The three kinds of actions are—
kāyik
(those performed with the body),
vāchik
(those performed by speech), and
mānasik
(those performed by the mind). In each of these categories, whether we do virtuous or sinful acts, the five causes mentioned in the previous verse are responsible. Due to the ego, we think of ourselves as the doers of our actions. “I achieved this.” “I accomplished that.” “I will do this.” These are statements we make under the illusion of being the doer. Shree Krishna’s purpose in revealing this knowledge is to annihilate the soul’s pride of doership. Thus, he states that those who see the soul only as the contributory factor for action do not see things as they truly are. If the soul were not granted a body by God, it could not have done anything at all. Further, if the body were not energized by God, it could have still done nothing. The Kenopaniṣhad states
yadvāchānabhyuditaṁ yena vāgabhyudyate
(1.4)[v8]
“
Brahman
cannot be described by the voice. By its inspiration, the voice gets the power to speak.”
yanmanasā na manute yenāhurmano matam
(1.5)[v9]
“
Brahman
cannot be understood by the mind and intellect. By its power, the mind and intellect work.”
yachchakṣhuṣhā na paśhyati yena chakṣhūṁṣhi paśhyati
(1.6)[v10]
“
Brahman
cannot be seen with the eyes. By its inspiration, the eyes see.”
yachchhrotreṇa na śhṛiṇoti yena śhrotramidaṁ śhrutam
(1.7)[v11]
“
Brahman
cannot be heard with the ears. By its power, the ears hear.”
yat prāṇena na prāṇiti yena prāṇaḥ praṇīyate
(1.8)[v12]
“
Brahman
cannot be energized by the life airs. By its inspiration, the life airs function.”
This does not mean that the soul has no role in performing karmas. It is like the driver in the car, who controls the steering wheel of the car and decides where to turn it and at what speed to drive. Similarly, the soul too governs the actions of the body, mind, and intellect, but it should not claim credit for any action(s) for itself. If we see ourselves to be the sole cause of action, then we want to be the enjoyers of our actions as well. But when we free ourselves from the pride of doership and ascribe the credit of our efforts to the grace of God and the tools provided by him, then we also realize that we are not the enjoyers of our actions and all actions are meant for his pleasure. As explained in the next verse, this understanding helps us to dedicate to him every act of sacrifice, charity, and penance, and perform these with devotion.