Chapter 18 • Verse 41

Moksha Sanyasa Yoga

The Yoga of Liberation and Renunciation

Sanskrit Verse

brahmaṇa-kṣatriya-viśāṁ śūdrāṇāṁ ca paraṁtapa karmāṇi pravibhaktāni svabhāva-prabhavair guṇaiḥ

Translation & Meaning

The duties of brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras are distributed according to the qualities born from their own inner nature. The varna system as described here is grounded in svabhava — one's intrinsic temperament and qualities — rather than mere birth.

Key Teachings

  • •The four varnas have duties corresponding to their natural qualities
  • •Svabhava — one's innate nature — determines the appropriate field of service
  • •The guna-based understanding of varna transcends rigid hereditary interpretation

Topics

varnasvabhavadutybrahminkshatriya
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