Chapter 13 • Verse 21
कार्यकारणकर्तृत्वे हेतुः प्रकृतिरुच्यते। पुरुषः सुखदुःखानां भोक्तृत्वे हेतुरुच्यते॥
kārya-kāraṇa-kartṛitve hetuḥ prakṛitir uchyate puruṣhaḥ sukha-duḥkhānāṁ bhoktṛitve hetur uchyate
Meaning
Prakriti is said to be the cause of the body, senses, and their functions. The Purusha is said to be the cause of experiencing pleasure and pain.
Prakriti (nature/matter) causes the body and its activities (objective reality). Purusha (soul) causes the experience of pleasure and pain (subjective consciousness). Body acts; soul experiences. This is the division of roles.
Strength Reflection
"My body acts through nature; I experience through consciousness. Each has its role."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, help me understand that action belongs to nature while experience belongs to consciousness.