Bhagavad Gita · Verse 18.47
Chapter 18: Moksha Sannyasa Yoga (मोक्षसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् । स्वभावनियतं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम् ॥४७॥
śreyānsvadharmo viguṇaḥ paradharmātsvanuṣṭhitāt | svabhāvaniyataṃ karma kurvannāpnoti kilbiṣam ||47||
Complete Shloka Translation
One's own duty, though imperfect, is better than another's well performed. Doing work determined by one's nature, one does not incur fault.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| श्रेयान् | śreyān | far superior and better |
| स्व-धर्मः | sva-dharmaḥ | one’s own innate duty |
| विगुणः | viguṇaḥ | even though performed with apparent imperfection |
| पर-धर्मात् | para-dharmāt | than another’s duty |
| सु-अनुष्ठितात् | su-anuṣṭhitāt | even if perfectly executed |
| स्वभाव-नियतम् | svabhāva-niyatam | ordained by one’s innate nature |
| कर्म | karma | action |
| कुर्वन् | kurvan | performing |
| न आप्नोति | na āpnoti | never incurs |
| किल्बिषम् | kilbiṣam | any sin or karmic fault |
far superior and better
one’s own innate duty
even though performed with apparent imperfection
than another’s duty
even if perfectly executed
ordained by one’s innate nature
action
performing
never incurs
any sin or karmic fault
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Svadharma is read in the preceding discussion of nature and duty. It should not be used to defend harmful roles or coercive restrictions.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Are you neglecting a real responsibility to imitate another's success?"
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Are you neglecting a real responsibility to imitate another's success?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to achieve purposeful living: execute your daily duties with full craftsmanship and honesty, release obsessive ego over results, and ground your spirit in timeless devotion, knowing that where righteous effort joins higher wisdom, victory is assured.