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Significance of Knower of the field

The keyphrase "Knower of the field" encompasses various interpretations across different philosophies. In Purana, it signifies a person discerning the distinction between the body and the soul. In Yoga, it refers to an entity aware of its actions and the significance of knowledge in meditation. Pancaratra describes it as someone understanding the essence of all beings, transcending birth. Lastly, Mahayana defines it as an individual knowledgeable in both material and spiritual realms, illustrating a comprehensive understanding of existence.

Synonyms: Expert, Authority, Specialist, Guru, Professional, Master, Pundit, Savant

In Dutch: Kenner van het veld; In Finnish: Alan tunteva; In Spanish: Conocedor del campo; In German: Kenner des Feldes

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Knower of the field'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the term "Knower of the field" signifies an individual who possesses wisdom in both material and spiritual areas, emphasizing a balanced understanding of worldly and transcendent knowledge.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) An individual knowledgeable about both the material and spiritual realms.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Knower of the field'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Knower of the field signifies an individual who differentiates between the body and soul, grasps meditation's context, possesses awareness of actions, and transcends birth, embodying ultimate knowledge and enlightenment.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)

(1) An individual who understands the context of meditation and the role of knowledge in achieving enlightenment through practice.[2]

From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)

(1) The entity recognized as possessing intelligence and awareness in relation to actions and experiences in both isolated and worldly conditions.[3]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)

(1) The self, regarded as the observer of the field (the body and environment) which is subject to sensory experiences.[4]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.