Geethartha Chinthane-34: Swakarma, Swadharma — the essence of duty

Team Udayavani, Sep 13, 2024, 10:35 AM IST

The message of Swakarma and Swadharma is to first perform one’s own duty. Those who travel by airplane or car must wear seat belts. The meaning is simple: if an accident occurs and someone isn’t wearing a seat belt, it could cause trouble for others.

Wearing a seat belt is a practice of Swadharma. We should help those in distress. There are some who argue that the person’s suffering is due to their own mistakes. However, Lord Krishna says, “Serving those in distress is your duty. The cause of their suffering is not your concern.”

Some people claim that giving alms to beggars is wrong. In such situations, one must assess the context and make a decision. If a beggar cannot do any other work besides begging, then alms should be given. However, if they have the strength to do other work, giving alms would only encourage laziness. It’s like saying, “Give the cow, but not the milk.”

We should provide tools for work, like giving a sewing machine instead of money. In general, there should be support for work and employment. As stated in the Gita: “Na hi kashchit kshanamapi jatu tishthati akarmakrit” — No one can remain without action even for a moment. Therefore, Swakarma and Swadharma are the highest forms of duty.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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