Gita 18.14
Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
अधिष्ठानं तथा कर्ता करणं च पृथग्विधम् | विविधाश्च पृथक्चेष्टा दैवं चैवात्र पञ्चमम् ||१४||
adhiṣṭhānaṁ tathā kartā karaṇaṁ ca pṛthag-vidham | vividhāś ca pṛthak ceṣṭā daivaṁ caivātra pañcamam ||14||
In essence: No action is solely yours—five factors converge: body, ego, senses, effort, and the mysterious fifth: divine providence.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "Krishna says five factors cause action, but I feel like I'm the one doing everything. When I decide to lift my hand, I lift it."
Guru: "Try lifting your hand if your body is paralyzed. Try it if your motor neurons don't fire. Try it if your intention arises but some stroke has severed the connection. Where is your 'doing' then?"
Sadhak: "But normally I can do it. That's my agency."
Guru: "You are one factor among five. The karta—the sense of 'I do'—is necessary but not sufficient. Remove any of the other four and your willing accomplishes nothing. Can you will yourself to digest food? To make your heart beat? Yet these actions happen."
Sadhak: "What exactly is this 'daiva'—the fifth factor? Is Krishna saying fate controls everything?"
Guru: "Daiva is not crude fatalism. It represents the accumulated momentum of the universe—your past karmas, others' actions affecting you, natural forces, timing, and yes, grace. It's the answer to why two equally skilled, equally hardworking people sometimes have vastly different outcomes."
Sadhak: "That seems unfair. Why try hard if daiva can override everything?"
Guru: "Because your effort IS one of the five factors. It matters. But it doesn't matter absolutely. This teaching frees you from the torture of believing every outcome reflects your worth. You do your best—that's within your power. You don't control the convergence of all five factors—that's wisdom."
Sadhak: "So this is about reducing ego's claim to total control?"
Guru: "Exactly. The ego says 'I alone did this.' Reality says 'Five factors converged.' One perspective breeds arrogance and despair. The other breeds humility and peace. Choose your operating philosophy wisely."
Did this resonate with you? Share it with someone who needs to hear this.
🌅 Daily Practice
Before starting your day's tasks, acknowledge the five factors: 'May my body be capable (adhishthana), my intention clear (karta), my faculties sharp (karana), my effort sustained (cheshta), and may favorable circumstances align (daiva).' This simple acknowledgment prevents the ego from claiming total credit or total blame for the day's outcomes.
When facing an important task, consciously inventory the five factors. Which are you responsible for? (Your intention, effort, and care of your instruments.) Which are beyond your direct control? (Others' cooperation, timing, unforeseen circumstances.) Put maximum energy into your factors; release anxiety about the rest.
Review any success or failure from the day through the five-factor lens. Resist saying 'I did it' or 'I failed.' Instead: 'These five factors converged for this outcome.' Notice how this analysis reduces both pride and shame, leaving clarity for tomorrow's improved effort.