Translation
Better is one's own prescribed duties, born of one's nature, even though it is devoid of excellence, than another's duty well executed; the doer of duty, dependent on one's own nature, does not incur sin.
Verse 18.47
From मोक्षसंन्यासयोग
The Yoga of Liberation through Renunciation
॥ Sanskrit Text ॥
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।स्वभावनियतं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम्।।18.47।।
śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt svabhāva-niyataṁ karma kurvan nāpnoti kilbiṣham
हिंदी अनुवाद
।।18.47।।अच्छी तरहसे अनुष्ठान किये हुए परधर्मसे गुणरहित अपना धर्म श्रेष्ठ है। कारण कि स्वभावसे नियत किये हुए स्वधर्मरूप कर्मको करता हुआ मनुष्य पापको प्राप्त नहीं होता।
Word-by-Word Meaning
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
Application in Daily Life
Meditation Practice
Contemplate this verse during your morning meditation. Reflect on how its teachings apply to your current life situation and challenges.
Professional Life
Apply the wisdom of Moksha Sanyasa Yoga to your work by focusing on your duties without excessive attachment to outcomes.
Relationships
Use these teachings to cultivate patience, understanding, and equanimity in your relationships with family and friends.
Chapter Context
Chapter 18: Moksha Sanyasa Yoga (मोक्षसंन्यासयोग) contains 78 verses and focuses on the yoga of liberation through renunciation.
This verse appears in the middle of the chapter, deepening the understanding of the main teachings.
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