Verse 18.48 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 48 of 78
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The Translation
“One should not abandon one's innate duty, O son of Kunti, even if it is associated with defect. For all undertakings are enveloped by some defect, just as fire is covered by smoke.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna advises that one should not abandon one's innate work (sahajaṁ karma), even if it has defects (sadoṣam api). He points out a universal truth: all human undertakings (sarvārambhāḥ) are accompanied by some defect or imperfection, just as fire is always accompanied by smoke (dhūmenāgnir ivāvṛtāḥ). We must learn to act despite these defects.
Practical Application
1
Accept that no job, relationship, or project is completely free from flaws; focus on your contribution anyway.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Are you waiting for a 'flawless' situation or job before you commit to action? How does the analogy of fire and smoke help you accept reality?
- Since no action is 100% pure in the material world, how does the attitude of surrender and offering neutralize these unavoidable minor defects?
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18.48
सहजं कर्म कौन्तेय सदोषमपि न त्यजेत्
Every action under the influence of the three Gunas has some defect. If you abandon your natural duty to take up another, that new duty will also have defects. Therefore, rather than changing external actions, change your internal attitude through non-attachment.