The Yoga of the Field and the Knower of the Field

Krishna continues listing qualities that lead to understanding: non-attachment to close relationships and possessions, and constant equanimity of mind in desired and undesired occurrences. Non-attachment doesn't mean you don't care. It means you're not attached. You can love without clinging. You can care without being consumed. When you're attached, you're stuck in the field. When you're non-attached, you can recognize the knower. Equanimity means constant stability of mind—in desired and undesired occurrences. When things go your way, you're stable. When they don't, you're stable. This stability creates the conditions for understanding. When you're reactive, you're stuck in the field. When you're equanimous, you can recognize the knower. Most people are attached to relationships, possessions, outcomes. They're reactive to changes. When things go well, they're elated. When they don't, they're devastated. This attachment and reactivity blocks understanding. When you're non-attached and equanimous, you can see the field clearly. You see it includes relationships, possessions, outcomes—all temporary, all changing. When you see this, you stop identifying with the field. You recognize the knower—separate, constant, stable. Non-attachment and equanimity create the foundation for understanding. The field is temporary. The knower is constant. This distinction becomes clear when these qualities are present.