prakṛiteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśhaḥ
ahankāra-vimūḍhātmā kartāham iti manyate
prakṛiteḥ — of material nature;
kriyamāṇāni — carried out;
guṇaiḥ — by the three modes;
karmāṇi — activities;
sarvaśhaḥ — all kinds of;
ahankāra-vimūḍha-ātmā — those who are bewildered by the ego and misidentify themselves with the body;
kartā — the doer;
aham — I;
iti — thus;
manyate — thinks
This verse talks about how people often get confused about who is really in charge of their actions. Imagine a person who believes that everything they do is completely in their control. They think, 'I did this; I achieved that.' However, what this verse explains is that there are unseen forces at play in their lives that shape their thoughts and actions.
When someone is caught up in what we call material consciousness, they're not fully aware of how much influence their environment and their natural instincts have on them. They might feel very strongly that they are responsible for everything they do. They think of themselves as the 'doers' of their actions. But this belief is based on false ideas driven by their ego, which is that part of us that wants to feel important and in control.
For example, imagine a person who thinks they are successful because of their hard work. While hard work is important, this person might overlook the fact that their opportunities, their intelligence, and even their circumstances were not just a result of their efforts. These come from a mix of influences, including the support of others, timing, and sometimes sheer luck. Just like this, the verse tells us that all actions are actually carried out by nature's three modes—goodness, passion, and ignorance. Each one affects how we think, feel, and act without us even realizing it.
In reality, every person’s abilities and actions are part of a larger system set in motion by what is often called the Supreme Lord, or God. The term 'Krsna consciousness' refers to being aware of this divine plan and our place in it. The confusion comes from thinking 'I am the one who is in control,' when, in fact, we are all part of a bigger design. We are like actors on a stage, but we often forget this and think we are the directors or writers of our own story.
People who are not aware of this relationship often strive for independence and self-centered success. They may focus heavily on satisfying their senses—like wanting more money, fame, or comfort—thinking that will bring them happiness. But this tragic misunderstanding can lead to deeper confusion and a sense of isolation.
Ultimately, the verse encourages individuals to recognize that their physical and mental actions should not be about just personal gain. Rather, awareness of the Supreme Lord should lead us toward actions that help us connect with Him and serve a higher purpose. They are reminded that it's better to dedicate our efforts to a cause greater than ourselves, which also brings true fulfillment. By doing our duties while keeping this awareness alive, we begin to dissolve the false sense of ego that misleads us into thinking we are the sole actors in our life's play.