Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 20
अध्याय ३८० — गीतासारः
The Essence of the Gītā
क्षेत्रं शरीरं यो वेत्ति क्षेत्रज्ञः स प्रकोर्तितः क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोर्ज्ञानं यत्तज्ज्ञानं मतं मम
kṣetraṃ śarīraṃ yo vetti kṣetrajñaḥ sa prakortitaḥ kṣetrakṣetrajñayorjñānaṃ yattajjñānaṃ mataṃ mama
जो ‘क्षेत्र’ म्हणजे शरीर जाणतो, तोच क्षेत्रज्ञ म्हणून कथिला आहे. आणि क्षेत्र व क्षेत्रज्ञ—या दोघांचे जे ज्ञान, तेच माझ्या मते खरे ज्ञान आहे.
Lord Agni (narrating the doctrine to the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s instructional discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Discriminate body-mind (kṣetra) from witnessing consciousness (kṣetrajña) to ground meditation, reduce identification with pain/pleasure, and stabilize self-inquiry.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Kṣetra–Kṣetrajña: Field and Knower; Definition of Jñāna","lookup_keywords":["kṣetra","kṣetrajña","jñāna-lakṣaṇa","deha-ātma-viveka","Gītā 13"],"quick_summary":"The body-mind complex is the ‘field’ (kṣetra); the conscious knower is kṣetrajña. True knowledge is discerning both correctly and not confusing the Self with the body."}
Concept: Kṣetra (body-mind) is knowable; kṣetrajña (witness-consciousness) is the knower. Jñāna is their right discernment (viveka).
Application: Practice ‘I am the knower, not the known’: observe sensations/thoughts as kṣetra; abide as witnessing awareness during meditation and daily action.
Khanda Section: Jnana-Yoga / Atma-Vidya (Kshetra–Kshetrajna doctrine; Gita-aligned metaphysics)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A serene teacher points to a human figure labeled ‘kṣetra’ (body) while a luminous, formless witness stands behind as ‘kṣetrajña’, with the mind and senses shown as instruments.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, ochre-red background, a rishi-teacher instructing a disciple; stylized human body as ‘kṣetra’ with lotus-heart, a radiant haloed witness behind; flat ornamental detailing, traditional pigments.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf, central luminous ‘kṣetrajña’ as a radiant aura behind a seated yogin; the body outlined as the field; rich jewelry motifs, embossed gold for the halo and borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, delicate linework; diagrammatic yet devotional: teacher and disciple, labeled elements ‘kṣetra’ and ‘kṣetrajña’; soft pastel washes, ornate but restrained borders.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly setting turned philosophical: a sage explaining to a student; fine calligraphic labels for ‘kṣetra’ and ‘kṣetrajña’; detailed textiles, subtle shading, calm palette."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोः = क्षेत्र-क्षेत्रज्ञयोः (द्वन्द्व); यत्तज्ज्ञानम् = यत् तत् ज्ञानम्; प्रकोर्तितः पाठः प्रकीर्तितः इत्यर्थे (प्र+कीर्त् धातोः कृदन्तः).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 380.21-24 (tattva-list and sādhanā virtues)
FAQs
It imparts Ātma-vidyā (self-knowledge): distinguishing the ‘field’ (kṣetra = body/embodiment) from the ‘knower of the field’ (kṣetrajña = conscious self) and defining true knowledge as understanding both.
Beyond rituals and dharma, the Agni Purana also preserves systematic metaphysics: this verse presents a core philosophical framework (kṣetra–kṣetrajña) used across Yoga/Vedānta and the Bhagavad Gītā, showing the Purana’s coverage of liberation-oriented knowledge alongside practical sciences.
By recognizing the body as the field and oneself as the knower, one reduces identification with bodily actions and their karmic results, supporting detachment (vairāgya) and progress toward liberation (mokṣa).