स्वे स्वे कर्मण्यभिरतः संसिद्धिं लभते नरः | स्वकर्मनिरतः सिद्धिं यथा विन्दति तच्छृणु ||
sve sve karmaṇy abhirataḥ saṁsiddhiṁ labhate naraḥ sva-karma-nirataḥ siddhiṁ yathā vindati tac chṛṇu
Translation
Each person, devoted to their own duty, attains perfection. Hear how one finds perfection by being devoted to one's own work.
Interpretation
A revolutionary teaching: perfection (siddhi, samsiddhi) is available through any genuine work, any authentic vocation. One does not need to change their job or station to find spiritual fulfillment — one needs to bring the quality of devotion, presence, and selfless service to whatever work is one's own. The farmer who plows with love, the trader who does business with integrity, the teacher who teaches with wisdom, the servant who serves with dignity — all are on the path to perfection. 'Svakarmaniratah' — 'devoted to one's own work' — this is the key.