One’s body is like a city of nine gates (consisting of two eyes, two nostrils, two ears, one mouth, the anus, and the genitals), and one is the embodied soul that lives within the body. Although engaged in practical actions, if one is able to renounce the actions mentally (which entails considering oneself as a non-doer of action and a non-proprietor of results), one can be always happy within the city of nine gates (BG 5.13). This becomes possible because the internal spirit of renunciation is founded on the true foundation of enlightening knowledge, which removes all illusion just like the sun dispels all darkness (BG 5.16).
What is the specific feature of this knowledge which plays a key role in eradicating illusion and invoking true happiness?
This knowledge is about having clarity in the role of the embodied soul, the modes of nature, and the Supreme Lord in fructifying an action.
- One, as the master of the body (prabhuḥ), does not have the power to create actions (na kartṛtvaṁ), induce other people to act (na karmāṇi lokasya), or create results (na karma-phala) — they are all enacted by the modes of material nature (svabhāva). (BG 5.14)
- The Supreme Master (vibhuḥ), or God also does not own anyone’s actions (pious/impious), but He controls the modes of nature. (BG 5.15)
In this world, we are controlled by the modes of nature, which are in turn controlled by the Supreme Lord. The living entities are bewildered by the ignorance that is generated by the influence of these modes. Therefore, when one’s intelligence, mind, faith, and shelter are all reposed in that Supreme Master and Controller, by the grace of the Supreme, one receives knowledge that destroys all misgivings (jñāna-nirdhūta-kalmaṣāḥ), and one proceeds toward liberation (gacchanty apunar-āvṛttiṁ). (BG 5.17)
