In Bhagavad Gita 3.27, Krishna explains that all actions are done by the qualities of nature, but the one deluded by ego thinks, “I am the doer.”
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीभगवानुवाच · The Blessed Lord said
प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि
गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः
अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा
कर्ताहमिति मन्यते ॥ ३-२७ ॥
prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni
guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ
ahaṅkāravimūḍhātmā
kartāhamiti manyate
English transliteration prakriteh kriyamaanaani
gunaih karmaani sarvashah
ahankaaravimoodhaatmaa
kartaahamiti manyate ॥ 3.27 ॥
Translation / Meaning
All actions are performed in every way by the qualities of nature. But the one whose mind is deluded by egoism thinks, “I am the doer.”
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| प्रकृतेः prakṛteḥ | of nature |
| क्रियमाणानि kriyamāṇāni | being performed |
| गुणैः guṇaiḥ | by the qualities |
| कर्माणि karmāṇi | actions |
| सर्वशः sarvaśaḥ | in every way |
| अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा ahaṅkāravimūḍhātmā | one deluded by ego ahaṅkāra (ego) + vimūḍha (deluded) + ātmā (mind) |
| कर्ता kartā | the doer |
| अहम् aham | I |
| इति iti | thus |
| मन्यते manyate | thinks |
Word-wise Chanting
- pra–kṛ–teḥ kri–ya–mā–ṇā–ni 8 syllables pra-kri-teh kri-ya-maa-naa-ni
- gu–ṇaiḥ kar–mā–ṇi sar–va–śaḥ | 8 syllables gu-naih kar-maa-ni sar-va-shah
- a–haṅ–kā–ra–vi–mū–ḍhāt–mā 8 syllables a-han-kaa-ra-vi-moo-dhaat-maa
- kar–tā–ha–mi–ti man–ya–te || 3-27 8 syllables kar-taa-ha-mi-ti man-ya-te
How to read this
How to chant: each line is one pāda (quarter-verse); chant it in one breath. The hyphen (-) divides the syllables, inside a word and across a sandhi join, so every pāda shows its 8 syllables (11 in triṣṭubh verses). A consonant cluster is divided after its first consonant (kar-ma, vet-ti): that syllable is held longer. Mark above a syllable: guru, long (two beats); laghu, short (one beat). | closes the half-verse, || the verse; the number is the syllable count of the pāda.
Deeper Explanation – Chapter 3 Verse 27
Context
Krishna gives the philosophical basis of non-attachment (3.27–3.29).
Meaning
According to the Gita, action belongs to prakṛti, nature, working through its three guṇas. The body, senses and mind act according to their nature. The Self, pure consciousness, is the witness. The ego, ahaṅkāra, mistakenly identifies with the actions and claims, “I did this.”
This insight does not deny responsibility; it changes our relationship with action. When we see that body and mind are instruments of nature, we act without inflated pride or crushing guilt. We take care of the instrument, but rest in the Self that witnesses.
In Practice
After finishing a task today, instead of thinking “I did this,” reflect: “This was done through me.” Notice the lightness it brings.
Related Verses
Continue Your Study
This verse belongs to Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action). Read the chapter overview, browse every verse of the Gita, or return to the chapter-by-chapter guide. For a reading plan, see how to study the Bhagavad Gita and the study resources.