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 18.14
SYNONYMS
adhishthānam — the place; tathā — also; kartā — the worker; karanam — instruments; ca — and; prithak-vidham — of different kinds; vividhāh — various; ca — and; prithak — separate; ceshtāh — the endeavors; daivam — the Supreme; ca — also; eva — certainly; atra — here; pańcamam — the fifth.
TRANSLATION
The place of action [the body], the performer, the various senses, the many different kinds of endeavor, and ultimately the Supersoul — these are the five factors of action.
PURPORT
The word adhishthānam refers to the body. The soul within the body is acting to bring about the results of activity and is therefore known as kartā, "the doer." That the soul is the knower and the doer is stated in the śruti. Esha hi drashtā srashtā (Praśna Upanishad 4.9). It is also confirmed in the Vedānta-sūtra by the verses jńo 'ta eva (2.3.18) and kartā śāstrārthavattvāt (2.3.33). The instruments of action are the senses, and by the senses the soul acts in various ways. For each and every action there is a different endeavor. But all one's activities depend on the will of the Supersoul, who is seated within the heart as a friend. The Supreme Lord is the supercause. Under these circumstances, he who is acting in Krishna consciousness under the direction of the Supersoul situated within the heart is naturally not bound by any activity. Those in complete Krishna consciousness are not ultimately responsible for their actions. Everything is dependent on the supreme will, the Supersoul, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
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