TEXT 19
naivatma na paras capi
karta syat sukha-duhkhayoh
kartaram manyate trajna
atmanam param eva ca
SYNONYMS
nanot; evaindeed; atmathe spirit soul; nanor; parahanother (friend or enemy); caalso; apiindeed; kartathe doer; syatcan be; sukha-duhkhayohof happiness and distress; kartaramthe doer; manyateconsiders; atrain this connection; ajnaha person not aware of the real fact; atmanamhimself; paramanother; evaindeed; caalso.
TRANSLATION
In this material world, neither the living entity himself nor others [friends and enemies] are the cause of material happiness and distress. But because of gross ignorance, the living entity thinks that he and others are the cause.
PURPORT
In this verse the word ajna is very significant. In the material world, all living entities are ajna, ignorant, in different degrees. This ignorance continues very strongly in the mode of ignorance presented by material nature. One must therefore promote himself to the stage of goodness through his character and behavior and then gradually come to the transcendental platform, or adhoksaja platform, in which he realizes both his position and the position of others. Everything is done under the superintendence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The process by which the results of action are ordained is called niyatam, always working.

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