BG 3.35
It is better to do one's own duty poorly than to do well in the duty of another. It is better to die performing one's own duty, for the duty of another is fraught with danger.
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः
This sentiment is repeated in a verse of the final chapter, when Krishna reiterates this injunction to perform one's own duty rather than the duty of another.
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śhreyān — better
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swa-dharmo — personal duty
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swa
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dharmo
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viguṇaḥ — tinged with faults
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para-dharmāt — than another’s prescribed duties
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para
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dharmāt
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sv-anuṣhṭhitāt — perfectly done
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sv
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anuṣhṭhitāt
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swa-dharme — in one’s personal duties
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swa
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dharme
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nidhanaṁ — death
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śhreyaḥ — better
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para-dharmo — duties prescribed for others
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para
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dharmo
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bhayāvahaḥ — fraught with fear
bhaya-āvahaḥ—fraught with fear
Those who constantly follow this doctrine of mine, firm in faith and determination, are freed from the bondage of action. But those who ridicule my teachings and refuse to practice it are ignorant, blind, and doomed to destruction. Even a wise person acts in accordance with their nature. Nature compels the behavior of all living beings. What will restraint accomplish? Craving and aversion for objects of the senses abide within the senses. These are your enemies - do not succumb to their control. It is better to do one's own duty poorly than to do well in the duty of another. It is better to die performing one's own duty, for the duty of another is fraught with danger.