Uddhava-Gita TEXT 31
gunah srjanti karmanicguno ‘nusrjate gunanjivas tu guna-samyukto bhunkte karma-phalany asau
It is the material senses that perform pious and sinful activities, it is the three modes of material nature that inspire the senses to engage in fruitive activities, and it is the living entity who enjoys the fruit of his karma, with the help of his senses.
COMMENTARY
It was previously described how sinful living entities are degraded to a hellish condition of life. Now, the question may arise as to whether the living entities are helpless or are they the master of their own destiny? The answer is that it is the senses that worship the demigods and perform other ritualistic activities. It is the senses that enjoy intimate association with another’s wife, and perform other abominable acts, thus creating the destiny of the living entity. It is due to being impelled by the three modes of material nature that the senses create one’s future body. The minute independence of the living entity consists of how he chooses to associate with the modes of nature. It is in this way that the living entity experiences suffering or enjoyment of his pious and sinful acts.
PURPORT
According to the Bhagavad-gita, one’s activities are impelled by the three modes of material nature. As long as one thinks himself to be the doer of activities, he remains on the platform of false ego. Until one comes to the platform of self-realization, he continues to experience lamentation and illusion. The conditioned soul can be liberated if he gives up his separatist mentality and engages in the devotional service of the Lord. When one is under the shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he is removed form the disturbing influence of the external energy of the Lord. By the perfection of devotional service to the Lord, one realizes his original identity of eternity, knowledge, and bliss, so that he goes to reside in Vaikuntha, the eternal abode of the Lord.
