Chapter 18 • Verse 47
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्। स्वभावनियतं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम्॥
śhreyān sva-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt svabhāva-niyataṁ karma kurvan nāpnoti kilbiṣham
Meaning
Better is one's own dharma, though imperfectly performed, than the dharma of another well performed. Performing action determined by one's nature, one does not incur sin.
It's better to do your own duty imperfectly than another's duty perfectly. Action aligned with your nature doesn't create negative karma. Authenticity trumps impressive performance of borrowed roles.
Strength Reflection
"I embrace my own path, even imperfect, rather than perfectly imitating another's."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, help me find and follow my authentic dharma.