Discover your true calling and fulfill your own duties rather than focusing or copying others

Śreyān Svadharmo Viguṇaḥ Paradharmāt Svanuṣṭhitāt
Svadharme Nidhanaṁ Śreyaḥ Paradharmo Bhayāvahaḥ

Better is one’s own dharma (duty), even if imperfectly performed, than the dharma of another, well executed. It is better to die in one’s own dharma; the dharma of another brings fear and danger.

🕉️ Let us understand the meaning of the shlok

• Śreyān Svadharmo: Refers to "one’s own dharma being superior." Svadharma means one’s personal duty or calling, unique to each individual’s abilities and responsibilities.

• Viguṇaḥ: Means "even if flawed" or "imperfect." The verse acknowledges that while performing one’s own duty, imperfections may arise.

• Paradharmāt Svanuṣṭhitāt: Suggests "than the dharma of another, even if well-executed." Paradharma refers to the duty or role that belongs to someone else.

• Svadharme Nidhanaṁ Śreyaḥ: Means "it is better to die in one’s own dharma." This line emphasizes that adhering to one’s unique path, even if difficult, is more fulfilling.

• Paradharmo Bhayāvahaḥ: Implies "the dharma of another is fraught with fear." Attempting to follow someone else’s path or role can lead to confusion, anxiety, and inner conflict.

This shlok, from the Bhagavad Gita (Adhyay 3, Shlok 35), highlights the importance of adhering to one’s own nature and responsibilities. It underscores that each person has a unique role (svadharma) suited to their character, abilities, and life circumstances. Following another’s path may seem attractive but can lead to disharmony, fear, and a lack of fulfillment.

⌚ When to chant this shlok?

• Chant this shlok when feeling uncertain or tempted to imitate others, to remind yourself of the value of your unique path.

• It is beneficial to recite when comparing yourself to others or feeling pressured to meet external expectations.

• This shlok is helpful to chant when contemplating life choices or career decisions, guiding you to trust your own calling.

🧩 Three easy ways to integrate this shlok in your daily lives

Daily Affirmation: Repeat this shlok each morning as a reminder to stay true to yourself and focus on your unique strengths and values.

Reflection in Decision-Making: Use this verse as a guiding principle when making decisions, ensuring that they align with your personal values rather than external pressures.

Avoid Comparisons: When you find yourself comparing your progress to others, recall this shlok and refocus on your own journey, honoring your individuality.

🙏 Benefits of daily chanting

• Self-Confidence: Reinforces confidence in one’s abilities and choices, reducing doubt and self-criticism.

• Authenticity: Encourages living authentically and in alignment with personal values, promoting inner peace.

• Resilience: Builds resilience by affirming that growth is more valuable than perfection and that staying true to oneself is the highest success.

💡 Good to know…

The concept of svadharma (one’s own duty) versus paradharma (another's duty) is a core teaching in the Bhagavad Gita and is intricately connected to the Indian caste system's original intent. Each person was encouraged to focus on their own path, based on natural tendencies, rather than imitating others. The wisdom in this teaching is timeless: attempting to fit into roles that don’t align with our inner nature often leads to conflict and dissatisfaction. Interestingly, this idea parallels with modern psychological concepts of "authentic living," where people are encouraged to follow their own paths rather than conform to societal expectations.

💭 Take a moment to reflect…

How can you embrace your unique path, focusing on your strengths and values rather than comparing yourself to others?

Hari om!

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