Verse 3.35

Verse 3.35: “Better is one’s own code of conduct (Dharma), even though deficient in quality, than an alien code of conduct, be it ever so easy to be followed. To be preferred is death (while engaged) in one’s own code of conduct. An alien conduct of code invites peril.” (219)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

The strenuous pursuit of one’s own religious duty, albeit that it is full of shortcomings or hardships, is superior to another’s duty that may be done easily. However good the other religions might appear, still one should abide by one’s religion. Just say, should a Brahmin, however poor, swallow dainties prepared in a Sudra family? How should one do a hateful thing? How should one wish for such an unworthy thing and how one accept it even when such a wish is fulfilled? Pray tell me if it would look proper for one to dismantle one’s own hay-thatched hut, seeing other peoples’ houses built in mortar? Let it pass. Mating with one’s lawful wife, even if she be ugly to look at, is the only thing right and proper: So one’s own religion, however risky and difficult to follow, is one’s true help-mate in life beyond. Do you not see that the sugar-milk drink well-known for its sweet taste, is yet harmful, when one suffers from worms? How could it (the mixture) be given to such a patient? Notwithstanding this, a patient who takes it, will find his obstinacy met with evil in the end. Therefore, he who desires his own good, must not follow the path which is prescribed for others and yet is not proper for himself. Even death in the act of doing one’s duty is a noble and good thing, both for success in this life and life beyond. To these words of Lord Krishna, the God of all Gods, Arjuna said, “Oh Lord, I have heard carefully all you have said: Still I would now ask you about some thing that requires explanation to clear my mind:—