Gita 13.29
Kshetra Kshetragna Vibhaga Yoga
प्रकृत्यैव च कर्माणि क्रियमाणानि सर्वशः | यः पश्यति तथात्मानमकर्तारं स पश्यति ||२९||
prakṛtyaiva ca karmāṇi kriyamāṇāni sarvaśaḥ | yaḥ paśyati tathātmānam akartāraṁ sa paśyati ||29||
In essence: One who sees all actions performed by prakriti alone, and the Self as the non-doer—that one truly sees.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "If I'm not the doer, doesn't that remove all motivation? Why would the body-mind bother to act?"
Guru: "The body-mind acts because of its nature, not because of your personal motivation. Prakriti moves according to its gunas. A sattvic mind is motivated toward dharma; a rajasic mind toward achievement; a tamasic mind toward rest. These motivations are natural forces, not 'yours.' Understanding this doesn't stop them—it removes the illusory claim of ownership. You'll be surprised: action often becomes more fluid and effective when the 'I' is out of the way."
Sadhak: "But I can choose to meditate or not, to be kind or cruel. Isn't that my doing?"
Guru: "What appears as choice is itself a movement of prakriti. The thought 'I should meditate' arises—that's prakriti. The decision that follows—also prakriti. The action of sitting—prakriti. The sense 'I decided'—that's a concluding thought, also prakriti. Watch closely: where is the 'you' that's supposedly choosing? You'll find only another thought. The witnessing awareness doesn't choose or act; it only observes."
Sadhak: "This feels disempowering. I've worked hard to develop myself. Are you saying that was all nature?"
Guru: "The work was real; the 'I' who claims it was not. What you call 'your' development was prakriti refining itself through this body-mind. The efforts were genuine—they just weren't performed by a separate 'you.' This isn't disempowering; it's liberating. The effort continues; the burden of ownership drops. You stop being the stressed manager of your life and become the appreciative witness of life happening."
Did this resonate with you? Share it with someone who needs to hear this.
🌅 Daily Practice
Non-doer observation: As you engage in morning activities—brushing teeth, preparing, moving—notice: these actions are happening. Where is the doer? There's doing but is there a doer? Begin the day with this inquiry; let it continue through the day.
Action witnessing: During a task, step back mentally and observe: 'Prakriti is typing. Prakriti is speaking. Prakriti is problem-solving.' You may find actions become more smooth when the 'I' is not clenching around them. Notice any difference in stress levels when the doer is released.
Doership inventory: Reflect on the day. Were there moments when you forgot and felt like the doer? Were there moments when the witnessing stance held? Don't judge—just observe. With practice, the default shifts from 'I did' to 'it happened.' Sleep will come easier when the day's doings are released as prakriti's movements.