Kshetra means an armour, for it protects and guards the Jiva from harm. Another meaning is ‘Field,’ a meaning that is full of significance. Whatever seeds are sown or saplings planted in the field, the harvest depends on their nature and quality. The body is the field, the Jiva is the
Kshetrapalaka, the protector of the field and the crop. Sowing the seeds of meritorious deeds, one reaps joy and happiness. Sowing the seeds of sin, one reaps the harvest of grief and worry. Sowing the seeds of Jnana, one garners the harvest of Moksha or Liberation from the bondage of birth and death.
‘Just as the ryot (raiyat or raitu) knows the nature and characteristics of the field, the Kshetrajna or the Jiva must know the nature and qualities of his body. The only difference between Kshetra and Kshetrajna is the syllable ‘jna.’ It means jnana, he who knows, the knower. So, he who knows the field orthe body, its excellences and deficiencies, he is the Kshetrajna. That which has no such knowledge, the inert material thing that is the Kshetra.’
‘Krishna,’ Arjuna asked, ‘Of what benefit is it to know these two entities: Kshetra and Kshetrajna?’ Krishna laughed. He said, ‘What a foolish question to ask. By inquiring and knowing about the nature of the Kshetra, one’s grief is destroyed. Knowing about the nature of the Kshetrajna, ananda or Bliss is acquired. This ananda is also designated as Moksha.’ (GV, pp. 239-240)
Kshetra is composed of two Sariskrit syllables, Ksha and tra. The extra syllable is ‘Jna’. The two syllables Ksha and tra are common to both. It means that Kshetra is without jna, or the field is without wisdom. What is this field, which is devoid of the highest knowledge? It is the body, the dwelling place of the Lord, His residence here on earth. (DBG, p. 91)
The body has also been called Kshetra. The one who cognises this Kshetra is the Kshetrajna – the knower of the Kshetra. You are the knower of the Kshetra and the body is the Kshetra, which is known by you. Hence you are the witness of this body. Kshetra means a sacred place associated with the Divine and filled with holy vibrations, as per instance the places of pilgrimage like Kashi, Triupati, Badri etc. These kshetras are meant to be used for the performance of worship, redeeming religious vows, giving charity and such other sacred activities. Similarly, in the Kshetra of the body good thoughts and good actions alone should prevail. This is the inner meaning of the appellation Kshetra used for the body.
Another meaning of the term Kshetra is field. In this field of the body, the fruits we, reap are dependent on the seeds we sow. If we sow good thoughts, we can harvest good fruits. Bad thoughts will only yield bad results. The body is thus a field in which the seeds of Punya merit and Papa sin, are sown. We should however, remember that the body as a field has? Certain advantages when compared to an agricultural field. In cultivating a field for raising crops, we have to wait for the right season and the optimum conditions to sow particular variety of crop. The suitability of a land for growing a particular crop has to be taken into consideration. Sowing cannot be done indiscriminately. However, in the case of the field of our body; there are no such constraints. It can be cultivated in all conditions and at all times including night and day. When you sow seeds on an arable land, you may get a good crop or poor crop. You may not realize your expectations. But in the case of Human body, you are bound to reap the fruits of the good or bad thoughts and actions, which you sow as seeds. You are sure to have cent percent return. As you sow; so you reap. This is an immutable law. You must therefore ensure that only seeds in the form of good thoughts and deeds are sown. You should not misuse the body, as you like. You should discriminate between the transient and the permanent and utilise your body for achieving the ultimate good. (ICS , pp. 13-14)