श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.१३ — पञ्चैतानि महाबाहो — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.१३ — पञ्चैतानि महाबाहो
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
पञ्च एतानि
pañcha etāni
these five
महाबाहो
mahā-bāho
O mighty-armed one (Arjuna)
कारणानि
kāraṇāni
causes; factors
निबोध मे
nibodha me
learn from Me; understand from Me
सांख्ये
sānkhye
in the Sankhya (philosophy of analysis)
कृतान्ते
kṛitānte
in the doctrine that ends (the reactions of) action; the Vedanta
प्रोक्तानि
proktāni
declared; stated
सिद्धये
siddhaye
for the accomplishment
सर्वकर्मणाम्
sarva-karmaṇām
of all actions
Complete Translation
हे महाबाहो! कर्मों के अन्त का प्रतिपादन करने वाले सांख्य-सिद्धान्त में समस्त कर्मों की सिद्धि के लिए जो पाँच कारण कहे गए हैं, उन्हें मुझसे जानो।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 13
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eighteenth chapter, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, after teaching about renunciation, Krishna turns to analyse the nature of action itself. Here He invites Arjuna to learn the five factors that accomplish every deed, as set forth in the Sankhya doctrine — an analysis that dissolves the illusion of being the sole doer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Krishna introduce in Bhagavad Gita 18.13?▼
Krishna tells Arjuna to learn the five factors that bring about the accomplishment of all actions, as taught in the Sankhya philosophy. It introduces an analysis of action that the following verses develop in detail.
What are the five factors of action?▼
The verses that follow (18.14) name them: the body (the seat of action), the doer, the various senses or instruments, the different kinds of effort, and divine providence (daiva). Together these factors bring every action to completion.
Why is this analysis important?▼
It shows that no action is performed by the individual ego alone; many factors cooperate. Understanding this dissolves the false sense of sole doership, helping the seeker act without pride and attachment, and thus move toward freedom from the bondage of karma.
What does 'maha-baho' mean?▼
'Maha-baho' means 'O mighty-armed one', an epithet of Arjuna highlighting his strength as a warrior. Krishna often addresses him this way to rouse his attention and dignity as He imparts important teaching.
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