Chapter 3: Path of Actionकर्मयोग
3:35
“It is better to perform one's own duty imperfectly than to perfectly perform another's duty. It is better to die in one's own dharma; another's path is dangerous.”
Sanskrit
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् | स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः ||
Transliteration
śreyān sva-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣṭhitāt sva-dharme nidhanaṁ śreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ
Commentary
Each person has their unique nature and purpose (svadharma). Imitating others' paths, however attractive, leads us away from our authentic growth. Self-knowledge reveals our true calling.
Chapter 3
Path of Action