Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 18 verse 48
Chapter 18 · Moksha Sanyasa Yoga

Imperfect but Yours · Starting Despite the Smoke

सहजं कर्म कौन्तेय सदोषमपि न त्यजेत् । सर्वारम्भा हि दोषेण धूमेनाग्निरिवावृताः ॥

saha-jaṁ karma kaunteya sa-doṣam api na tyajet sarvārambhā hi doṣeṇa dhūmenāgnir ivāvṛtāḥ

Meaning

"One should not abandon the work suited to one's own nature, even if it is flawed, O Kaunteya, for all undertakings are covered by some fault, as fire is covered by smoke."

Explanation

No work or effort will ever be entirely free of flaws, and waiting for perfect conditions before starting usually means never starting at all. It's more honest, and more useful, to begin with what's imperfect but genuinely yours.

Today's Life Lesson

Don't wait for flawless conditions today — begin the work that's genuinely yours, imperfections and all.

More verses to reflect on