Bhagavad Gita 18.15 — Whatever One Does, Right or Wrong, Has These Same Five Causes
शरीरवाङ्मनोभिर्यत्कर्म प्रारभते नरः ।
न्याय्यं वा विपरीतं वा पञ्चैते तस्य हेतवः ॥ १८.१५ ॥
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Whatever action a person undertakes by body, speech, or mind, whether right or wrong, these five are its causes.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śharīravāṅmanobhiḥ | by the body, speech, and mind |
| yat | whatever |
| karma | action |
| prārabhate | undertakes |
| naraḥ | a person |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| nyāyyam | right, just |
| vā | or |
| viparītam | wrong, contrary |
| vā | or |
| pañcha | five |
| ete | these |
| tasya | its |
| hetavaḥ | causes |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śharīravāṅmanobhiḥ | by the body, speech, and mind | nyāyyam | right, just |
| yat | whatever | vā | or |
| karma | action | viparītam | wrong, contrary |
| prārabhate | undertakes | vā | or |
| naraḥ | a person | pañcha | five |
| ete | these | ||
| tasya | its | ||
| hetavaḥ | causes | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna makes clear that the five causes are universal. Whatever action a person undertakes through body, speech, or mind, whether it is right or wrong, these five factors are behind it.
Essence
No action stands outside these five causes
Lord Krishna now removes any doubt about the range of this analysis. It is not a theory limited to a particular type of work.
Śarīra-vāṅ-manobhiḥ (through body, speech and mind): Action does not mean only physical deeds. What we speak is also action, and so is what we think and intend. The inner movements of the mind are as much karma as a walk or a day's labour.
Nyāyyaṁ vā viparītaṁ vā (proper or improper): The same five factors lie behind good deeds and bad deeds alike. A kind act and a cruel act both need a body, a doer, instruments, effort, and circumstance.
What follows from this?
This verse protects against two opposite mistakes. The first is the idea that only noble actions need to be examined and that ordinary or doubtful actions fall outside the system of cause and effect. The second is the idea that because many factors are involved, no one is responsible for what they do. Lord Krishna does neither. He includes the doer among the causes and treats every action as real and significant, including actions of speech and thought.
This also prepares the ground for the following verses. If every action arises from several causes, then to claim sole authorship of an action is a misunderstanding.
Message for Everyday Life (Mind Your Words and Thoughts)
Many people think that actions begin and end with visible deeds. But harsh words, bitter thoughts, and secret resentments are also actions, and they also produce consequences.
A practice: At the end of the day, review your day not only by what you did, but also by what you said and what you allowed your mind to dwell on. Doing so brings the whole of your conduct into view.
No action stands outside these five causes
Lord Krishna now removes any doubt about the range of this analysis. It is not a theory limited to a particular type of work.
Śarīra-vāṅ-manobhiḥ (through body, speech and mind): Action does not mean only physical deeds. What we speak is also action, and so is what we think and intend. The inner movements of the mind are as much karma as a walk or a day's labour.
Nyāyyaṁ vā viparītaṁ vā (proper or improper): The same five factors lie behind good deeds and bad deeds alike. A kind act and a cruel act both need a body, a doer, instruments, effort, and circumstance.
What follows from this?
This verse protects against two opposite mistakes. The first is the idea that only noble actions need to be examined and that ordinary or doubtful actions fall outside the system of cause and effect. The second is the idea that because many factors are involved, no one is responsible for what they do. Lord Krishna does neither. He includes the doer among the causes and treats every action as real and significant, including actions of speech and thought.
This also prepares the ground for the following verses. If every action arises from several causes, then to claim sole authorship of an action is a misunderstanding.
Message for Everyday Life (Mind Your Words and Thoughts)
Many people think that actions begin and end with visible deeds. But harsh words, bitter thoughts, and secret resentments are also actions, and they also produce consequences.
A practice: At the end of the day, review your day not only by what you did, but also by what you said and what you allowed your mind to dwell on. Doing so brings the whole of your conduct into view.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has established that these five causes are present in every action. This leads to an important conclusion, which He draws in the next verse: anyone who sees the individual self alone as the doer has not truly understood.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Every deed begins as a thought.
A word spoken is an action done.
Let mind, speech, and body walk together.
Know the channel through which you act.
Right or wrong, action has causes and consequences.
Understanding how action arises helps it arise well.
Guard your mind, speech, and body equally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'śharīravāṅmanobhiḥ' (by the body, speech, and mind) cover?
Why does Krishna mention both 'nyāyyam' (right) and 'viparītam' (wrong) actions?
Are these the same five causes mentioned in the previous verse?
Does this verse remove personal responsibility for wrong actions?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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