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Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 18.13
पञ्चैतानि महाबाहो कारणानि निबोध मे ।
सांख्ये कृतान्ते प्रोक्तानि सिद्धये सर्वकर्मणाम् ॥ १३ ॥
pañcaitāni mahā-bāho
kāraṇāni nibodha me
sāṅkhye kṛtānte proktāni
siddhaye sarva-karmaṇām
O mighty-armed Arjuna, according to the Vedānta there are five causes for the accomplishment of all action. Now learn of these from Me.
Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.ioWhat this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.
3 study points
Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna that Vedānta teaches five causes for the accomplishment of all action.
Prabhupāda explains that the Supersoul has ultimate control. Kṛṣṇa conscious acts done under His inner direction bring no reaction in this life or after death.
For success in any activity, consider all five causes and consult the authority of Vedānta.
These notes cover verses 18.13–14
Five causes of action — To more precisely explain the consciousness of one not bound by fruits of his action, Krishna refers to Vedanta Sutra.
Krishna describes five factors as the responsible causes for accomplishment of any kind of action (right or wrong) Material Causes:
‘Adhistaan’ — Place of action (Body)
‘Karta’ — The doer (That is the consciousness reflected in false ego)
Refers to the soul because he is acting to bring about the results of his activity
Supporting Ref. For soul as the knower and doer
Prasna Upanishad
Vedanta Sutra
‘Karana’– Senses (Instruments of action)
‘Cesta’ — Endeavour (Effort, exerted by life airs to move the body) Ultimate cause:
‘Daivam’ — Super-cause (All our activities depend on the will of the Supersoul)
Krishna cites Vedanta and analyzes activities as comprised of five factors; this is to help us perform activities without becoming bound
Most prominent of these factors is the Supersoul
Acting under the Supersoul’s direction, one is unaffected by reactions to his actions
Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.
The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.
Key ideas: ātmā, jñāna.
Take one thing from this verse into your day.
What does BG 18.13 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to soul & knowledge?
Spend five minutes reflecting on what in you does not change.
Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.
Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.
Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.