238. Thought to Action

When we (the knower) see a flower (the object of knowledge), we take in its colour and smell (knowledge) among other attributes. This situation induces various actions. A poet might write poetry describing the flower’s beauty. The poet is the doer who uses a pen as an instrument and writing poetry is the action. Similarly, a devotee might pluck the flower to offer it to their deity; a lover might pluck it to present to their beloved; a botanist would proceed to examine its nature.

In this regard Krishna says, “Knowledge, the object of knowledge, and the knower are the three factors that induce karma (action). The instrument of action, the act itself and the doer - are the three constituents of action” (18.18). As illustrated earlier with the example of a flower, the knowledge acquired by the knower about an object is highly subjective. This subjectivity explains why different individuals are inspired to take different actions in the same situation. A point to be noted is that karma is induced at the mind level and executed at the body level.

At the beginning of the Gita, Krishna states that while we have a right over our actions (karma), we do not have control over the fruits of those actions (karma-phal). He later explains that daivam (the divine will or the will of existence) is one of the factors responsible for the outcome of any action. This highlights the presence of a force beyond our control that influences results (18.13 and 18.14).

Krishna further says, “Knowledge, karma and the karta (doer) are declared to be of three kinds according to the distinction of three gunas (18.19). Understand that knowledge to be satvik by which one indestructible spirit is perceived in all beings, undivided in the divided (18.20). That knowledge is to be considered rajasik by which one sees manifold living entities as individual and unconnected (18.21). That knowledge is said to be tamasik which clings to one single effect, as if it were the whole, without reason, without foundation in truth” (18.22).