Chapter 18 Verse 18
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं परिज्ञाता त्रिविधा कर्मचोदना।करणं कर्म कर्तेति त्रिविधः कर्मसंग्रहः।।18.18।।
jñānaṁ jñeyaṁ parijñātā tri-vidhā karma-chodanā karaṇaṁ karma karteti tri-vidhaḥ karma-saṅgrahaḥ
Word Meanings
| jñānam | knowledge |
| jñeyam | the object of knowledge |
| parijñātā | the knower |
| tri-vidhā | three factors |
| karma-chodanā | factors that induce action |
| karaṇam | the instrumens of action |
| karma | the act |
| kartā | the doer |
| iti | thus |
| tri-vidhaḥ | threefold |
| karma-saṅgrahaḥ | constituents of action |
Translation
Knowledge, the knowable, and the knower form the threefold impulse for action; the organ, the action, and the agent form the threefold basis of action.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse shows two ways to see how actions start. First, actions arise when three things meet: the knowledge you have, the object you see or want, and the inner knower (your awareness or intention). Together they create the urge to do something.
Second, every action has three parts: the instrument (body, senses, mind), the act itself, and the agent who thinks “I did it.” These are the practical pieces that make an action happen and create results.
Spiritually, the teaching says: change the knowledge, the aim, or the sense of the doer and the action changes. Clean, steady knowledge and a clear intention reduce restless, ego-driven activity. Working on your instruments (calm body and mind) also shapes better action and less attachment.
Life Application
- Before acting, take a breath and ask: What do I know, what do I want, who is acting? This short pause brings clarity.
- Train your instruments: practice simple discipline (steady breath, focused attention, honest speech) so actions come from calm skill, not rush.
- Step back from “I am the doer”: offer results, accept outcomes, and act with responsibility rather than clinging to praise or blame.
Reflection Question
Is my action coming from clear understanding and right intention, or from habit and desire?