श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्। स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥
shreyan svadharmo vigunah paradharmat svanushthitat svadharme nidhanam shreyah paradharmo bhayavahah
Translation
It is better to perform one's own duty imperfectly than to perform another's duty perfectly. It is better to die performing one's own duty; another's duty is fraught with danger.
Commentary
A profoundly practical verse — do your own duty even if imperfectly, rather than imitating someone else's path. Each person has a unique dharma based on their nature, and following it authentically leads to growth.
dutydharma