In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna tells Arjuna twice (03.35 & 18.47) that it is far better to act according to one’s own nature than according to another’s nature. What is the point of this instruction? And why does Krishna repeat it twice? 

The point of the instruction: Arjuna has the nature of a kshatriya, and he can’t act contrary to that nature for long. Not wanting to fight against his relatives, he may temporarily adopt the brahmana option of forgiveness and pacifism. But sooner or later, some provocation will exhaust his artificially adopted brahminical-seeming patience; and he will succumb to anger, even resort to violence. But such aggression will propel him to actions outside the boundaries of dharma; brahmanas are duty-bound to tolerate and forgive, not take martial action themselves. Better that he be true to his nature and channel the warrior within him constructively — the Kurukshetra battlefield offers him a readymade arena to fight for protecting dharma. 

The point of repeating the instruction: The repetition suggests that Krishna considers the instruction important enough to restate. Additionally, the context of the two verses suggests progress toward a more positive emphasis. In the third chapter verse (03.35), Krishna’s tone seems more foreboding: acting according to another’s nature can be fearfully dangerous — better that he stick to his natural duty, even at a high cost. In the eighteenth chapter verse, Krishna’s tone seems more promising (18.47): Arjuna’s natural duty will keep him free from negative karma. This assurance becomes even more heartening in the context of the previous verse’s exhortation: work can be done as a form of worship — and such work takes one to ultimate perfection (18.46).

One-sentence summary:

By sticking to his natural duty, Arjuna will be true to his nature, channel his inner warrior constructively and progress toward perfection. 

Think it over: 

  • Why does Krishna urge Arjuna to stick to his nature?
  • Why does Krishna repeat this instruction of sticking to one’s nature?
  • What is the difference between the two Gita verses that emphasize sticking to one’s duty?

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18.47: It is better to engage in one’s own occupation, even though one may perform it imperfectly, than to accept another’s occupation and perform it perfectly. Duties prescribed according to one’s nature are never affected by sinful reactions.

Why Krishna urges Arjuna to stick to his natural duty

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