Spiritual knowledge can be studied systematically.
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
तत्क्षेत्रं यच्च यादृक्च यद्विकारि यतश्च यत् |स च यो यत्प्रभावश्च तत्समासेन मे शृणु ||१३-४||
tatkṣetraṃ yacca yādṛkca yadvikāri yataśca yat . sa ca yo yatprabhāvaśca tatsamāsena me śṛṇu ||13-4||
Use this verse as a chapter roadmap.
Meaning
Hear from Me briefly what the field is, what it is like, what its changes are, from where it arises, who the knower is, and what his powers are.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Krishna prepares to explain the body-mind field and the knower.
Word-by-word meaning
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Explanation
This verse creates a structured learning framework. Krishna will explain the field, its modifications, origin, the knower, and the knower’s influence.
Read the traditional commentary
Before unfolding the details, Krishna sets out a clear syllabus. He promises to describe the field's constitution (what it is and of what nature), its modifications or vikaras (how it changes), its origin (whence it arises), and then the knower himself along with his prabhava — his powers and influence.
This methodical preview reflects the Gita's respect for ordered understanding: spiritual truth is not vague feeling but can be examined as carefully as any science.
The phrase 'hear all that from Me in brief' (samasena me shrinu) is an invitation to attentive listening, shravana, the first of the classical stages of learning. Krishna does not overwhelm Arjuna with endless analysis; he offers an essence. For the seeker, this is reassurance that the deepest truths can be grasped in a compact, coherent form when received from genuine guidance and held with a quiet, receptive mind.
In daily life
Break big spiritual questions into clear parts.
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Create a five-part self-study map.
I study the self with clarity and structure.Reflect
Which part of this topic do I need first: body, mind, ego, witness, or Krishna?
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Quick check
What does ‘यत् च यादृक् च’ mean in this verse?
Krishna on listening, in other chapters
- Verse 10.1The deepest teachings open up to the one who listens with love and a genuine desire to learn.
- Verse 14.1The highest knowledge is not what you accumulate but what you realise — and it has already carried countless seekers to freedom before you.
- Verse 15.10The indwelling Self is always present, but only the eye of knowledge can perceive it.
- Verse 18.71Even hearing sacred truth with faith and without cynicism uplifts and liberates the soul.
Swipe left for 13.5 · True wisdom is supported by revelation, sages, and reason.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 13.4
Who says Bhagavad Gita 13.4, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 13.4, in Chapter 13, Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 13.4 mean?
Hear from Me briefly what the field is, what it is like, what its changes are, from where it arises, who the knower is, and what his powers are. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 13.4 for daily life?
Break big spiritual questions into clear parts.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 13.4 mean?
तत् क्षेत्रम् — that field; यत् च यादृक् च — what it is and of what nature; यत्विकारि — what its modifications are; यतः च यत् — whence it comes and what arises; सः च यः — and who He (the knower) is.
Where does verse 13.4 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 4 of 35 in Chapter 13, Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga. The next verse is 13.5.