Gyaneshwari -Sant Gyaneshwar
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Chapter-18
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44. Farming, cattle-rearing and trade are the duties of a Vaishya, born of his own nature. Work consisting of service is the duty of a Shudra, born of his own nature. To make vast profits on the three-fold capital of land, seed and the plough (876-880), in short, farming, rearing of cattle and buying commodities cheap and selling them at higher prices and to maintain themselves by performing such actions, is the natural duty of the Vaishya caste. And to render service to the twice-born, viz. the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and the Vaishyas, is the function of the Shudras. It is not for them to undertake any work other than service to the twice-born. Thus I have described to you, the duties prescribed for the four castes. 45. Man attains to perfection by being devoted to his own duty. Hear (now) how one achieves perfection by being intent upon one’s duty. O intelligent Arjuna, just as the organs have their proper objects such as sound, so these different duties are proper for the four castes (881-885). Rain water falling from the sky, has as its proper destination the river and the river the sea. In the same way, the performance of proper actions according to the caste (varna) and stage of life (ashrama) becomes the performer, as fair complexion becomes a handsome person. Please, therefore, fix your mind on performing your natural duties as laid down by the scriptures. Just as one should get one’s jewel tested by a jeweler, one should know one’s duty by reference to the scriptures. Even if one’s vision is good, it is of no avail in the dark without lamplight. |
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