Chapter 3 Verse 35
Karm Yog
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्। स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः।।3.35।।
śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ
Word Meanings
| śhreyān | better |
| swa-dharmaḥ | personal duty |
| viguṇaḥ | tinged with faults |
| para-dharmāt | than another’s prescribed duties |
| su-anuṣhṭhitāt | perfectly done |
| swa-dharme | in one’s personal duties |
| nidhanam | death |
| śhreyaḥ | better |
| para-dharmaḥ | duties prescribed for others |
| bhaya-āvahaḥ | fraught with fear |
Translation
Better is one's own duty, though devoid of merit, than the duty of another well discharged. Better is death in one's own duty; the duty of another is fraught with fear.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says it is better to follow your own path and duty, even if you do it imperfectly, than to perfectly do a role that is not truly yours. Acting in ways that go against your nature leads to fear, stress, and loss of meaning.
Choosing your own duty means accepting responsibility for who you are and what you can offer. It values inner honesty and steady effort over outward success that costs your peace and integrity.
Life Application
- Focus on work and roles that match your skills, values, and temperament rather than chasing someone else’s image of success.
- Do your tasks sincerely, even if you make mistakes; steady, honest effort builds character and calm.
- When pressured to be someone you’re not, pause and choose the option that keeps your integrity and long-term well-being.
Reflection Question
Where in my life am I doing what others expect instead of what truly fits me?