Atman appears to be active when in reality, the senses are active.

Realize Atman to be distinct from the body, sense-organs, mind, buddhi, and non-differentiated Prakriti, but the Witness of their functions, comparable to a king.

As the moon appears to be moving when the clouds move in the sky, so also, to the non-discriminating, Atman appears to be active when in reality, the senses are active.

The body, senses, mind, and buddhi (intellect) engage in their respective activities with the help of Consciousness, which is inherent in Atman, just as men work with the help of the light that is inherent in the sun.

(Atma Bodha by Adi Shankacharya)