238. Thought to Action

When we (knower) see a flower (object of knowledge) we take in its colour, smell (knowledge) etc. This situation induces an action. A poet would 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 plucks the flower to present to his deity; a lover would pluck it to present to their lover; a biologist 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—these are the three constituents of action" (18.18). Essentially, karma initially happens at the mind level and subsequently at the body level.

 A point to be noted is that even virtual or imaginary objects can influence us. Arjun's despondency is also based on his imagination about the future. In the present scenario, our dependency on screens is rampant both for work and pleasure. These fast moving images (objects) lead to addiction at the mind level like drugs to the body. This results in less use of the body (instrument) leading to many health complications. That's why Gita gives more emphasis to drop the internal part -sankalp (4.19).

 Krishna further says, "Knowledge, karma, and the kartha (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 rajasic by which one sees manifold living entities as individual and cnconnected (18.21). That knowledge is said to be tamasic which clings to one single effect, as if it were the whole, without reason, without foundation in truth" (18.22).