adhiṣhṭhānaṁ tathā kartā karaṇaṁ cha pṛithag-vidham
vividhāśh cha pṛithak cheṣhṭā daivaṁ chaivātra pañchamam
adhiṣhṭhānam — the body;
tathā — also;
kartā — the doer (soul);
karaṇam — senses;
cha — and;
pṛithak-vidham — various kinds;
vividhāḥ — many;
cha — and;
pṛithak — distinct;
cheṣhṭāḥ — efforts;
daivam — Divine Providence;
cha eva atra — these certainly are (causes);
pañchamam — the fifth
In this verse, Krishna is explaining the five essential things involved in every action we take in life. Let's break them down one by one:
1. **The Body**: This represents our physical form, which is like the stage where all actions happen. Just like an actor needs a stage to perform, we need our body to do anything—eating, walking, talking, or working.
2. **The Doer**: This refers to the soul or the individual who is actually performing the action. It’s you, the thinker and the one who decides to act. For example, if you choose to cook a meal, it’s your decision and your effort that brings about that action.
3. **The Senses**: These are like the tools or instruments that help us carry out our actions. For instance, your eyes help you see, your hands help you touch and hold things, and your mouth lets you speak and eat. Without these senses, it would be hard to interact with the world.
4. **The Different Functions or Endeavors**: This points to the various specific actions and efforts we undertake to achieve something. If you want to cook, you have to gather ingredients, prepare them, and follow a recipe. Each step is a distinct effort that leads to the end result—a meal on the table.
5. **The Presiding Deity**: This represents the higher power or divine influence that oversees everything. Some might refer to this as God or a greater spiritual presence guiding our actions. It suggests that while we are the doers, our actions are also influenced by a higher will, making us part of a bigger plan.
Krishna is highlighting that all of these factors work together. When you do something, it's not just you alone acting. You're using your body, your senses, your mind is deciding what to do, you’re engaging in various efforts, and you are also in connection with a spiritual force.
He also notes that when you act guided by this divine presence, the actions you take are free from negative consequences, known as karma. This means that you can engage in your duties without being weighed down by guilt or fear of the repercussions of your actions, as long as they align with a higher purpose or guidance. In simpler terms, when you act with the consciousness of a higher power—like focusing on doing good or fulfilling your responsibilities mindfully—you can find peace and fulfillment in what you do.