All actions are performed by the guṇas of nature, but one whose self is deluded by ego thinks: ‘I am the doer.’

A verse that reveals the fundamental illusion of the ego.

Prakṛteḥ guṇaiḥ karmāṇi kriyamāṇāni sarvaśaḥ — all actions, everywhere, are performed by the guṇas (sattva, rajas, tamas) of prakṛti (material nature).

The body acts according to its natural tendencies: the senses perceive, muscles move, the mind thinks — all this is activity of nature.

Ahaṃkāra-vimūḍhātmā — one whose self (ātmā) is deluded (vimūḍha) by ego (ahaṃkāra).

Kartāham iti manyate — thinks: “I am the doer.”

The real Self (ātman) is witness, not actor. The confusion consists in identifying with the body-mind and attributing authorship of actions to oneself.

This understanding doesn’t lead to passivity but to liberation: you act fully but without the weight of authorship. It is the basis of karma yoga: action without the burden of the ego.