Karika 16

kāraṇamastyavyaktaṁ pravartatē triguṇataḥ samudayācca। pariṇāmataḥ salilavat pratipratiguṇāśrayaviśēṣāt ॥16॥

The cause exists in the un-manifest, that instigates the combination of three qualities. Varied multiple effects flow with ease, specially sheltered in the qualities.

It is critical to note, unambiguously cause is attributed to the unmanifest 'Purusha' or the individual soul.