Chapter 18 Verse 47
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।स्वभावनियतं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम्।।18.47।।
śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt svabhāva-niyataṁ karma kurvan nāpnoti kilbiṣham
Word Meanings
| śhreyān | better |
| swa-dharmaḥ | one’s own prescribed occupational duty |
| viguṇaḥ | imperfectly done |
| para-dharmāt | than another’s dharma |
| su-anuṣhṭhitāt | perfectly done |
| svabhāva-niyatam | according to one’s innate nature |
| karma | duty |
| kurvan | by performing |
| na āpnoti | does not incur |
| kilbiṣham | sin |
Translation
Better is one's own duty, even if it is destitute of merits, than the duty of another well performed. He who does the duty ordained by his own nature incurs no sin.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that it is better to follow your own duty—even if you do it imperfectly—than to perfectly do someone else’s duty. Your duty is linked to your nature and situation; acting from that place fits you and causes less harm.
When you act according to your nature, your actions do not leave a moral stain. Doing work that is not yours, even well, can create inner conflict and lead to wrong results. The teaching encourages honest effort in your own role and steady growth rather than imitation.
Life Application
- Choose tasks and roles that match your skills and values, and do them sincerely rather than copying others for praise.
- Keep learning and improving in your own work; small honest efforts matter more than flawless acts in someone else’s role.
- When pressured to act out of character, pause and ask whether the choice aligns with your true duty and long-term peace.
Reflection Question
Am I acting from my true nature, or am I trying to be what others expect me to be?