Verse-15
Chapter 18 — Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
Verse 15
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
śarīravāṅmanobhiryatkarma prārabhate naraḥ
nyāyyaṁ vā viparītaṁ vā pañcaite tasya hetavaḥ
🕉 English Translation
Mann aur vani ya mann se hi jo,
Karta karma koyee kaisa bhi ho.
Virudh shastra ke ya anusaar hi,
Karan kahe uske panchon yehi.
📜 Translation
English
Whatever action man undertakes by his body, speech or mind, whether sanctioned by the scriptures or not-these are the five causes thereof.
Here in this verse, all kinds of actions have been included. With action invariably three words are chiefly associated-body, speech and mind, i.e. physical vocal and mental. In the previous verse, the five causes which have been named are associated with all kinds of action.
Once again is the demonstration of the straight, clear and open thoughts of the Gita! Action can be in accordance with the scriptures and also contrary to them. According to the nature of one's occupation and stage of life and particularly due to human birth having been attained, the conduct should be in conformity with that. That is why in this verse the word 'narah' has been used. Actions can be of pure, satvic and of a higher nature but all human beings do not engage in good and higher actions. What is the state of those who engage in prohibited, unholy and tamasic actions? The preacher of the Gita clarifies that there too the causes are these five. The base of action is the body only. If the performer is a person of discrimination then pure deeds will ensue; if the discrimination is inactive then the inclination will be for unholy deeds. The means are there for both types of action and the effort or endeavour is also there in both righteous and unrighteous states. One cannot deny the role of previous destiny. Causes in both eventualities are these five only.