Chapter 5 Verse 14
Karm Sanyās Yog
न कर्तृत्वं न कर्माणि लोकस्य सृजति प्रभुः। न कर्मफलसंयोगं स्वभावस्तु प्रवर्तते।।5.14।।
na kartṛitvaṁ na karmāṇi lokasya sṛijati prabhuḥ na karma-phala-saṅyogaṁ svabhāvas tu pravartate
Word Meanings
| na | neither |
| kartṛitvam | sense of doership |
| na | nor |
| karmāṇi | actions |
| lokasya | of the people |
| sṛijati | creates |
| prabhuḥ | God |
| na | nor |
| karma-phala | fruits of actions |
| sanyogam | connection |
| svabhāvaḥ | one’s nature |
| tu | but |
| pravartate | is enacted |
Translation
Neither does the Lord create agency nor actions for the world, nor union with the fruits of actions; rather, it is Nature that acts.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says God is not the one who makes people act or claims to be the doer. God also does not force us to be attached to the results of our actions.
Instead, our own nature — our habits, impulses and conditioning — causes us to act and to cling to outcomes. Prakriti (nature) operates through us, and that is what creates action and attachment.
Spiritually, this teaches that responsibility lies within our own patterns. Recognizing this frees us from blaming God and helps us work on changing our responses and habits.
Life Application
- When things go well or wrong, avoid blaming a higher power; look at your choices and habits instead.
- Notice one recurring impulse or habit this week and take one small step to change it (pause before reacting, set a routine, or practice a short breath exercise).
- Do your duty with care, but practice letting go of constant worry about the result.
Reflection Question
Which habit or impulse most often drives your actions instead of your deeper values?