Verse-14
Chapter 18 — Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
Verse 14
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
adhiṣṭhānaṁ tathā kartā karaṇaṁ ch pṛthagvidham
vividhāśca pṛthakceṣṭā daivaṁ caivātra pañcamam
🕉 English Translation
Aadhar hai kya karma karne ka.
'Karta hai kaun aur' sadhan' hai kya.
Kayee tarah ki 'chesta 'hoti jo,
Bina bhagya siddhi bhala kaise ho.
📜 Translation
English
In this regard that is for the accomplishment of action the causes are the basis (body), the doer, the various sorts of instruments and many kinds of efforts and similarly the fifth cause is providence.
All aspects associated with action are described here. In the form of the basis, here the indication is the arena of activity. In this indication there can be two interpretations. The body itself is the field of activity and also where it is taking place that too may be considered. In the form of the doer, the indication is towards the embodied being. In normal circumstance the embodied being is the doer as well as the enjoyer. While performing action, the attitude of the doer has a direct impact on the accomplishment of a task. Means and instruments are also aids for the fulfillment of a task. With the word 'instrument' the words 'various types' are used. The instrument can be of different types, the different sense organs of the body (five organs of action, hands, feet, speech, anus and genital and five organs of perception-ear, eyes, nose, tongue and skin). While performing varied tasks any of them can be an instrument for the performance of action. Or the inner organs mind, intellect or at times the ego of the being can become the means for the completion of a task. Action is the state of moving from inaction to activity, from laxity to alertness. For this purpose every organ makes efforts. Coming, going, eating and drinking, excretion, seeing, hearing smelling, speaking, etc. are different forms of effort.
'Daivam chaivatra panchamam'-here the fifth factor has been described as providence or fate or destiny. From this it is clear that the Gita has acknowledged the role of providence, but after all others, so that destiny may not become a cause for weakness, inaction or sometimes even hopelessness in life. Destiny or fate undoubtedly has a role to play in action, but if in the beginning itself it is so stated, then there can be loss of alertness and enthusiasm towards action. That is why here fate has been accepted as the fifth factor.