Chapter 18 Verse 13
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
पञ्चैतानि महाबाहो कारणानि निबोध मे।सांख्ये कृतान्ते प्रोक्तानि सिद्धये सर्वकर्मणाम्।।18.13।।
pañchaitāni mahā-bāho kāraṇāni nibodha me sānkhye kṛitānte proktāni siddhaye sarva-karmaṇām
Word Meanings
| pañcha | five |
| etāni | these |
| mahā-bāho | mighty-armed one |
| kāraṇāni | causes |
| nibodha | listen |
| me | from me |
| sānkhye | of Sānkya |
| kṛita-ante | stop reactions of karmas |
| proktāni | explains |
| siddhaye | for the accomplishment |
| sarva | all |
| karmaṇām | of karmas |
Translation
Learn from Me, O mighty-armed Arjuna, these five causes, as declared in the Sankhya system, for the accomplishment of all actions.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Here Krishna tells Arjuna to learn the five basic factors that bring any action into being. Actions are not the result of one thing alone but arise from a combination: the doer’s intention, the mind and senses, the body and instruments, the situation or conditions, and the underlying power that supports outcome.
Knowing these causes helps a person act clearly. When you see how intention, capacity, means, environment, and higher support all play a role, you stop blaming only yourself or only others. This awareness leads to right effort, humility, and an ability to accept results with detachment.
Life Application
- Before acting, check your intention: is it clear, honest, and not driven by selfish craving?
- Prepare your instruments—body, skills, and environment—so your work is effective and less stressful.
- Do your best to influence what you can, then accept that circumstances and deeper forces also shape results.
Reflection Question
Which of the five causes (intention, senses/mind, skills/tools, circumstances, or deeper support) needs my attention today?