Bhagavad Gita 18.47

Moksha Sanyasa Yoga · English Translation

Better is one's own duty (though) destitute of merits, than the duty of another well performed. He who does the duty ordained by his own nature incurs no sin.

Sanskrit

श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् | स्वभावनियतं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम् ||१८-४७||

Transliteration

śreyānsvadharmo viguṇaḥ paradharmātsvanuṣṭhitāt . svabhāvaniyataṃ karma kurvannāpnoti kilbiṣam ||18-47||

What Does This Verse Mean?

Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that it is far better to perform one's own natural duty, even imperfectly, than to perfectly execute the duties of someone else. This teaching emphasizes that following your inherent nature (svadharma) aligns you with cosmic order and prevents spiritual guilt or sin. The verse speaks directly from a teacher to a confused warrior who feels his specific role is inferior to others' roles.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse is the cornerstone of Karma Yoga within the framework of Sankhya philosophy, specifically addressing 'Svadharma' (one's own duty). It develops the concept that action performed in alignment with one's inherent nature and social role purifies the mind, whereas actions contrary to one's nature create spiritual bondage regardless of how skillfully they are executed.

Word by Word

श्रेयान् better, स्वधर्मः ones own duty, विगुणः (though) destitute of merits, परधर्मात् that the duty of another, स्वनुष्ठितात् (than) well performed, स्वभावनियतम् ordained by his own nature, कर्म action, कुर्वन् doing, न not, आप्नोति (he) incurs, किल्बिषम् sin

Classical Commentary

Just as a poisonous substance does not harm the worm born in that substance, so he who does his Svadharma (the duty ordained according to his own nature) does not incur any sin. What is poison to the whole world is sweet to a worm and yet sugarcane juice that is sweet causes its death. So a mans appointed duty which frees him from bondage must, therefore, be practised however difficult it may seem to be. If you try to do the duty of another it will bring,danger. He who has no knowledge of the Self cannot remain even for a moment without doing action. (Cf. III.35)

Where This Happens

This verse appears in Chapter 18, the final chapter titled 'Moksha Sanyasa Yoga,' where Lord Krishna concludes his teachings on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna is overwhelmed with confusion about whether to fight or renounce his warrior duties entirely after hearing detailed arguments for both action and withdrawal. Krishna uses this specific verse to resolve Arjuna's conflict by prioritizing duty according to one's nature over abstract ideals, urging him back into the battle.

Living It Out Today

Consider a software engineer who loves coding but feels inferior because their colleague is a charismatic public speaker; they feel pressured to pivot careers. Krishna would advise them that becoming a mediocre speaker (their 'other' duty) creates inner conflict and burnout, whereas mastering code—even with occasional bugs—builds authentic success without guilt. Embracing your unique strengths leads to genuine fulfillment regardless of external comparisons.

Explained for Children

Imagine two students in school: one loves painting but draws messily, while the other hates art so much that they draw perfectly when forced to do it for someone else. Krishna says it's better to be the messy painter than a perfect imitator of an artist you don't like. If you try to do what others are good at just because it looks impressive, your heart won't feel right and you'll make mistakes.

Daily Reflection

You often feel inadequate because you compare your behind-the-scenes reality with someone else's highlight reel, but today remember that your own path holds the specific grace meant for your growth. Even if your duty seems small or imperfect by worldly standards, doing it faithfully as an expression of your nature keeps your heart pure and free from regret. Trust that this authentic alignment is far more powerful than any borrowed success you might envy.

A Practice for Today

Take a moment to acknowledge your unique path, recognizing that the work meant for you is already sufficient and holy. Close your eyes and visualize performing your current duties with total presence, letting go of any comparison to others' lives.

Key Teachings

The Primacy of Svadharma
One's own prescribed duty, rooted in personal nature (svabhava), holds inherent spiritual value even if it appears imperfect. This authenticity creates a foundation for growth that mimicking another's role can never achieve.
The Danger of Envy
Attempting to perform duties not suited to one's nature leads to inner conflict and spiritual stagnation, regardless of how well they are executed. The verse warns that adopting the path of another is inherently less favorable than mastering one's own.
Freedom from Sin
Action performed strictly according to one's inherent nature does not bind the soul with negative karma or sin (kilbisham). This purity arises because such action aligns with cosmic order rather than forced imitation.

Themes

Svadharma (One's Own Duty)Karma Yoga (Path of Action)Nature vs. Social RoleSpiritual Sin and GuiltSelf-AlignmentRenunciation in Action

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 18.66 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'viguṇaḥ' mean in this verse?

'Viguṇaḥ' translates to 'destitute of merits,' 'lacking qualities,' or 'imperfect.' Krishna acknowledges that one's own duty might not be performed flawlessly, but even an imperfect execution is spiritually superior to a perfect performance of someone else's role.

Does this verse encourage people to do their worst possible job?

Your svadharma is revealed through your natural inclinations, talents, and the role you play in society (your varna or stage of life). Krishna advises observing where you find inner joy and alignment rather than chasing roles that look impressive but feel unnatural to your soul.

Why does doing another's duty incur sin even if done well?

Performing a role contrary to one's nature creates internal friction, egoism, and spiritual dissonance. This misalignment prevents the mind from finding peace and leads to karmic bondage (sin) because the action is driven by imitation rather than authentic self-expression.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 18.47 →