Deluded Self as Sole Doer
One who sees the self as the sole agent, due to imperfect understanding, does not see truly.
The unenlightened believe they alone are the cause of their actions and results. This ego-centered view ignores the many factors—body, senses, providence—that contribute to every act. Such delusion breeds pride in success and despair in failure. The wise see themselves as instruments through which multiple forces act. This perspective brings humility, peace, and freedom from the burden of sole responsibility.
One who considers the self as the only doer, not considering the five factors, is certainly not intelligent and cannot see things as they are.
This teaching offers relief from the exhausting sense that we must control everything—we are participants in a larger dance, not solo performers.
Bhagavad Gita
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- What the Bhagavad Gita says about letting go of results
Whoever takes themselves to be the only doer has not seen clearly. This cuts at pride after success and at despair after failure with the same edge.