(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)
Perfect or Imperfect it is Better to Perform One’s Own Duty
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुण: परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् |
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेय: परधर्मो भयावह: || 3.35||
śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt
swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ|| 35||
Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 3- Ver. 35:
It is far preferable to carry out one’s natural assigned duty, even if it is tainted by flaws, than to carry out another’s prescribed duty correctly. In reality, it is preferable to die while carrying out one’s responsibilities than to follow another’s dangerous route.
Explanation
It is better to die in svadharma, which signifies powerful like, according to Krsna. You must choose an activity that corresponds to your svadharma, or most intense desire. Strong desires must be satisfied. They cannot be transformed solely by learning. Do not act on your likes and dislikes when working on your svadharma.
Do not act on your likes and dislikes when working on your svadharma. Invest your time and energy in this area. Set a higher bar. Make a strategy for achieving this aim. You may not feel like going through the schedule on any particular day. Don’t give in to your dislike here. Take action based on intellectual conviction.
A field aligned with your svadharma is significantly easier to pursue because you already have a passion for it. You will be successful, happy, and spiritually grow if you dedicate your efforts to a higher cause. Acting in a field that is not your natural habitat is uncomfortable, and it can lead to failure and disappointment.
Our strongest likes and desires are our svadharma, and the force generated by our svadharma should be employed in the evolution of our personality. We should not let weaker likes or dislikes distract us from our svadharma once we have chosen a strong desire as our svadharma.
Swa-dharma is individual dharma, that is applicable to our context, our situation, maturity we have, and our profession in life. This swa-dharma can change as our life situations change, and as we grow spiritually. Shri Krishna is urging
Arjuna to follow his profession as a warrior here in this context.
Verse & what we can learn
One should put in all efforts wholeheartedly in the profession where his heart lies and should continue working and striving for perfection in that field.
Teachings of Krishna give the right direction to life and Daily practice of meditation helps us by giving us the inner strength and improving physical health to follow the path that Krishna has shown us.
There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There are also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.
In the Next verse, Arjuna asks Shri Krishna about sinful acts.
Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…