BG 3.27
Action is the product of qualities inherent in nature. It is only the egotistical and deluded one who thinks "I am the sole doer".
अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताऽहमिति मन्यते
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prakṛiteḥ — of material nature
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kriyamāṇāni — carried out
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guṇaiḥ — by the three modes
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karmāṇi — activities
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sarvaśhaḥ — all kinds of
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ahankāra-vimūḍhātmā — deluded by ego into identifying with the body
ahankāra-vimūḍha-ātmā—those who are bewildered by the ego and misidentify themselves with the body-
ahankāra — ego
Literally translates to "I making" -
vimūḍhātmā
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kartāham — I am the doer
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kartā — the doer
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aham — I
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iti — thus
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manyate — thinks
Action is the product of qualities inherent in nature. It is only the egotistical and deluded one who thinks "I am the sole doer". The person who understands the true nature of the Gunas and Karma, recognizes that the senses merely interact with the sense objects, and thus remains unattached. Those who do not understand the qualities of Guna and Prakrti are attached to their actions. However, the wise ones who know the truth should not disturb the minds of those who do not. Surrender your actions to me, keep your mind centered on the self, free yourself from desire and selfishness, quieten the mind, and engage in battle.
Similar verses
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One who knows the truth understands that it is only the law of nature that brings action to fruition, and that the self is never the one that acts.
- Verse 13.30
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When one understands that it is only these three qualities that cause action, and perceives what is beyond them, they attain my divine nature.
- Verse 14.19
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King Janaka and others reached perfection through action alone. Even for the sake of enlightening the world, you must act.
- Verse 3.20
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An action is pure when it is performed without attachment, free from desire or aversion, by one who does not seek the result of performing it.
- Verse 18.23
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What is action, and what is inaction? Even the wise are perplexed by this. Therefore, I will tell you of the philosophy of action, by which you can achieve liberation.
- Verse 4.16