Chapter 13, Verse 21 (Bhagavad Gita 13.21)
Sanskrit Shloka
कार्यकारणकर्तृत्वे हेतुः प्रकृतिरुच्यते।पुरुषः सुखदुःखानां भोक्तृत्वे हेतुरुच्यते
Transliteration
kārya-kāraṇa-kartṛitve hetuḥ prakṛitir uchyate puruṣhaḥ sukha-duḥkhānāṁ bhoktṛitve hetur uchyate
Word Meanings
kārya—effect; kāraṇa—cause; kartṛitve—in the matter of creation; hetuḥ—the medium; prakṛitiḥ—the material energy; uchyate—is said to be; puruṣhaḥ—the individual soul; sukha-duḥkhānām—of happiness and distress; bhoktṛitve—in experiencing; hetuḥ—is responsible; uchyate—is said to be
Translation
Nature is said to be the cause of all physical effects and causes, while the individual soul is said to be the cause of the experience of pleasures and pains.
Meaning & Commentary
In this profound revelation, Lord Krishna explains the dual reality governing our existence within the material world. Bhagwan Shri Krishna clarifies that while Prakriti (Nature) is the engine behind the manifestation of the body, senses, and the material objects of the world, it is the soul that identifies with these experiences, thereby undergoing joy and sorrow. By teaching this, Yogeshwar Krishna invites Arjuna and all seekers to recognize their true nature as the witness, distinct from the material machinery. Understanding this separation is the gateway to liberation, as it allows the soul to transcend the dualities of pleasure and pain. By surrendering the false identification with the body to Lord Krishna, the seeker attains true peace and eternal moksha.