Bhagavad Gita 3.27 — Prakriteh Kriyamanani Gunaih — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ३.२७ — प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
प्रकृतेः
prakṛiteḥ
of material nature
क्रियमाणानि
kriyamāṇāni
being carried out, performed
गुणैः
guṇaiḥ
by the three modes (gunas) of nature
कर्माणि
karmāṇi
activities, actions
सर्वशः
sarvaśhaḥ
all kinds of, in every way
अहङ्कार
ahankāra
egoism, the sense of 'I'
विमूढात्मा
vimūḍhātmā
one whose self is deluded, bewildered
कर्ता
kartā
the doer
अहम्
aham
I
इति
iti
thus
मन्यते
manyate
thinks, considers
Complete Translation
All actions are performed in every case by the modes (gunas) of material nature. But one whose mind is deluded by egoism thinks, "I am the doer."
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 27
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the third chapter, Karma Yoga, Krishna teaches Arjuna how to act without bondage. Having shown that no one can remain actionless, he now exposes the deepest cause of bondage — the ego's claim of doership. This verse declares that the gunas of nature perform all action, and that suffering arises only when the deluded self imagines 'I am the doer.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 3.27?▼
It teaches that all actions are actually carried out by the three gunas (modes) of material nature, and it is only the ego — bewildered by identification with body and mind — that thinks 'I am the doer.' Recognizing this dissolves false pride and bondage.
What are the gunas mentioned in this verse?▼
The gunas are the three qualities of Prakriti (nature): sattva (purity and harmony), rajas (passion and activity) and tamas (inertia and ignorance). Krishna explains that it is these forces, not the pure Self, that drive all activity in the body and mind.
Does this verse mean we are not responsible for our actions?▼
No. It addresses the spiritual truth of doership, not moral responsibility. The point is to release the egoistic pride of 'I am the doer' while still performing one's duty sincerely. The very next verse warns the wise not to unsettle those who still identify with action.
How does this verse help in daily life?▼
By remembering that nature acts through us, we let go of vanity over success and anxiety over failure. This brings inner calm, humility and freedom — acting fully while resting in the peace of the witnessing Self.
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