Verse 13.17 : Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yoga "The Knower and the Field"
Verse 17 of 35
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The Translation
“Undivided, yet It exists as if divided among all living beings. It is to be known as the supporter of all beings, devouring them at the time of dissolution, and generating them at the time of creation.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna explains the relationship between the singular consciousness and the multiplicity of individual bodies, using the analogy of a single space appearing divided in different pots.
Practical Application
1
Look at three different people today, and remind yourself that the same single light of consciousness is reflecting in all three, past their different appearances.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- The pot-sky analogy shows that our separation is an illusion (vibhaktam iva). How does this help us drop our feelings of isolation and loneliness?
- Why is the Divine described as both the creator (prabhaviṣṇu) and the devourer (grasiṣṇu)? How is destruction necessary for new creation?
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13.17
अविभक्तं च भूतेषु विभक्तमिव च स्थितम्
Brahman is undivided because It is all-pervading space-like consciousness. It appears divided only due to the limiting bodies of beings. Just as a rope is the supporter of the illusory snake, Brahman is the 'bhūta-bhartṛ' (supporter) of the world. It devours the world during Pralaya and projects it during Srishti.