Gyaneshwari -Sant Gyaneshwar
|
|
Chapter-3
Karmayoga
35. Better is one’s duty, though destitute of merit, than another’s duty well-performed. Better is death in the discharge of one’s duty; another’s duty is fraught with danger. Even if one’s duty is difficult to perform, one’s good lies in performing it. Even if another’s duty seems better, one should discharge one’s duty only (216-220). Tell me, should a Brahmin even though poor, partake of sweet dishes which are prepared in the house of a Shudra? Why should a person do such an improper thing? Why should he long for unwarranted things and wish to acquire them? Think over it. After seeing the attractive white houses of others, should a person pull down his thatched cottage? Leaving this aside, even if one’s wife is ugly, it is better to enjoy married life with her. So even if one’s duty is difficult to perform, that alone conduces to happiness in the other world (221-225). Milk mixed with sugar is wellknown for its sweetness; but how can a person suffering from worms take it? Even if one takes it, it will be due to his obstinacy; because it is not wholesome food for his condition. Therefore, a person should carefully think what is good for him, and not practise what is wrong for him, even though right for others. Even if he has to lose his life in performing his duty, it is the best course for him in both the worlds, so said Lord Krishna, God of all gods. Thereupon, Arjuna said, “Lord I have a request to make (226-230). I have listened with attention to all that you have said; but I have to ask you something which is bothering me.”
|
 |
