Translation
It is better to do one's own duty, however lacking in merit, than to do that of another, even though efficiently. It is better to die doing one's own duty, for doing the duty of another is fraught with danger.
Verse 3.35
From कर्मयोग
The Yoga of Action
॥ Sanskrit Text ॥
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
हिंदी अनुवाद
।।3.35।। अच्छी तरह आचरणमें लाये हुए दूसरेके धर्मसे गुणोंकी कमीवाला अपना धर्म श्रेष्ठ है। अपने धर्ममें तो मरना भी कल्याणकारक है और दूसरेका धर्म भयको देनेवाला है।
Word-by-Word Meaning
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
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 Karma 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 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोग) contains 43 verses and focuses on the yoga of action.
This verse appears towards the end of the chapter, bringing together the practical applications of this wisdom.
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