Chapter 18 Shloka 15

शरीरवाङ्मनोभिर्यत्कर्म प्रारभते नरः।

न्याय्यं वा विपरीतं वा पञ्चैते तस्य हेतवः।।१५।।

Any act initiated by man

through mind, speech or body,

whether it be just or unjust,

is dependent on these five causal factors.

Chapter 18 Shloka 15

शरीरवाङ्मनोभिर्यत्कर्म प्रारभते नरः।

न्याय्यं वा विपरीतं वा पञ्चैते तस्य हेतवः।।१५।।

Look, the Lord is saying to Arjuna:

Any act initiated by man through mind, speech or body, whether it be just or unjust, is dependent on these five causal factors.

The Lord is reiterating that all acts of man:

a) are caused by the conjunction of these five factors;

b) are effected by the interplay of qualities, the union of certain qualities, the separation of certain other qualities.

That is, the body, the doer, the qualities along with the sense faculties giving rise to attraction and repulsion, the endeavours, and daiv or destiny – all these comprise the causal factors of all mental, physical and spoken actions.

Mental deeds

1. To be happy or sorrowful are deeds of the mind.

2. To be inflamed by anger.

3. To be troubled by remorse.

4. Greed, avarice, jealousy, hatred etc.

5. Joyousness.

6. The emergence of compassion and a merciful attitude.

7. Revelling in just or unjust thought processes.

8. Mental ruminations.

9. Dwelling in dualities.

10. Conflicts that disturb and distress.

11. Sentiments and opinions.

12. Excitement or calmness.

13. Mental reservations, etc.

All these comprise actions of the mind. These thought processes happen within the mind. Their base is the same conglomerate of five factors.

Actions of speech

Actions of speech are constantly revealed through one’s words.

1. One’s speech could be just.

2. It could be filled with falsehood or truth.

3. Speech can unsettle or establish.

4. Speech can be destructive.

5. Speech can be filled with discussions about the Lord.

6. Speech can also inspire one towards the Lord.

7. Speech can also be deceitful.

8. Speech can also rob the other of his honour.

Speech influences one in many ways. The action of speech lies in the flow of words.

Little one! All actions relating to the inner self of man, constitute mental deeds. And all actions of the voice (pertaining to words) are actions of speech.

Bodily actions

All actions performed by the body are physical actions. Every gross deed thus comes within its ambit.

The Lord says that the actions of man, whether of the body, speech or mind, are conducted by the aforementioned five factors. No matter if the action is just or unjust, it stems from these five factors. Little one, now understand the nature of just deeds.

Just deeds

Those deeds are considered to be just, which:

a) adhere to the Truth;

b) are noble and exalted;

c) which are righteous;

d) which regard the fulfilment of duty as their base. For example, you are someone’s daughter, you are somebody’s sister – it is only just that you fulfil all your obligations due to these relationships. If a son ignores his duties towards his parents, he is unjust. Little one, parents may be at fault at times, but they cannot procure new children! Always support justice – even though it may be against your parents; however, never ignore your duties towards your parents. You are their children. Do not snatch away their children from them.

e) Service and charity comprise just deeds.

f)Tapas or forbearance and yagya comprise just deeds.

g) Divine qualities are innately just.

All that is opposite to such deeds is untrue and unjust.

Unjust deeds

a) Untruthful, unjust and depraved deeds.

b) Merciless and deceitful actions.

c) Destructive deeds.

d) Harsh actions full of hatred, jealousy and cruelty.

e) Deeds that express pride, arrogance, criticism and insult.

f) Deeds that cause distress to another.

g) Deeds full of anger and venom.

All these constitute unjust deeds.

All actions, whether just or unjust, are comprised of the five factors mentioned in the previous shloka. So also, these five factors apply to actions of the body. Whether the individual’s actions are just or unjust, beneficial or harmful, they are all comprised of these vital five factors.

Hetu (हेतु)

1. The instrumental factors.

2. The fundamental base.

3. These factors combine to produce the goal of action.

4. Together, they give form to action.

5. They are the means to action.

6. They combine to devise actions.

Therefore it is clear that an individual’s greatest mistake is to fill the idea of doership into his deeds.