Verse 21
कार्यकारणकर्तृत्वे हेतुः प्रकृतिरुच्यते | पुरुषः सुखदुःखानां भोक्तृत्वे हेतुरुच्यते || २१ ||
Transliteration
kārya-kāraṇa-kartṛtve hetuḥ prakṛtir ucyate puruṣaḥ sukha-duḥkhānāṁ bhoktṛtve hetur ucyate
Synonyms
kārya—of the effect; kāraṇa—and cause; kartṛtve—in being the doer; hetuḥ—the cause; prakṛtiḥ—nature; ucyate—is said to be; puruṣaḥ—the conscious being; sukha—of happiness; duḥkhānām—and distress; bhoktṛtve—in experiencing; hetuḥ—the cause; ucyate—is said to be.
Translation
“Prakriti is said to be the cause in the matter of doing (of cause and effect); Purusha is said to be the cause in the matter of experiencing pleasure and pain.”
Multi-Tradition Commentary
A precise division of responsibility: Prakriti is the cause of all action — all the doing in the universe flows from the three gunas of Prakriti. Purusha (consciousness) is the cause of experience — pleasure and pain are experienced by the Purusha who associates with Prakriti. The implication is crucial: the Purusha does not truly do anything; it only seems to experience what Prakriti does. This is the root of the teaching on liberation — reclaiming the truth of the non-doing Purusha.
Practical Application (Modern Life)
Notice that the body-mind acts (Prakriti) and consciousness witnesses (Purusha). When you are lost in action and reaction, you are identified with Prakriti. When you step back and observe — 'There is anger happening; I am aware of anger' — you are touching Purusha. This simple shift, available at any moment, is the beginning of freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 13.21 mean?
Prakriti is said to be the cause in the matter of doing (of cause and effect); Purusha is said to be the cause in the matter of experiencing pleasure and pain.
What is the word-by-word meaning of Bhagavad Gita 13.21?
kārya—of the effect; kāraṇa—and cause; kartṛtve—in being the doer; hetuḥ—the cause; prakṛtiḥ—nature; ucyate—is said to be; puruṣaḥ—the conscious being; sukha—of happiness; duḥkhānām—and distress; bhoktṛtve—in experiencing; hetuḥ—the cause; ucyate—is said to be.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 13.21 in daily life?
Notice that the body-mind acts (Prakriti) and consciousness witnesses (Purusha). When you are lost in action and reaction, you are identified with Prakriti. When you step back and observe — 'There is anger happening; I am aware of anger' — you are touching Purusha. This simple shift, available at any moment, is the beginning of freedom.