सहजं कर्म कौन्तेय सदोषमपि न त्यजेत् ।
सर्वारम्भा हि दोषेण धूमेनाग्निरिवावृताः ॥ १८.४८ ॥

sahajam karma kaunteya sadoṣam-api na tyajet |
sarvārambhā hi doṣeṇa dhūmenāgnir-ivāvṛtā: || 18.48 ||

Why does Krishna uphold such a non-preferential view and adherence to naturalness as the right way for elevation? He explains the point further:

One should not abandon one’s own pursuit (inherited naturally according to his dharma), even if it is tainted. All activities are enveloped with imperfection – like fire with smoke.

These are some of the very great spiritual statements we can ever come across. The seeker should regard them as paramount and shape his thoughts and assessments accordingly.

It is possible that an individual is given by birth and growth to some tendencies and pursuits, which are, normally judged, derogatory or defective in nature. For instance, in our tradition, involvement in trading of meat or slaughtering animals for the purpose is considered inauspicious. The epic instance of Dharmavyādha in Mahābhārata is an apt illustration. Dharmavyādha was a hunter by birth and was given to trading meat as his profession. That did not deter him from being spiritual and achieving the desired ascent. He became a renowned Knower of Truth, to whom Kaushika, an austere Brāhmaṇa, was sent for learning Brahmavidyā and overcoming pride and egotism. People may wonder as to how this is so. The answer lies in the message of Bhagavad Gita.

According to Krishna, even if some evil is associated with one’s life and pursuit, it does not hinder the individual’s spiritual enrichment and elevation. For, he says, all undertakings are coupled with some evil, as is fire with smoke. Fire is brilliant, whereas smoke is not. Why should the brilliant fire be coupled with the dull dark smoke?

The summary of Krishna’s elucidation is: (i) the four-fold inner categorization of humans is a creation of Nature, to facilitate the much needed variety of activities. It is more a desirable mutuality than any demeaning or disturbing distinction. It enables collective existence to remain creative and fulfilling. (ii) None should think of his activity or pursuit as demeaning or downgrading; nor should anyone aspire for another’s pursuit, considering the other to be superior in any way. And (iii) it will be wrong and perilous to abandon one’s pursuit on the ground that it hosts some evil, as all undertakings, judged closely, are associated with evil, as is fire with smoke.