|| 13.3 ||
क्षेत्रज्ञं चापि मां विद्धि सर्वक्षेत्रेषु भारत। क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोर्ज्ञानं यत्तज्ज्ञानं मतं मम।।
kṣetra-jñaṁ cāpi māṁ viddhi sarva-kṣetreṣu bhārata kṣetra-kṣetrajñayor jñānaṁ yat taj jñānaṁ mataṁ mama
Word by Word
kṣetra-jñam (the knower of the field) ca (and) api (also) mām (Me) viddhi (know) sarva (all) kṣetreṣu (in the fields) bhārata (O son of Bharata) kṣetra (the field) kṣetra-jñayoḥ (and the knower of the field) jñānam (knowledge) yat (which) tat (that) jñānam (knowledge) matam (opinion) mama (My).
Translation
O scion of Bhārata, you should understand that I am also the knower in all bodies, and to understand this body and its knower is called knowledge. That is My opinion.
Meaning
Kṛṣṇa introduces a third dimension to our existence. He declares that He is also the knower in all bodies. While the individual soul knows only its own body, Kṛṣṇa as the Supersoul knows every body and every mind in the entire universe. He is the ultimate witness.
To truly have knowledge, one must understand three things: the field (matter), the individual knower (the soul), and the supreme knower (God). Kṛṣṇa states that this tripartite understanding is what He considers to be real ‘Jñāna’ or knowledge. Everything else is mere information.
This perspective changes how we view ourselves and others. We are never alone; the Supreme Lord is always present in our heart as the second witness. By recognizing this divine presence in every ‘field’, we develop a universal vision and deep respect for all living entities.