A core teaching · grounding in mood · easy to enter
“Your right work is still right, even when it is imperfect.”
O son of Kunti, one should not abandon one's natural duty, even if it has flaws. All undertakings are clouded by some defect, just as fire is veiled by smoke.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallynatural · action, duty · O son of Kunti · with fault · even · not · should abandon · all undertakings · indeed · by fault/defect · by smoke · fire · like · covered
Do not give up your natural duty just because it is imperfect. Every action has some flaw in it.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Moksha Sanyasa Yoga" (Liberation through Renunciation).
Verse 48 sits in Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita — Moksha Sanyasa Yoga, "Liberation through Renunciation". The chapter has 78 verses in total.
You are about to send the apology, start the difficult conversation, or take the job that fits your values but feels messy. Imperfection is not a reason to freeze.
Did you like this verse?
It shifts the mind from perfectionism to faithful action despite flaws.
What this verse means
Do not give up your natural duty just because it is imperfect. Every action has some flaw in it.
Context & commentary
On Kurukshetra, Krishna continues guiding Arjuna after praising one’s own duty. He now warns him not to reject his natural role because it is imperfect. The battlefield decision still stands, and this verse removes the excuse of “not ideal.”
Why this verse still matters
You are about to send the apology, start the difficult conversation, or take the job that fits your values but feels messy. Imperfection is not a reason to freeze.
“You can stay committed without demanding perfection from yourself or your work.”
Explore related themes: karma yoga (55 verses)