So in between “duty” and “dharma” the dilemma is in between these two. In this situation we must understand that dharma is higher than duty. The duty of dharma is higher than a normal duty and even higher is the dharma of the Atma (Spirit). It means that the one with a smaller importance, whatever could be the importance of our goal, the goal which is higher, which has a higher importance, if you have to achieve it, then the smaller goal must be given up.
And this is what Krishna preached. Krishna said, that if you have to lie for welfare, then you should. To speak the truth is correct, but for some higher thing, the lower thing has to be given up. For example somebody comes in and wants to kill someone. First of all this is illegal and if he asks you, “Is this gentleman upstairs?” if you say, “Yes, he is”, you have said the truth. Then he will go and kill him. But to save his life it’s a much higher thing. It’s a very important thing, it’s a big thing. For such a great thing, for such a higher goal, the smaller things have to be renounced to. This is what Shri Krishna taught us through his life.