Word meanings
- saha-jam
- born of one’s nature
- karma
- duty
- kaunteya
- Arjun, the son of Kunti
- sa-doṣam
- with defects
- api
- even if
- na tyajet
- one should not abandon
- sarva-ārambhāḥ
- all endeavors
- hi
- indeed
- doṣeṇa
- with evil
- dhūmena
- with smoke
- agniḥ
- fire
- iva
- as
- āvṛtāḥ
- veiled
Translations
One should not, O Arjuna, abandon the duty to which one is born, though it may be faulty; for, all undertakings are enveloped by evil, just as fire is by smoke.
The duty that falls to one's lot of its own accord should not be abandoned, though it may have its defects. All acts are marred by defects, just as fire is obscured by smoke.
O son of Kunti, one should not give up the duty to which one is born, even though it be imperfect. For all undertakings are surrounded by evil, as fire is with smoke.
हे कुन्तीनन्दन ! दोषयुक्त होनेपर भी सहज कर्मका त्याग नहीं करना चाहिये; क्योंकि सम्पूर्ण कर्म धुएँसे अग्निकी तरह किसी-न-किसी दोषसे युक्त हैं।Commentary
Sahajam Born with oneself born with the birth of man. Sadosham Faculty for everything is constituted of the three Gunas. All undertakings Ones own as well as others duties. If a Vaisya or a Kshatriya does the duties of a Brahmana he will not in any way be benefited. Anothers duty brings in fear. Therefore it is not proper to perform anothers duty. It is not possible for any man who has no knowledge of the Self to relinish action totally therefore he should not abandon action.