śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt
svabhāva-niyataṁ karma kurvan nāpnoti kilbiṣham
śhreyān — better;
swa-dharmaḥ — one’s own prescribed occupational duty;
viguṇaḥ — imperfectly done;
para-dharmāt — than another’s dharma;
su-anuṣhṭhitāt — perfectly done;
svabhāva-niyatam — according to one’s innate nature;
karma — duty;
kurvan — by performing;
na āpnoti — does not incur;
kilbiṣham — sin
This verse emphasizes the importance of sticking to your own work or duties, even if you are not doing them perfectly, rather than trying to do someone else's work, even if you can do it perfectly. This idea is about understanding what you are naturally good at or what fits your personality (this is called your 'nature').
For example, someone might naturally have a talent for teaching and that could be their duty to share knowledge. If this person tries to take on a job in finance, which requires a different set of skills that they might not have, they may succeed perfectly (do the job well), but it won't feel right for them. On the other hand, if they stick to teaching, even if they sometimes struggle or make mistakes, they will find more satisfaction and fulfillment in what they do.
The verse argues that performing your own duty, even imperfectly, is better because it aligns with who you are. The text suggests that when you work in harmony with your nature, you are less likely to make mistakes that would come with blame or guilt. Good actions related to your own duty are considered free from negative consequences or ‘sins’ because they help you grow in the right direction.
Different people have different callings in life based on their qualities. For example, a 'brahmana' is typically associated with knowledge and culture, while a 'ksatriya' represents a warrior or ruler. If someone is naturally suited to be a ‘sudra’ (a worker or service provider), they shouldn't pretend to take on the responsibilities of a ‘brahmana’ because they might not have the right skills or mindset for that job.
Even if someone has the title of ‘brahmana’ but doesn’t have the qualities that truly define that role, they should be true to their own nature instead of trying to imitate others. If a person focuses on their rightful work, they can serve themselves and the world in a more meaningful way without accumulating negative results that might come from doing something that doesn’t suit them.
In essence, every role and duty has its value. Doing your own job properly according to your natural abilities leads to a more genuine and fulfilling life. So, people should embrace their own responsibilities and not be tempted to take on others’. By doing this, they contribute to a harmonious society where everyone plays their part.