Bhagavad Gita · Verse 3.35
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् । स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः ॥३५॥
śreyānsvadharmo viguṇaḥ paradharmātsvanuṣṭhitāt | svadharme nidhanaṃ śreyaḥ paradharmo bhayāvahaḥ ||35||
Complete Shloka Translation
One's own duty, even performed imperfectly, is better than another's duty performed well. Death in one's own duty is better; another's duty brings danger.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| श्रेयान् | śreyān | far better / superior |
| स्वधर्मः | svadharmaḥ | one’s own natural duty |
| विगुणः | viguṇaḥ | even if devoid of merit / imperfectly performed |
| परधर्मात् | paradharmāt | than another’s duty |
| सु-अनुष्ठितात् | su-anuṣṭhitāt | perfectly executed |
| स्वधर्मे | svadharme | in discharging one’s own duty |
| निधनम् | nidhanam | death |
| श्रेयः | śreyaḥ | is blessed / auspicious |
| परधर्मः | paradharmaḥ | another’s alien duty |
| भयावहः | bhayāvahaḥ | is perilous / fraught with fear |
far better / superior
one’s own natural duty
even if devoid of merit / imperfectly performed
than another’s duty
perfectly executed
in discharging one’s own duty
death
is blessed / auspicious
another’s alien duty
is perilous / fraught with fear
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Svadharma is read here through Arjuna's role and circumstances. The severe comparison about death belongs to the warrior dialogue; interpreting duty in contemporary life requires ethical discernment.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"The teaching asks Arjuna to face the responsibility that belongs to his situation."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What responsibility belongs to your situation even when another role looks easier?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse in your daily career and work life: discharge your responsibilities wholeheartedly as an act of service and social welfare, freeing your mind from selfish anxiety and burnout.