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Chapter 18
sahajam karma kaunteya sadosamapi na tyajet
sarvarambha hi dosena dhumenagnirivavrtah
One should not abandon, 0 Arjuna, one's innate duty, even though it may have flaws, for all undertakings are clouded by defects, as tire is by smoke. 48
Comment:-
[In the preceding verse, the Lord declared, " He who performs his duty ordained by his own nature, incurs no sin." It means that duty ordained by one's own nature, also involves sin. Therefore, the Lord declares, "The natural duties, even though defective, should not be abandoned, because all of these are clouded by defects, as fire by smoke."]
Sahajam karma kaunteya sadosamapi na tyajet:- The duties ordained by one's own nature, are called innate duties. A Brahman's innate duties, are serenity and self-control etc., a Ksatriyas heroism and vigour etc., a Vaisyas agriculture and cattle-rearing etc., and a Sadras, service.
Duties ordained by one's own nature, have the following defects:
- God and the soul, His fragment, both are one's own (Sva), while Prakrti (Matter) and its evolute, body etc., are different (Para). But the self, a fragment of God, being overpowered by Prakrti, becomes a slave to it. In other words, all activities are taking place in nature. But, the self by assuming affinity with Nature holds, that they are taking place in him. Thus, he becomes a slave to it. To be such a slave, is a great mistake.
- Every action involves violence, in one way or the other.
- Action which is desirable to one, is undesirable to someone else. This undesirability, is a defect.
- An action may not be performed well, because of heedlessness or error.
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