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Below and above spread its branches, nourished by the Gunas; sense-objects are its buds; and below, in the world of men, stretch forth the roots, originating action.

Its branches spread below and above, nourished by the qualities (guṇas), with sense objects for their shoots. Below, in the world of humans, its roots stretch on and on, binding beings to action.

The image grows more detailed. The branches spread both downward and upward, suggesting births in lower and higher conditions. They are fed by the three qualities, and their tender shoots are the sense objects that tempt the mind. A second set of roots grows down into the human world, and these roots are tied to action (karma). The point is that human life is where the tree is most firmly anchored, because here actions done with desire create further ties. The tree is not only out there; it grows through our choices.