Chapter 3: Karma Yoga – Transforming All Activities into Yoga: Verse 35
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुण: परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् ।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेय: परधर्मो भयावह: ।।
śreyān-svadharmo viguṇa: para-dharmāt-svanuṣṭhitāt
svadharme nidhanaṃ śreya: paradharmo bhayāvaha: – 3.35
To perform one’s natural duty, though devoid of merit, is superior to engaging in activities alien to one’s nature. Even to face death in fulfilling one’s duty is supremely good. But to perform another’s duty (alien to one’s nature) is fraught with fear.
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga – Transforming All Activities into Yoga - Verse 35
Swami Nirviseshananda Tirtha
This is a great statement of Gita. Do not get into the discussion about the good and bad of anything or anyone. The world needs multiple contributions from various individuals. Let everyone do what he can naturally, without conflict. Find joy, harmony and fulfilment in whatever you do or is assigned to you.
Arjuna, a warrior, is trained to fight for the good of all. His spirit and fervour are towards it. Krishna says: “Do not find any wrong in it. Flow with the current. All activities have their respective places. Yours has its, as others’ have theirs. Be harmonious with each.
“Even death befalling one while doing his duty, brings supreme good. To think of doing another’s duty, regarding it as better, is fraught with fear, leading to fall. Leave conflicting thoughts and options, and be centred in your own duty. Perform it well. Know that all activities are equally designed and motivated by Nature.”
