आत्मैव कर्मणः पूर्वमन्यत् किञ्चिन्न विद्यते ।
ततः स्वेनैव कर्माणि क्रियन्ते निजमायया ॥ ३ ॥
Then before action not any other existed except the Self;
So actions are done by It (the Self) inherent in illusive relativity.
Commentary
"This (Self) is the prime cause from which the totality springs forth", declares the Subala Upanishad (V). Inherent in illusive relativity is a projecting energy-power which causes action. It is the Self which is the support or basis of illusive relativity, just as the magician is the support and source of the magic tricks he brings forth.
Action is part of relative life, and all physiological functions are included. Even a wise yogi has to conform to his own nature, which the Bhagavad Gita calls svadharma. The Gita further declares in XVIII. 48, "Natural action, even though faulty, do not relinquish, surely every undertaking is faulty, like smoke covering fire." Only the Self-Absolute is without faults, as the Saktirahasya declares, "She (Sakti) is the Self, and though acting is without faults."