Chapter 18, Verse 45
Moksha Sanyaas Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
sve sve—respectively; karmaṇi—work; abhirataḥ—fulfilling; sansiddhim—perfection; labhate—achieve; naraḥ—a person; sva-karma—to one’s own prescribed duty; nirataḥ—engaged; siddhim—perfection; yathā—as; vindati—attains; tat—that; śhṛiṇu—hear
English translation
Each person devoted to their own duty attains perfection. How they attain perfection while being engaged in their own duty, hear now.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 18.45
Commentary
This is the division of labour for which each caste is fitted according to its own nature. The duty prescribed is your sole support; and the highest service you can render to the Supreme is to carry it out wholeheartedly; without expectation of fruits; with the attitutde of dedication to the Lord. This will surely lead you to the Supreme. All the impurities of the mind will be washed away by the performance of ones own duty and you will be fit for Selfknowledge. Sve sve karmani Each devoted to his own duty in accordance with his nature (Guna) or caste. It is impossible to attain Moksha by works alone but works purify the heart and prepare the aspirant for receiving the divine light. The attitude of worshipfulness is prescribed for work
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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