
Accepts a spiritual master
Know the difference between body and matter as the stepping stone for further realisation
Analyze the body with twenty-four elements
Then analyze soul and Supersoul as separate

(c) Conclusion and Suggestion

These things are meant for contemplation and for realization
Have a complete understanding of this chapter with the help of the spiritual master

SUMMARISED THEME 13C

THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE

One sees all moving and non-moving as a combination of the field and knower of the field

(a) Current situation of living entity – One has situated himself differently than in spiritual world.

(b) Role of mind – Mind is generally addicted to sense gratification; When the mind turns to the Supersoul, one becomes advanced.

Text 13.30

THEME: Further describes the man who “actually sees” in real knowledge
1. He sees that “Neither he nor others are acting”

2. All activities are performed by the body, which is created by material nature (purport)

Body (like a machine) is given by the Lord according to past desires and karma
All acts are forced according to bodily constitution
Soul is outside bodily activities

Text 13.31

THEME: Only the body acts – Living entity is distinct from the field of activities.

Learnings from Purport 13.31

(a) A sensible man ceases to see different identities due to different material bodies

Thus absence of any material differentiation because of different bodies

(b) Sees how beings are expanded everywhere, and thus attains to the “Brahman conception”

Purified consciousness can thus develop Krishna consciousness

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 13.29 – 13.31 :

One should be neither disturbed, nor envious. He must act properly and see the Supersoul – The ultimate sanctioning agent – present in all beings (13.29)
Text 13.30 explains further the knowledge given in Text 13.21: “I, the soul, am the cause of various sufferings and enjoyments, but I do nothing; only material nature acts.” For the purpose of engendering humility, it is stressed herein that the individual soul does nothing (13.30)
All bodies must one day cease to exist. Therefore, when we see many different individuals, we should stop seeing them as their fields of activity; the ksetra-jna—both the soul and the Supersoul—have nothing to do with matter. That is Brahman vision. (13.31)

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.31 & 13.32: What does a person with Brahman vision see?

Text 13.32

THEME: Vision of eternity is further explained – One can see that the soul never mixes with the body

Imperishable soul is transcendental, eternal and beyond the modes
Despite contact with material body, the soul neither does anything nor is entangled
This fact is explained by two analogies in Texts 13.33 – 13.34

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.32 & 13.33:

QUESTION: Krishna states clearly in Text 13.32 that only the body changes. The soul is eternal and changeless. As the soul is nevertheless within the body, does he combine with it?

ANSWER: Krishna answers in Text 13.33 by saying that matter and spirit do not mix. He explains this with two analogies in Text 13.33 and 13.34 respectively

Text 13.33

e.g. Air enters mud, stool, water but does not mix with anything
Similarly the living entity is situated in varieties of bodies but remains aloof
Scientists cannot ascertain this

Text 13.34

THEME: 2nd Analogy -As the sun alone illuminates all this universe, similarly the living entity illuminates the entire body by consciousness.

Learnings from Purport 13.34

(a) Consciousness is the proof of presence of soul – e.g. Sunshine is the proof of sun

Consciousness is not a product of a combination of matter – Because

When soul leaves there is no more consciousness

(b) Difference between “Supreme consciousness” and “individual consciousness”

Living entity is only conscious of one body, although he is qualitative one with the Supreme
Supersoul is conscious of all bodies

Text 13.35

A one verse chapter summary

THEME: Seeing with the eyes of knowledge, the following things, one attains the Supreme Goal

The difference between the body and the knower of the bod
The process of liberation from bondage in material nature

Learnings from Purport 13.35

(a) Purport of Chapter 13

One should know the distinction between the body, owner and the Supersoul
Recognize the process of liberation as per Texts 13.8 – 13.12
Then one can go to the Supreme destination

(b) How the process works

Faithful person should have some good association
Hearing in good association
Accepts a spiritual master
Know the difference between body and matter as the stepping stone for further realisation
Analyze the body with twenty-four elements
Then analyze soul and Supersoul as separate

(c) Conclusion and Suggestion

These things are meant for contemplation and for realization
Have a complete understanding of this chapter with the help of the spiritual master

SUMMARISED THEME 13C

THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE

One sees all moving and non-moving as a combination of the field and knower of the field

(a) Current situation of living entity – One has situated himself differently than in spiritual world.

(b) Role of mind – Mind is generally addicted to sense gratification; When the mind turns to the Supersoul, one becomes advanced.

Text 13.30

THEME: Further describes the man who “actually sees” in real knowledge
1. He sees that “Neither he nor others are acting”

2. All activities are performed by the body, which is created by material nature (purport)

Body (like a machine) is given by the Lord according to past desires and karma
All acts are forced according to bodily constitution
Soul is outside bodily activities

Text 13.31

THEME: Only the body acts – Living entity is distinct from the field of activities.

Learnings from Purport 13.31

(a) A sensible man ceases to see different identities due to different material bodies

Thus absence of any material differentiation because of different bodies

(b) Sees how beings are expanded everywhere, and thus attains to the “Brahman conception”

Purified consciousness can thus develop Krishna consciousness

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 13.29 – 13.31 :

One should be neither disturbed, nor envious. He must act properly and see the Supersoul – The ultimate sanctioning agent – present in all beings (13.29)
Text 13.30 explains further the knowledge given in Text 13.21: “I, the soul, am the cause of various sufferings and enjoyments, but I do nothing; only material nature acts.” For the purpose of engendering humility, it is stressed herein that the individual soul does nothing (13.30)
All bodies must one day cease to exist. Therefore, when we see many different individuals, we should stop seeing them as their fields of activity; the ksetra-jna—both the soul and the Supersoul—have nothing to do with matter. That is Brahman vision. (13.31)

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.31 & 13.32: What does a person with Brahman vision see?

Text 13.32

THEME: Vision of eternity is further explained – One can see that the soul never mixes with the body

Imperishable soul is transcendental, eternal and beyond the modes
Despite contact with material body, the soul neither does anything nor is entangled
This fact is explained by two analogies in Texts 13.33 – 13.34

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.32 & 13.33:

QUESTION: Krishna states clearly in Text 13.32 that only the body changes. The soul is eternal and changeless. As the soul is nevertheless within the body, does he combine with it?

ANSWER: Krishna answers in Text 13.33 by saying that matter and spirit do not mix. He explains this with two analogies in Text 13.33 and 13.34 respectively

Text 13.33

e.g. Air enters mud, stool, water but does not mix with anything
Similarly the living entity is situated in varieties of bodies but remains aloof
Scientists cannot ascertain this

Text 13.34

THEME: 2nd Analogy -As the sun alone illuminates all this universe, similarly the living entity illuminates the entire body by consciousness.

Learnings from Purport 13.34

(a) Consciousness is the proof of presence of soul – e.g. Sunshine is the proof of sun

Consciousness is not a product of a combination of matter – Because

When soul leaves there is no more consciousness

(b) Difference between “Supreme consciousness” and “individual consciousness”

Living entity is only conscious of one body, although he is qualitative one with the Supreme
Supersoul is conscious of all bodies

Text 13.35

A one verse chapter summary

THEME: Seeing with the eyes of knowledge, the following things, one attains the Supreme Goal

The difference between the body and the knower of the bod
The process of liberation from bondage in material nature

Learnings from Purport 13.35

(a) Purport of Chapter 13

One should know the distinction between the body, owner and the Supersoul
Recognize the process of liberation as per Texts 13.8 – 13.12
Then one can go to the Supreme destination

(b) How the process works

Faithful person should have some good association
Hearing in good association
Accepts a spiritual master
Know the difference between body and matter as the stepping stone for further realisation
Analyze the body with twenty-four elements
Then analyze soul and Supersoul as separate

(c) Conclusion and Suggestion

These things are meant for contemplation and for realization
Have a complete understanding of this chapter with the help of the spiritual master

SUMMARISED THEME 13C

THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE

One sees all moving and non-moving as a combination of the field and knower of the field

(a) Explains the man in real knowledge – To see the three things i.e. the body, its proprietor and the Supersoul as the friend of the soul, in their proper perspective

(b) How such vision is possible – By good association with real knower of spiritual subjects

(c) Two meanings of “paramesvara”

Maybe used for individual soul because he is the master of the body and remains unaffected with the destruction of the body
Also refers to Supersoul – In any case both the soul and the Supersoul are indestructible

Text 13.29

THEME: Thus seeing in proper knowledge, one does not degrade himself by pursuing selfish desires of the mind; but one approaches the transcendental destination.

Learnings from Purport 13.29

(a) Current situation of living entity – One has situated himself differently than in spiritual world.

(b) Role of mind – Mind is generally addicted to sense gratification; When the mind turns to the Supersoul, one becomes advanced.

Text 13.30

THEME: Further describes the man who “actually sees” in real knowledge
1. He sees that “Neither he nor others are acting”

2. All activities are performed by the body, which is created by material nature (purport)

Body (like a machine) is given by the Lord according to past desires and karma
All acts are forced according to bodily constitution
Soul is outside bodily activities

Text 13.31

THEME: Only the body acts – Living entity is distinct from the field of activities.

Learnings from Purport 13.31

(a) A sensible man ceases to see different identities due to different material bodies

Thus absence of any material differentiation because of different bodies

(b) Sees how beings are expanded everywhere, and thus attains to the “Brahman conception”

Purified consciousness can thus develop Krishna consciousness

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 13.29 – 13.31 :

One should be neither disturbed, nor envious. He must act properly and see the Supersoul – The ultimate sanctioning agent – present in all beings (13.29)
Text 13.30 explains further the knowledge given in Text 13.21: “I, the soul, am the cause of various sufferings and enjoyments, but I do nothing; only material nature acts.” For the purpose of engendering humility, it is stressed herein that the individual soul does nothing (13.30)
All bodies must one day cease to exist. Therefore, when we see many different individuals, we should stop seeing them as their fields of activity; the ksetra-jna—both the soul and the Supersoul—have nothing to do with matter. That is Brahman vision. (13.31)

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.31 & 13.32: What does a person with Brahman vision see?

Text 13.32

THEME: Vision of eternity is further explained – One can see that the soul never mixes with the body

Imperishable soul is transcendental, eternal and beyond the modes
Despite contact with material body, the soul neither does anything nor is entangled
This fact is explained by two analogies in Texts 13.33 – 13.34

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.32 & 13.33:

QUESTION: Krishna states clearly in Text 13.32 that only the body changes. The soul is eternal and changeless. As the soul is nevertheless within the body, does he combine with it?

ANSWER: Krishna answers in Text 13.33 by saying that matter and spirit do not mix. He explains this with two analogies in Text 13.33 and 13.34 respectively

Text 13.33

e.g. Air enters mud, stool, water but does not mix with anything
Similarly the living entity is situated in varieties of bodies but remains aloof
Scientists cannot ascertain this

Text 13.34

THEME: 2nd Analogy -As the sun alone illuminates all this universe, similarly the living entity illuminates the entire body by consciousness.

Learnings from Purport 13.34

(a) Consciousness is the proof of presence of soul – e.g. Sunshine is the proof of sun

Consciousness is not a product of a combination of matter – Because

When soul leaves there is no more consciousness

(b) Difference between “Supreme consciousness” and “individual consciousness”

Living entity is only conscious of one body, although he is qualitative one with the Supreme
Supersoul is conscious of all bodies

Text 13.35

A one verse chapter summary

THEME: Seeing with the eyes of knowledge, the following things, one attains the Supreme Goal

The difference between the body and the knower of the bod
The process of liberation from bondage in material nature

Learnings from Purport 13.35

(a) Purport of Chapter 13

One should know the distinction between the body, owner and the Supersoul
Recognize the process of liberation as per Texts 13.8 – 13.12
Then one can go to the Supreme destination

(b) How the process works

Faithful person should have some good association
Hearing in good association
Accepts a spiritual master
Know the difference between body and matter as the stepping stone for further realisation
Analyze the body with twenty-four elements
Then analyze soul and Supersoul as separate

(c) Conclusion and Suggestion

These things are meant for contemplation and for realization
Have a complete understanding of this chapter with the help of the spiritual master

SUMMARISED THEME 13C

THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE

One sees all moving and non-moving as a combination of the field and knower of the field

(a) Explains the man in real knowledge – To see the three things i.e. the body, its proprietor and the Supersoul as the friend of the soul, in their proper perspective

(b) How such vision is possible – By good association with real knower of spiritual subjects

(c) Two meanings of “paramesvara”

Maybe used for individual soul because he is the master of the body and remains unaffected with the destruction of the body
Also refers to Supersoul – In any case both the soul and the Supersoul are indestructible

Text 13.29

THEME: Thus seeing in proper knowledge, one does not degrade himself by pursuing selfish desires of the mind; but one approaches the transcendental destination.

Learnings from Purport 13.29

(a) Current situation of living entity – One has situated himself differently than in spiritual world.

(b) Role of mind – Mind is generally addicted to sense gratification; When the mind turns to the Supersoul, one becomes advanced.

Text 13.30

THEME: Further describes the man who “actually sees” in real knowledge
1. He sees that “Neither he nor others are acting”

2. All activities are performed by the body, which is created by material nature (purport)

Body (like a machine) is given by the Lord according to past desires and karma
All acts are forced according to bodily constitution
Soul is outside bodily activities

Text 13.31

THEME: Only the body acts – Living entity is distinct from the field of activities.

Learnings from Purport 13.31

(a) A sensible man ceases to see different identities due to different material bodies

Thus absence of any material differentiation because of different bodies

(b) Sees how beings are expanded everywhere, and thus attains to the “Brahman conception”

Purified consciousness can thus develop Krishna consciousness

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 13.29 – 13.31 :

One should be neither disturbed, nor envious. He must act properly and see the Supersoul – The ultimate sanctioning agent – present in all beings (13.29)
Text 13.30 explains further the knowledge given in Text 13.21: “I, the soul, am the cause of various sufferings and enjoyments, but I do nothing; only material nature acts.” For the purpose of engendering humility, it is stressed herein that the individual soul does nothing (13.30)
All bodies must one day cease to exist. Therefore, when we see many different individuals, we should stop seeing them as their fields of activity; the ksetra-jna—both the soul and the Supersoul—have nothing to do with matter. That is Brahman vision. (13.31)

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.31 & 13.32: What does a person with Brahman vision see?

Text 13.32

THEME: Vision of eternity is further explained – One can see that the soul never mixes with the body

Imperishable soul is transcendental, eternal and beyond the modes
Despite contact with material body, the soul neither does anything nor is entangled
This fact is explained by two analogies in Texts 13.33 – 13.34

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.32 & 13.33:

QUESTION: Krishna states clearly in Text 13.32 that only the body changes. The soul is eternal and changeless. As the soul is nevertheless within the body, does he combine with it?

ANSWER: Krishna answers in Text 13.33 by saying that matter and spirit do not mix. He explains this with two analogies in Text 13.33 and 13.34 respectively

Text 13.33

e.g. Air enters mud, stool, water but does not mix with anything
Similarly the living entity is situated in varieties of bodies but remains aloof
Scientists cannot ascertain this

Text 13.34

THEME: 2nd Analogy -As the sun alone illuminates all this universe, similarly the living entity illuminates the entire body by consciousness.

Learnings from Purport 13.34

(a) Consciousness is the proof of presence of soul – e.g. Sunshine is the proof of sun

Consciousness is not a product of a combination of matter – Because

When soul leaves there is no more consciousness

(b) Difference between “Supreme consciousness” and “individual consciousness”

Living entity is only conscious of one body, although he is qualitative one with the Supreme
Supersoul is conscious of all bodies

Text 13.35

A one verse chapter summary

THEME: Seeing with the eyes of knowledge, the following things, one attains the Supreme Goal

The difference between the body and the knower of the bod
The process of liberation from bondage in material nature

Learnings from Purport 13.35

(a) Purport of Chapter 13

One should know the distinction between the body, owner and the Supersoul
Recognize the process of liberation as per Texts 13.8 – 13.12
Then one can go to the Supreme destination

(b) How the process works

Faithful person should have some good association
Hearing in good association
Accepts a spiritual master
Know the difference between body and matter as the stepping stone for further realisation
Analyze the body with twenty-four elements
Then analyze soul and Supersoul as separate

(c) Conclusion and Suggestion

These things are meant for contemplation and for realization
Have a complete understanding of this chapter with the help of the spiritual master

SUMMARISED THEME 13C

THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE

One sees all moving and non-moving as a combination of the field and knower of the field

JNANA-CHAKSHU: THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE (13.27-13.35)

LINK WITH PREVIOUS SECTION : In this chapter, the Lord described how to understand the position of prakriti, purusa, ksetra, ksetra-jna, jnana and jneyan. Now He will describe the vision of one who can understand them in the proper perspective.

Text 13.27

THEME: Realised person can distinguish between spirit and matter in all circumstances

Whatever one sees in material existence, moving or non-moving is only a combination of the field of
activities and the knower of the field

This verse explains that all species are a combination of material nature and living entity (purport)
Combination is effected by the Supreme Lord, controller of both, Superior and inferior energies

Text 13.28

THEME: One who sees the indestructible Supersoul always accompanying the indestructible individual soul in all bodies, is the “actual seer”.

Learnings from Purport 13.28

(a) Explains the man in real knowledge – To see the three things i.e. the body, its proprietor and the Supersoul as the friend of the soul, in their proper perspective

(b) How such vision is possible – By good association with real knower of spiritual subjects

(c) Two meanings of “paramesvara”

Maybe used for individual soul because he is the master of the body and remains unaffected with the destruction of the body
Also refers to Supersoul – In any case both the soul and the Supersoul are indestructible

Text 13.29

THEME: Thus seeing in proper knowledge, one does not degrade himself by pursuing selfish desires of the mind; but one approaches the transcendental destination.

Learnings from Purport 13.29

(a) Current situation of living entity – One has situated himself differently than in spiritual world.

(b) Role of mind – Mind is generally addicted to sense gratification; When the mind turns to the Supersoul, one becomes advanced.

Text 13.30

THEME: Further describes the man who “actually sees” in real knowledge
1. He sees that “Neither he nor others are acting”

2. All activities are performed by the body, which is created by material nature (purport)

Body (like a machine) is given by the Lord according to past desires and karma
All acts are forced according to bodily constitution
Soul is outside bodily activities

Text 13.31

THEME: Only the body acts – Living entity is distinct from the field of activities.

Learnings from Purport 13.31

(a) A sensible man ceases to see different identities due to different material bodies

Thus absence of any material differentiation because of different bodies

(b) Sees how beings are expanded everywhere, and thus attains to the “Brahman conception”

Purified consciousness can thus develop Krishna consciousness

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 13.29 – 13.31 :

One should be neither disturbed, nor envious. He must act properly and see the Supersoul – The ultimate sanctioning agent – present in all beings (13.29)
Text 13.30 explains further the knowledge given in Text 13.21: “I, the soul, am the cause of various sufferings and enjoyments, but I do nothing; only material nature acts.” For the purpose of engendering humility, it is stressed herein that the individual soul does nothing (13.30)
All bodies must one day cease to exist. Therefore, when we see many different individuals, we should stop seeing them as their fields of activity; the ksetra-jna—both the soul and the Supersoul—have nothing to do with matter. That is Brahman vision. (13.31)

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.31 & 13.32: What does a person with Brahman vision see?

Text 13.32

THEME: Vision of eternity is further explained – One can see that the soul never mixes with the body

Imperishable soul is transcendental, eternal and beyond the modes
Despite contact with material body, the soul neither does anything nor is entangled
This fact is explained by two analogies in Texts 13.33 – 13.34

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 13.32 & 13.33:

QUESTION: Krishna states clearly in Text 13.32 that only the body changes. The soul is eternal and changeless. As the soul is nevertheless within the body, does he combine with it?

ANSWER: Krishna answers in Text 13.33 by saying that matter and spirit do not mix. He explains this with two analogies in Text 13.33 and 13.34 respectively

Text 13.33

e.g. Air enters mud, stool, water but does not mix with anything
Similarly the living entity is situated in varieties of bodies but remains aloof
Scientists cannot ascertain this

Text 13.34

THEME: 2nd Analogy -As the sun alone illuminates all this universe, similarly the living entity illuminates the entire body by consciousness.

Learnings from Purport 13.34

(a) Consciousness is the proof of presence of soul – e.g. Sunshine is the proof of sun

Consciousness is not a product of a combination of matter – Because

When soul leaves there is no more consciousness

(b) Difference between “Supreme consciousness” and “individual consciousness”

Living entity is only conscious of one body, although he is qualitative one with the Supreme
Supersoul is conscious of all bodies

Text 13.35

A one verse chapter summary

THEME: Seeing with the eyes of knowledge, the following things, one attains the Supreme Goal

The difference between the body and the knower of the bod
The process of liberation from bondage in material nature

Learnings from Purport 13.35

(a) Purport of Chapter 13

One should know the distinction between the body, owner and the Supersoul
Recognize the process of liberation as per Texts 13.8 – 13.12
Then one can go to the Supreme destination

(b) How the process works

Faithful person should have some good association
Hearing in good association
Accepts a spiritual master
Know the difference between body and matter as the stepping stone for further realisation
Analyze the body with twenty-four elements
Then analyze soul and Supersoul as separate

(c) Conclusion and Suggestion

These things are meant for contemplation and for realization
Have a complete understanding of this chapter with the help of the spiritual master

SUMMARISED THEME 13C

THE VISION OF KNOWLEDGE

One sees all moving and non-moving as a combination of the field and knower of the field