Gita 18.13
Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
पञ्चैतानि महाबाहो कारणानि निबोध मे | साङ्ख्ये कृतान्ते प्रोक्तानि सिद्धये सर्वकर्मणाम् ||१३||
pañcaitāni mahā-bāho kāraṇāni nibodha me | sāṅkhye kṛtānte proktāni siddhaye sarva-karmaṇām ||13||
In essence: Learn from Me the five factors that bring about the accomplishment of all actions—as declared in the Sankhya philosophy, which is the end-conclusion of Vedic wisdom.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "Why does Krishna introduce Sankhya philosophy here?"
Guru: "Because proper understanding of action requires analytical clarity. Sankhya provides the framework for understanding how action actually happens—not as 'I do' but as a complex of factors operating. This analysis dissolves the ego's ownership claim. Without understanding these factors, karma-phala-tyaga remains merely conceptual. With understanding, it becomes natural."
Sadhak: "'Kritante'—end or conclusion. How is Sankhya the conclusion?"
Guru: "The Vedas culminate in discriminative knowledge that liberates. Sankhya's analysis of prakriti's operations, the distinction between Self and not-Self, the enumeration of cosmic principles—all serve the Vedic goal of liberation. 'Kritante' can also mean 'concerning action' (krit-ante). Either way, Sankhya provides the analytical foundation for understanding action's true nature."
Sadhak: "How does understanding five factors help with non-attachment?"
Guru: "When you see that every action requires five factors—none of which is 'I' alone—the ego's claim weakens. 'I did it' becomes obviously false when you see the body, the senses, various energies, and the divine ordainer all contributing. This understanding naturally loosens attachment. You see yourself as one factor among five, not the sole author."
Sadhak: "Will Krishna list these five factors in the next verses?"
Guru: "Yes, verse 14 will enumerate them: (1) adhishthana—the body as base of action, (2) karta—the agent/ego, (3) karanam—the various instruments/senses, (4) vividha prithak cheshta—the various separate efforts/vital forces, and (5) daivam—the divine providence/presiding deities. Each action requires all five. No one factor alone accomplishes anything."
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🌅 Daily Practice
Before acting today, acknowledge: 'This action requires more than just my will—body, senses, energy, and divine grace are all needed.' This thought, held sincerely, begins dissolving the false sense of sole doership. It invites humility and cooperation with the larger order.
Notice the five factors operating in any significant action. Your body provides the base; your ego thinks 'I do'; your senses and limbs execute; vital energies drive the process; circumstances (daivam) determine outcomes. Seeing all five operating dissolves 'I alone am doing this.'
Reflect on today's actions: 'Which factor contributed what? Where did my sense of sole doership arise?' This reflection is not self-criticism but analysis. Understanding the actual process of action supports releasing the false claim. Tomorrow, bring this understanding into real-time awareness.