The first part of the verse mentions activities like "pralapan," speaking, "visṛjan," evacuating, and "gṛhṇan," grasping or holding. These actions are typical functions of the senses in engaging with the external world. Even the subtle action of blinking, "unmiṣhan nimiṣannapi," is included, emphasizing that all sensory activities are perceived as actions performed by the individual.

Lord Krishna describes how the individual, identified with the ego, mistakenly perceives the senses as the agents of action. He illustrates how the self erroneously attributes agency to the senses, which interact with sense objects and explains that while the senses are indeed engaged in their respective functions, it is the self, or the consciousness within, that mistakenly identifies with these actions. The self, influenced by the ego, erroneously believes itself to be the doer of these actions. This misperception arises from a lack of self-awareness and identification with the body-mind complex rather than recognizing the true nature of the self as pure consciousness.

This verse highlights the fundamental misunderstanding that leads to bondage and suffering. When individuals identify themselves solely with their physical bodies and sensory experiences, they become entangled in the cycle of action and reaction, known as karma. By falsely attributing agency to the senses, they become attached to the fruits of their actions, leading to further bondage and perpetuating the cycle of birth and death.

Lord Krishna's teaching here emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and discrimination between the eternal self, or Atman, and the transient sensory experiences. By cultivating self-realization and understanding the true nature of the self as distinct from the senses and their activities, individuals can attain liberation from the cycle of karma and experience lasting peace and satisfaction.