Shloka 16
Moksha Sannyasa Yoga — Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
तत्रैवं सति कर्तारमात्मानं केवलं तु यः । पश्यत्यकृतबुद्धित्वान्न स पश्यति दुर्मतिः ॥ १८.१६ ॥
tatraivaṃ sati kartāram ātmānaṃ kevalaṃ tu yaḥ | paśyaty akṛta-buddhitvān na sa paśyati durmatiḥ || 18.16 ||
Maka, walaupun demikian, sesiapa yang kerana tiada kefahaman tentang ‘bukan pelaku’ (akartṛtva) melihat dirinya semata-mata sebagai pelaku, dia yang berakal songsang sebenarnya tidak melihat.
इस प्रकार होने पर भी जो अकर्ता-बुद्धि न होने के कारण अपने-आपको ही केवल कर्ता मानकर देखता है, वह दुर्बुद्धि वास्तव में नहीं देखता।
Therefore, in such a case, the one who sees the self alone as the agent—due to an unrefined understanding—does not truly see; he is of poor judgment.
Traditional translations often read ‘akṛta-buddhitvāt’ as lacking the ‘non-doer’ insight (akartṛ-buddhi); academically it can be taken as ‘unformed/uncultivated understanding.’ Both target the error of exclusive self-doership.
FAQs
Over-identifying as the sole cause of events can intensify pride, guilt, and anxiety; the verse encourages a more balanced self-concept grounded in multiple determinants.
The claim undermines naïve substantial self-agency by situating action within a network of causes; it aligns with liberation-oriented knowledge that loosens identification with ‘I am the doer.’
After listing the five causes (18.14–15), the text warns that ignoring this analysis leads to misperception of agency.
In leadership or personal growth, acknowledge your role without assuming total control; this supports accountability while avoiding ego-driven narratives.