If, O Shakra, the being known as person were really the actor, then all acts undertaken for his own benefit would certainly be successful. None of those acts would be futile. Persons struggling their utmost to avoid what is not desired and to bring about what is desired are not to be seen. What becomes then of personal exertion?
यदि स्यात् पुरुषः कर्ता शक्रात्मश्रेयसे ध्रुवम्। आरम्भास्तस्य सिद्ध्येयुर्न तु जातु परा भवेत्॥ अनिष्टस्य हि निर्वृत्तिरनिर्वृत्तिः प्रियस्य च। लक्ष्यते यतमानानां पुरुषार्थस्ततः कुतः॥