श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः।।3.35।।
।।3.35।। सम्यक् प्रकार से अनुष्ठित परधर्म की अपेक्षा गुणरहित स्वधर्म का पालन श्रेयष्कर है स्वधर्म में मरण कल्याणकारक है (किन्तु) परधर्म भय को देने वाला है।।
For obvious reasons the performance of ones own dharma or righteous duties according to karma yoga or actions performed according to prescribed Vedic injunctions is the best course to follow even if they do not possess great virtues. Ones own duties are easy and natural to discharge in karma yoga and unattended with risk. Whereas that person performing jnana yoga or the path of cultivating Vedic knowledge which is most excellent; but who is beguiled by prakriti or material nature finds it extremely difficult to achieve success. Although the path of jnana yoga is shorter than the path of karma yoga there are many dangers accosting the path of jnana yoga. The path of karma yoga is performed by one most easily as it naturally befits the person performing it. Even if death comes before one has the opportunity to fulfill lifes purpose and attain moksa or liberation form the cycle of birth and death, still ones progress is not impeded by any obstacle even death as ones merits are applied to the next life and they are born in a situation where they can easily pick up the thread from where they left off in the last life and continue on. Whereas one who although beguiled by prakriti attempts to practice jnana yoga anyway is surrounded by danger and obstacles on their path which deter one from easily adopting and putting into practice the cultivation of Vedic wisdom.
