Copyright © r The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, Founder Ācārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
| Chapter 18: Conclusion — The Perfection of Renunciation |
Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Bhagavad-gītā As It Is 18.13
SYNONYMS
pańca — five; etāni — these; mahā-bāho — O mighty-armed one; kāranāni — causes; nibodha — just understand; me — from Me; sāńkhye — in the Vedānta; krita-ante — in the conclusion; proktāni — said; siddhaye — for the perfection; sarva — of all; karmanām — activities.
TRANSLATION
O mighty-armed Arjuna, according to the Vedānta there are five causes for the accomplishment of all action. Now learn of these from Me.
PURPORT
A question may be raised that since any activity performed must have some reaction, how is it that the person in Krishna consciousness does not suffer or enjoy the reactions of work? The Lord is citing Vedānta philosophy to show how this is possible. He says that there are five causes for all activities, and for success in all activity one should consider these five causes. Sāńkhya means the stalk of knowledge, and Vedānta is the final stalk of knowledge accepted by all leading ācāryas. Even Śańkara accepts Vedānta-sūtra as such. Therefore such authority should be consulted.
The ultimate control is invested in the Supersoul. As it is stated in the Bhagavad-gītā, sarvasya cāham hridi sannivishtah. He is engaging everyone in certain activities by reminding him of his past actions. And Krishna conscious acts done under His direction from within yield no reaction, either in this life or in the life after death.
Copyright © r The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, Founder Ācārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness