“Desire, hatred, pleasure, pain, the aggregate, consciousness, fortitude—the field with its modifications is thus described.”
Key Teaching: The field includes emotions, consciousness, and modifications.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna continues describing the field, including desire, hatred, pleasure, pain, the aggregate (body), consciousness, and fortitude. This verse, continuing 13.6, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna details the field, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he points to liberation, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s emotional struggle (1.28–46) reflects the field’s modifications, contrasting Duryodhana’s entrapment (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (7.4), detailing prakriti’s aspects, and builds on the field’s components (13.6). Krishna completes the field’s description.
Philosophically, the verse includes mental and physical aspects, a theme refined with teachings on prakriti (7.4). Arjuna’s path is clarified by understanding the field’s nature. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation through discernment. The verse connects to teachings on emotions (3.37).
Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s experiences, where the field binds. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to discern modifications, aligning with moksha. The description resonates with Arjuna’s emotional turmoil.