Verse 13.21 : Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yoga "The Knower and the Field"
Verse 21 of 35
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The Translation
“Prakriti is said to be the cause of generating the physical body and senses (cause and effect); while Purusha is said to be the cause of experiencing pleasure and pain.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna explains the division of labor between matter and spirit, clarifying how physical actions and subjective experiences are coordinated.
Practical Application
1
As you work today, notice the difference between the physical action you are performing (the doing) and your conscious awareness of performing it (the experiencing).
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- How does this verse explain the difference between a robot (which can act but not feel) and a human being?
- If all actions are performed by Prakriti, why do we feel guilty for our deeds? Where does the false sense of 'I am the doer' come from?
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13.21
कार्यकारणकर्तृत्वे हेतुः प्रकृतिरुच्यते
Prakriti generates the body (kārya) and the senses (kāraṇa). All physical activities belong to Prakriti. The Purusha is called the cause of experiencing pleasure and pain because It is the conscious witness that illumines these mental states. Purusha itself does not act; it only experiences through the mind.