Krishna says, "One should not abandon 𝙨𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙟𝙖𝙢 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 (natural deeds) even though all undertakings are inherently marred by blemishes, as fire by smoke" (18.48). 𝙨𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙟𝙖𝙢 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 is interpreted as our natural or inborn duty. Another possible interpretation is that they are natural deeds of 'existence'. Whatever may be the interpretation, Krishna concludes that all the 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙨 are marred by one blemish or another. This implies that no 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 is pure. 

Krishna uses many words for 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 (action) on different occasions like 𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 (inaction), 𝙫𝙞𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 (prohibited actions) and 𝙣𝙞𝙮𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 (prescribed actions). But he never advises us to perform pure 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 as all the 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙨 are marred by blemishes. For example, our immune system keeps us safe from diseases by killing the invading viruses and bacteria on a daily basis. If killing is taken as impure, then our survival or any 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙨 performed by us are intrinsically bound to be impure. The same is the case with breathing and consumption of food.  

This understanding helps us in many ways. Firstly, this helps us control our tendency to hate the 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 we are doing when we feel that the 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙨 of others are more noble. This perspective gives us clarity and focus on what we do. Krishna already assured that devotion to 𝙨𝙬𝙖-𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 (own deeds) leads to 𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙝𝙞 (perfection or freedom) (18.45). Secondly, this understanding will help us to be free of cavil or fault finding (9.1). 

Guilt and regrets about our past 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙨 drive us throughout our lives. Similarly, we keep carrying hatred towards others for their 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙨 which adversely affect our lives. This verse frees us from these regrets and guilt; and helps us overcome hatred by realising that 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙨 themselves carry blemishes and that there is no need to blame anyone else for these blemishes.

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