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Staying Focused on the Path of Svadharma Helps Us to Stay on the Path of Dharma

अथ चेतत्त्वमिमं धर्म्यं संग्रामं न करिष्यसि |
तत: स्वधर्मं कीर्तिं च हित्वा पापमवाप्स्यसि || 3.33||

atha chet tvam imaṁ dharmyaṁ saṅgrāmaṁ na kariṣhyasi
tataḥ sva-dharmaṁ kīrtiṁ cha hitvā pāpam avāpsyasi|| 3.33||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 2- Ver. 33:

If, on the other hand, you refuse to wage this just war, abandoning your social obligations and reputation, you will undoubtedly commit a sin.

Explanation

Arjuna is about to start on activities that are Paradharma, actions that are alien to his core nature, actions that are driven by personal desires, not oriented towards an ideal, and actions that are directed by his likes and dislikes.

Krishna tells Arjuna in verse 32 that if he does the right thing, he will go to heaven. He now claims that Arjuna will commit sin if he does not fight. The correct course of action is to Identify your svadharma, or primary interest, and intrinsic talent in that field. Fix a higher ideal in that area, and take acts guided by the sane counsel of the intellect, rather than likes and dislikes.

Right action cleanses us of any existing vasanas, allowing us to progress spiritually. Wrong behaviour fills us with more vasanas, causing our minds to agitate. As a result, sin is found in the reaction rather than the conduct. Action is neither good nor harmful in and of itself. What makes the difference is the intention or mindset that is behind it.

Even a seemingly right activity might be incorrect if it is motivated by self-interest. Such behaviour upsets the mind and causes us to be disturbed, which is why they are referred to as sin. A seemingly bad action, on the other hand, may be justified if motivated by compassion. It will bring peace and happiness, as well as spiritual advancement.

Activities geared toward a higher ideal result in a tranquil mind in Svadharma. You become more creative and active, which helps you succeed. You’re happy because all unselfish acts make you happy. As a result, good behaviour leads to success, happiness, and spiritual growth.

You put in a lot of effort to grow despite being ignorant of the law. Then one bad action demolishes the structure, and you’re back to square one. As a result, exercise caution when doing any action. Allow your intellect to lead you rather than your mind’s whims and fantasies.

Shri Krishna cautions Arjuna and us to consider the consequences of failing to carry out our svadharma. He had previously explained the benefits of the teaching, and now, in this and the following shlokas, he elaborates on the disadvantages of not following the teaching.

Verse & What we can learn

Following the path of svadharma leads to achieving positive results both materially and spiritually and not following it leads to negative results both here and there.

A peaceful and calm mind, a mind which is balanced under all circumstances, is very essential to stick to the path of Dharma and Svadharma. To achieve this in this Kaliyuga practicing meditation is very important in daily life.

There are many 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, Lord Shri Krishna elaborates to Arjuna more of his duties as a Kshatriya.

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…