Significance of Kshetrajna
Kshetrajna, according to Vaishnavism and various scriptures, refers to the knower of the field or the supreme self, embodying the eternal soul residing within the material form. It represents individual souls that transcend physical existence through spiritual practice. Kshetrajna is described as a conscious being, the essence that animates the body, and the ultimate source of knowledge within all creatures. It signifies the relationship between the individual soul and the cosmos, highlighting the pursuit of self-awareness and understanding beyond material limitations.
Synonyms: Knower of the field, Soul, Consciousness, Self, Inner self
In Dutch: Kshetrajna; In German: Kshetrajna; In Finnish: Kshetrajna; In Spanish: Kshetrajna
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Kshetrajna'
Kshetrajna in Hinduism embodies the concept of the individual soul, characterized as the eternal consciousness and knower of the physical body, transcending qualities and karmic influences, and ultimately equated with the supreme self or Brahman.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A term referring to the 'knower of the field,' often associated with Purusha in the context of existence and awareness.[1] (2) A term referring to the self or the supreme consciousness that witnesses and permeates all existence.[2] (3) The Soul, which is an inactive witness of the functions of other attributes and does not create them.[3] (4) A term referring to the Supreme Being, Narayana, as the Knower of the field鈥攊n this context, the universe.[4] (5) The knower within the field of Kshetra, representing the individual experiencing material existence.[5]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The Kshetrajna is described as being devoid of qualities and eternal.[6] (2) A symbol of the Brahman, described as being without symbols and qualities; it represents the ultimate reality that is not dependent on anything.[7] (3) The consciousness or the individual self that is yokes the senses and drives the chariot of life.[8] (4) A figure or concept symbolizing knowledge or awareness that one learns from.[9]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Refers to the self or soul as the owner of the body in the context of Hindu philosophical discourse.[10] (2) Known as the Owner of the Body; in consideration with the Body and the Atman, representing the self or the spirit.[11]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The variant of the self that perceives through the senses, emphasizing the awareness inherent in conscious experience.[12] (2) The term referring to the soul or consciousness that is the cause of the physical body, with which Pranava is united.[13]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The knower of the Kshetra; the individual or supreme self that experiences within the body.[14]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The principle of consciousness or knower, associated with the nature of the soul and perception in the context of spiritual understanding.[15]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The lord of the body, representing the jiva (individual soul) who experiences the three states of consciousness.[16] (2) The Knower of the Field, a concept representing the individual soul鈥檚 awareness.[17]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is the individual soul, and it is the embodied one, or the seer, as it is defined in the Paingi-rahasya, according to the text.[18] (2) The kshetrajna is identified as the knower of the field, mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, and is connected to the universal Self, as it is present in all kshetras.[19]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The term used to describe the self-conscious ego, representing a limited understanding of the supreme self influenced by avidya.[20]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The condition of the Self relating to knowledge, which may vary depending on external actions or work (karman).[21]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The knower of the body, which represents the individual self or consciousness within the physical form.[22]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Acknowledged as the 鈥楥onscious Being,鈥� which is often identified with the Jiva in the context of metaphysical discussions.[23] (2) Refers to the Conscious Being, which is called unchangeable due to its nature of being the doer and experiencer.[24] (3) The Conscious Being that ensouls the body, associated with the concept of 'Bhuta.'[25] (4) The term 'Kshetrajna' refers to the 'Conscious Being,' who is the impeller of the body and the doer of actions.[26]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refers to the knower of the field or the supreme self in the context of individual souls.[27]
The concept of Kshetrajna in local and regional sources
Kshetrajna, linked to both a 17th-century musical composer and a spiritual scholar, highlights a figure whose life, as recounted in 'The Bliss of Life', embodies deep artistic and spiritual wisdom.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A term indicating a learned individual in spiritual knowledge, relatable to Kshetrayya's life and journey.[28] (2) A significant musical composer from the 17th century whose life story is narrated in 'The Bliss of Life'.[29]