Those who, with the eye of knowledge, perceive the distinction between the field and the knower of the field, and also the liberation of beings from Prakriti — they attain the Supreme. This closing verse of Chapter 13 declares that those who discern the difference between matter and spirit, and understand how beings are freed from material nature, reach the highest goal.
Synthesis
Those who perceive the distinction between the field and the knower of the field with the eye of knowledge, and the liberation of beings from Prakriti, go to the Supreme. Shankara sees this as the culminating promise of jnana yoga: discrimination between Self and not-Self leads to moksha. Ramanuja reads it as the soul's liberation through God's grace when it understands its true nature. The Bhakti tradition celebrates this as the devotee's graduation — the eye of knowledge reveals the path home to God. Madhva concludes that liberation comes through perceiving the real distinction with the scripture-informed eye of knowledge illumined by God's grace. Abhinavagupta sees the 'eye of knowledge' as the opening of the third eye — awareness that sees through the veil of body-identification, achieving liberating recognition. Vallabha teaches that this supreme goal is attained through God-given wisdom — ultimately a gift of divine grace. Tilak confirms that right knowledge leads to right action and ultimately to liberation — the karma yogi attains the goal while continuing to act. Vivekananda concludes that the eye of knowledge is available to all sincere seekers — distinguishing Self from body is the one realization that frees humanity.
Commentaries 8 traditions
Shankara concludes that the entire chapter serves one purpose: to develop the 'eye of knowledge' that sees the eternal Self as distinct from the temporary field. Those who gain this vision are liberated from the beginningless cycle of Prakriti and attain the Supreme Brahman.
Apply This Verse
Personal Growth
The ultimate goal of all self-knowledge is developing the inner eye that sees your true nature as distinct from your body, mind, and circumstances. This clear seeing is not intellectual but experiential — and it sets you free.
Questions this verse answers
- ?"What is the 'eye of knowledge' and how do I develop it?"
- ?"How do I truly see the difference between my Self and my circumstances?"
- ?"What would it feel like to be permanently free from material identification?"
- ?"How does the knowledge of this chapter lead to ultimate freedom?"