śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt
swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ
śhreyān — better;
swa-dharmaḥ — personal duty;
viguṇaḥ — tinged with faults;
para-dharmāt — than another’s prescribed duties;
su-anuṣhṭhitāt — perfectly done;
swa-dharme — in one’s personal duties;
nidhanam — death;
śhreyaḥ — better;
para-dharmaḥ — duties prescribed for others;
bhaya-āvahaḥ — fraught with fear
This verse teaches us that it is much better to stick to our own responsibilities, even if we don’t do them perfectly, rather than trying to do someone else's responsibilities. If we end up failing while doing our own duties, that is still better than succeeding at someone else's duties because imitating others can lead to problems.
First of all, everyone has their own set of responsibilities in life. These are like our jobs or roles that fit with who we are and what we are naturally good at. For example, a teacher is naturally suited to educate others, while a farmer is skilled in growing crops. When we try to do someone else's job, we might not do it well and this could lead to big issues, including stress and failure.
This verse emphasizes the importance of focusing on what we are meant to do based on our natural abilities and circumstances. Just like each person has different skills, everyone also has a unique path in life defined by their family and circumstances. It’s crucial to follow this path instead of trying to copy someone else.
Imagine a person trained as a nurse trying to do the work of a mechanic. The mechanic knows how to fix engines, but the nurse might end up making mistakes and creating problems in the garage. In the same way, when we try to take on roles that are not meant for us, we risk failing and facing negative consequences.
However, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim to improve ourselves or learn new things. It’s about understanding our current position and responsibilities. Even if our own duties aren’t perfect–maybe we make mistakes or have trouble with them sometimes–it’s still important to stick to them. These responsibilities help shape who we are and allow us to grow.
Moreover, the verse suggests that by following our designated duties, we align ourselves with a bigger purpose. Our duties should be done with dedication, partially for our own growth and also for the benefit of others. This is not just about work; it can apply to any role we take in life, such as being a good friend, a caring parent, or a responsible employee.
To put it simply, focusing on our own tasks and doing them with heart is more valuable than stepping into someone else's shoes. Even if someone else seems to be more successful in their responsibilities, we need to trust in our journey and the lessons we learn from our own experiences. Ultimately, the lesson here is to stay true to ourselves and our duties instead of chasing after someone else’s role, which might lead us into difficulties.