Srimad Bhagavad Gita -Ramanujacharya 570

Srimad Bhagavad Gita -Ramanujacharya

Chapter-18 Mokṣa Sannyāsa Yogaḥ

brāhmaṇa kṣatriya viśāṃ śūdrāṇāṃ ca paraṅtapa | karmāṇi pravibhaktāni svabhāva prabhavair guṇaiḥ || 41 || 41. The duties of the Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas; Vaishyas and the Śūdras O Arjuna, are distinctly divided according to their inherent dispositions. Commentary The character of Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, Vaishyas, and Śūdras arise from their various inherent dispositions. In other words their past Karma is the cause of their being born in a specific social group. The dominant Guna [in one's character] is the result of such Karma. The Sattva-guna becomes dominant in the character of the Brāhmaṇa through the suppression of the qualities of Rajas and Tamas. In the Kṣatriya the dominant quality is Rajas through the suppression of Sattva and Tamas. The Tamo-guna becomes the inherent nature of the Vaishya, becoming slightly dominant by suppressing Sattva and Rajas. While in the Śūdra the Tamo Guna is much more dominant. Obligations and duties are assigned to them by the Scriptures according to their inherent dispositions. For the Shastras assume that the Brāhmaṇas and the others possess particular attributes and accordingly suggest their duties and occupations.