Chapter 13, Verse 7 (Bhagavad Gita 13.7)
Sanskrit Shloka
इच्छा द्वेषः सुखं दुःखं सङ्घातश्चेतनाधृतिः।एतत्क्षेत्रं समासेन सविकारमुदाहृतम्
Transliteration
ichchhā dveṣhaḥ sukhaṁ duḥkhaṁ saṅghātaśh chetanā dhṛitiḥ etat kṣhetraṁ samāsena sa-vikāram udāhṛitam
Word Meanings
ichchhā—desire; dveṣhaḥ—aversion; sukham—happiness; duḥkham—misery; saṅghātaḥ—the aggregate; chetanā—the consciousness; dhṛitiḥ—the will; etat—all these; kṣhetram—the field of activities; samāsena—comprise of; sa-vikāram—with modifications; udāhṛitam—are said
Translation
Desire, hatred, pleasure, pain, the aggregate (the physical body), intelligence, and fortitude—the field has thus been briefly described along with its modifications.
Meaning & Commentary
In this profound verse, Bhagwan Shri Krishna reveals the intricate tapestry of the 'Kshetra' or the Field of material existence. By categorizing these psychological and physical attributes, Shri Krishna teaches Arjuna—and all seekers—that our worldly experiences are merely modifications of material nature, distinct from the eternal Self. This knowledge acts as a divine diagnostic tool, allowing a devotee to detach from the fluctuations of the mind and body. As one realizes that these conditions are temporary, they naturally turn their gaze toward the Supreme Lord Krishna, the unchanging observer. Through this awareness, the path to liberation becomes clear, guiding the soul toward the transcendence of these dualities.