Every object has its own dharma, the essential mark of its own nature; and an object is known and named with reference to that essential mark. It is wise for every being to remain firm in its own dharma.

Gold and iron have their respective dharmas. In just the same way, human beings have their own dharma. If human beings deviate from their own dharma – mánava dharma – no more can they be called humans. Humans’ glory lies in their own dharma. So it is desirable that they be loyal to their svadharma [own dharma]. Even if people feel better off living like animals, and find it very troublesome to live like human beings, they will have to live like humans. Suffering notwithstanding, their character as human beings should not be lost.

Here the term svadharma means mánava dharma, and paradharma stands for whatever is outside this mánava dharma. It is better to embrace death established in svadharma; for humans pashu dharma [animal dharma] is dangerous. Humans should always remain firm in their mánava dharma; therein lies their greatness. Not even for a moment should people forget this.

Shrii Krśńa has said this very thing – that people should always establish themselves in the ideal of humanity, and be one with that. Let them live for the sake of their humanity, and die if necessary for the sake of their humanity. This is the highest truth of human life. To court death for the sake of dharma is always preferable. To adopt pashu dharma, paradharma, for the sake of pleasure can in no way be supported.