In the previous section, we learned that the secret to perfection lies in the dedication of our natural occupational duties to the Supreme, or doing everything for the pleasure of the Supreme Lord.

Executing one’s own natural occupational duty (sva-dharmo) imperfectly (viguṇaḥ) is better (śreyān) than executing another’s occupational duty perfectly (para-dharmāt sv-anuṣṭhitāt). Performing (kurvan) an action (karma) that is set according to one’s nature (svabhāva-niyataṁ), one does not incur (nāpnoti) a sinful reaction (kilbiṣam). (BG 18.47) Krishna has previously stated this point in BG 3.35 highlighting the danger of executing someone else’s occupational duty. Here, Krishna offers His protection to those who stick to their own natural occupational duties.

Even when one sticks to one’s occupational duty, there is indeed a possibility of a fault within its execution. One should not give up (na tyajet) action (karma) born of one’s nature (saha-jaṁ), even if it is faulty (sa-doṣam api). All endeavors (sarvārambhā) are surely (hi) covered with a fault (doṣeṇa), just as (iva) fire (agnir) is covered (āvṛtāḥ) by smoke (dhūmenā). (BG 18.48) It is important to note that our actions themselves can be covered with fault but the consciousness behind can still undergo purification. So, we need not look for perfection in our actions, but in our consciousness behind those actions.

One who is self-controlled (jitātmā), carrying an unattached discernment (asakta-buddhiḥ) everywhere (sarvatra) and without material hankerings (vigata-spṛhaḥ) reaches (adhigacchati) the supreme (paramāṁ) perfectional stage of freedom from reaction (naiṣkarmya-siddhiṁ) by the spirit of renunciation (sannyāsenā). (BG 18.49) Thus, the purity of consciousness is characterized by three factors: (1) self-control, (2) unattached discernment, and (3) freedom of material hankerings. Purity in consciousness leads to perfection in action, although outwardly the actions may be filled with imperfections. The basis for perfection is freedom from all reactions to actions and a concomitant elevation of consciousness.