Bhagavad Gita 18.14

adhiṣṭhānaṁ tathā kartā

karaṇaṁ ca pṛthag-vidham

vividhāś ca pṛthak ceṣṭā

daivaṁ caivātra pañcamam

 

The environment, the soul, the senses with talent,

Various endeavors with firm commitment,

Along with destiny, the fifth and final in line—

All shape each act’s result by a higher design.

 

My dear Lord, please help me understand clearly how things work in this world and how I am meant to work.

O omnipotent Lord of all souls, you have not made me, a soul, to be impotent. As I am your eternal part, you always want me to play a part.

O Lord of all talents, let me introspect to understand the talents you have given me, as they are expressed through my inclinations, interests, and instincts innate to my sensory faculties.

O Lord of all environments, help me appreciate that these talents require conducive and supportive environments. Let me strive to place myself in such environments—whether in terms of my body, my society, my nationality, and so on.

O Lord of all commitment, let me appreciate that talent and environment must be complemented by commitment if I am to achieve anything meaningful in life.

O Lord of destiny, help me recognize the role of destiny, while avoiding both extremes of lethargy and self-pity. Let me work to analyze and improve my talent, environment, and commitment. Simultaneously, let me not blame myself for outcomes that do not materialize, even after I have done my part.

O all-attractive Lord, please show me how both what is within my control and what is beyond it are ultimately in your control. May that vision inspire me to align with you as my true north so I can navigate the complexities of action creatively and constructively.

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18.14 The place of action [the body], the performer, the various senses, the many different kinds of endeavor, and ultimately the Supersoul – these are the five factors of action.