Better is one's own duty (svadharma), though imperfect, than the duty of another well performed. Performing the action (karma) ordained by one's own nature (svabhāva), one does not incur sin (kilbiṣa).
Better to do one's own duty imperfectly than to do another man's well; doing action intrinsic to his being, a man avoids guilt.
(47) Better [to do] one's own [caste-] duty, though devoid of merit, than [to do] another's, however well performed. By doing the work prescribed by his own nature a man meets with no defilement.
18.47 One's own duty, (though) defective, is superior to another's duty well performed. By performing a duty as dictated by one's own nature, one does not incur sin.
18.47 Better is one's own duty, though ill done, than the duty of another, though well-performed...... When one does the duty ordained by his own nature, he incurs no stain.
18.47 Better is one's own duty (though) destitute of merits, than the duty of another well performed. He who does the duty ordained by his own nature incurs no sin.