Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 27

English Translation

While actions are being done in every way by the gunas (alities) of Nature, one who is deluded by egoism thinks thus: 'I am the doer.'

Detailed Commentary

**3.27** **Explanation--**'Prakriteh Kriyamaanani Gunaih Karmani Sarvashah'— That collective power from which bodies, trees, etc., are formed and grow; from which rivers like Ganga flow, and changes occur in houses, etc.—by that very power, all actions of human beings such as seeing, hearing, eating, drinking, etc., take place. However, a person, deluded by Ahamkara (ego) and caught in ignorance, divides these actions into two parts: first, those actions that happen automatically, like the formation of the body, digestion of food, etc.; and second, those which we perform knowingly, such as seeing, speaking, eating. A person mistakenly considers these consciously performed actions as their own. Due to being the functions of the Gunas born of Prakriti, Buddhi (intellect), Ahamkara, Manas (mind), the five Mahabhutas (great elements), the ten Indriyas (senses), and the objects of the senses are also called the Gunas of Prakriti. The Lord has clarified that all actions are performed by the Gunas of Prakriti, not by our Atma (Self). 'Ahamkaravimoodhatma'-- 'Ahamkara' is a Vritti (tendency/modification) of the Antahkarana (inner instrument). The 'Self' (Atma) is its Knower (Jnātr). But when the Self mistakenly associates itself with that Vritti, this person becomes deluded. Just as the body is 'Idam' (this), so too is Ahamkara 'Idam'. 'Idam' can never be 'Aham' (I). When a person mistakenly considers 'Idam' to be 'Aham', they are called 'Ahamkaravimoodhatma' (the Self deluded by ego). This Ahamkara is not erased by actions; it is erased by *not* believing in it. The 'real Aham' is the Atma, and the 'unreal Aham' is the body. The 'real Aham' can be forgotten, but it cannot be destroyed; and the 'unreal Aham' can be perceived, but it is not permanent. When a person forgets the 'real Aham' and takes the 'unreal Aham' as their meaning, then they become deluded. 'Kartahamiti Manyate'-- Although all actions are performed by the Gunas of Prakriti, the person deluded by Ahamkara considers themselves the doer (Karta) of some actions, because they identify Ahamkara as their true Swaroopa (own form/nature). This delusion is self-created, and thus its eradication is also in one's own hands. The means to eradicate it is 'not believing in it through Viveka-vichar (discriminative thought)'; because a belief (Manyata) can only be dispelled by a belief. There is 'doing' and there is 'not doing'. Just as 'doing' is an action (Kriya), so is 'not doing' an action. All actions occur in Prakriti. The 'Self' (Swayam) does not contain 'doing' or 'not doing'; because it is beyond these, it is the illuminator of all. If the 'Self' also had actions, how could it be the Knower (Jnātr)? Where 'Aham' is present, there is doing and not doing. Where 'Aham' is absent, there is no relation to action. Just as a wave, being a part of the ocean, shares unity with the ocean, similarly the body, being a part of Samsara (the world), shares unity with Samsara. A person does not consider Samsara as 'I', but mistakenly considers the body as 'I'. The person deluded by Ahamkara, identifying the body as 'I', forms many desires (Ichchha); for example, the longing (Kamana) to acquire a wife, son, wealth, etc. They do not realize that by identifying the body as 'I', they are already bound, and by these desires, they are increasing their bondage (Bandhan). When a Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) considers themselves to be beyond the Gunas of Prakriti, then the real experience (Anubhava) occurs. By abandoning wrong beliefs (Manyata) and adopting right beliefs, liberation (Mukti) can be attained. If one believes 'I do nothing', then the false idea 'I am the doer (Karta)' is dispelled. The right belief becomes firm and is never lost.