श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥ भगवद्-गीता 3.35
Word-to-Word Meaning:
श्रेयान् (śreyān): Better, more beneficial
स्वधर्मः (sva-dharmaḥ): One's own duty
विगुणः (vigunaḥ): Imperfect, marked with faults
परधर्मात् (paradharmāt): Than another's duty
स्वनुष्ठितात् (svanuṣṭhitāt): performed perfectly
स्वधर्मे (sva-dharme): In one's own duty
निधनं (nidhanaṁ): Death
श्रेयः (śreyaḥ): Better, preferable
परधर्मः (paradharmaḥ): Another's duty
भयावहः (bhayāvahaḥ): dangerous, fraught with fear
Shloka Meaning:
"Better is one's own duty, though imperfect, than the duty of another well-performed. It is better to die in one's own duty; the duty of another is fraught with fear."
Kannada Meaning:
"ಒಬ್ಬರ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯವು ಅಪೂರ್ಣವಾಗಿದ್ದರೂ, ಇನ್ನೊಬ್ಬರ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಉತ್ತಮವಾಗಿದೆ, ಒಬ್ಬರ ಸ್ವಂತ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಯುವುದು ಉತ್ತಮ; ಇನ್ನೊಬ್ಬರ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯವು ಭಯದಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿದೆ."
Hindi Meaning:
"किसी का अपना कर्तव्य, भले ही अपूर्ण हो, दूसरे के अच्छे ढंग से निभाए गए कर्तव्य से बेहतर है। अपने कर्तव्य में मर जाना बेहतर है; दूसरे का कर्तव्य भय से भरा होता है।"
Discussion:
Emphasis on Personal Duty (Sva-Dharma):
The verse underscores the importance of fulfilling one's own duty (sva-dharma) even if it is imperfect. It suggests that each individual has a unique role or responsibility in life that they are meant to fulfill.
Comparison with Another's Duty (Para-Dharma):
It contrasts one's own duty with that of another (para-dharma). Even if someone else's duty appears more attractive or well-performed, it is still considered inferior to one's own imperfect duty.
Spiritual and Moral Integrity:
The verse promotes spiritual and moral integrity by emphasizing the value of sincerity and commitment in performing one's own responsibilities. It highlights that personal growth and fulfillment come from staying true to one's path rather than attempting to fulfill roles that do not align naturally.
Acceptance of Imperfection:
By stating "though imperfect," the verse acknowledges the inherent limitations and imperfections that may exist in one's own duty. It suggests that striving to fulfill one's duty sincerely is more beneficial than achieving external success or perfection in roles that are not inherently one's own.
Facing Fear and Consequences:
It points out that even if one's own duty leads to challenges or difficulties (even death), it is still preferable because it aligns with one's true purpose and is free from the anxieties and risks associated with performing duties that are not naturally one's own.
Conclusion:
The teachings of this verse encourage individuals to reflect deeply on their inherent responsibilities and duties in life. It advocates for authenticity, integrity, and commitment to one's path, recognizing that personal fulfillment and spiritual growth come from staying true to one's own unique dharma, despite its imperfections. The verse urges individuals to embrace their roles with courage and dedication, understanding that fulfilling one's own duty is ultimately more rewarding and meaningful than striving for external success or approval by performing others' duties perfectly. Thus, it offers a profound lesson on personal ethics, inner fulfillment, and the path to spiritual well-being.
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