prāyaḥ sva-bhāva-vihito
prāyaḥ sva-bhāva-vihito
nṛṇāṁ dharmo yuge yuge
veda-dṛgbhiḥ smṛto rājan
pretya ceha ca śarma-kṛt
O King! Those in knowledge of the Vedas say that that in every age an occupation according to one’s nature generally brings happiness in this life and after death.
It is better to perform one’s own occupation, though inferior, than the occupation of a superior varṇa. This is the conclusion of the knowers of the Veda. It is the cause of happiness (śarma-kṛt). The Lord says:
śreyān sva-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣṭhitāt |
sva-dharme nidhanaṁ śreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ ||
It is better to perform ones own duties even if in a faulty way, than to perform others’ duties albeit very well. Destruction in the course one’s duties is beneficial. Performing others’ duties is full of danger. BG 3.35
This is a general principle (prāyaḥ) because giving up bad conduct found in the lower groups, does not bring unhappiness.
|| 7.11.32 ||
vṛttyā sva-bhāva-kṛtayā
vartamānaḥ sva-karma-kṛt
hitvā sva-bhāva-jaṁ karma
śanair nirguṇatām iyāt
If one acts in his profession according to his nature, after gradually giving up his actions according to his nature, he attains the stage beyond the guṇas.
He gradually gives up his nature after many births. It is said svadharma-niṣṭhaḥ śata janmabhiḥ pumān viriñcatām eti: one who strictly follows the principles of varṇāśrama-dharma for at least one hundred births will attain the post of Lord Brahmā.
|| 7.11.33-34 ||
upyamānaṁ muhuḥ kṣetraṁ
svayaṁ nirvīryatām iyāt
na kalpate punaḥ sūtyai
uptaṁ bījaṁ ca naśyati
evaṁ kāmāśayaṁ cittaṁ
kāmānām atisevayā
virajyeta yathā rājann
agnivat kāma-bindubhiḥ
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