Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 13.21

“Prakriti is said to be the cause of agency, actions, and their effects; purusha is the cause of experiencing pleasure and pain.”
Key Teaching: Prakriti drives actions; purusha experiences their results.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna explains that prakriti (nature) causes agency, actions, and their effects, while purusha (spirit) experiences pleasure and pain. This verse, continuing 13.20, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna clarifies roles, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he points to liberation, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s actions (1.28–46) reflect prakriti’s influence, while his inner struggle reflects purusha’s experience, contrasting Duryodhana’s material focus (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (7.4), distinguishing prakriti and purusha, and builds on their eternal nature (13.20). Krishna clarifies their roles in bondage.

Philosophically, the verse delineates prakriti’s role in action and purusha’s in experience, a theme refined with teachings on the self (2.20). Arjuna’s path is clarified by discerning these roles. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation through understanding. The verse connects to teachings on action (3.27).

Sanjaya’s narration (18.74–78) ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s dynamics, where prakriti acts and purusha feels. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to transcend prakriti’s influence, aligning with moksha. The distinction resonates with Arjuna’s need to separate duty from personal experience.