Verse 18.16 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 16 of 78
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The Translation
“This being the case, he who, due to an untrained intellect, views the absolute Self as the sole agent of action, is of perverted intelligence and does not see reality.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna explains the consequence of failing to understand the five factors of action. Those who do not study the nature of reality remain trapped in the illusion of ego-doership, which is the source of all mental suffering (Samsara).
Practical Application
1
Catch yourself when using the words 'I' and 'my' excessively; remind yourself that you are the witness, not the owner of every event.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- How does identifying yourself as the sole doer of your achievements lead to stress and arrogance?
- What does it mean to have a 'purified intellect' (kṛta-buddhi) that can see the difference between the physical body and the silent consciousness?
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18.16
तत्रैवं सति कर्तारमात्मानं केवलं तु यः
Shankara comments that the Atman is immutable, formless, and actionless. All physical and mental activities belong to the body and mind (Prakriti). He who, due to lack of study and contemplation, attributes agency to the Atman is 'durmati' because he confuses the subject (seer) with the object (seen), remaining bound to births.