Chapter 18 verse 44
“Agriculture, dairy farming, and commerce are the natural works for those with the qualities of Vaishyas. Serving through work is the natural duty for those with the qualities of Shudras.”
The
three gunas or modes of nature-purity, passion and ignorance-Satva, Rajas,
Tamas determine in different proportions the natural inclinations of human
beings towards different activities in society. In the modern world, we have so
many personality tests to determine if someone is suited for a particular job
in corporate world or to join the army or to become an architect or to be in
trade school etc. The ancient varnashrama or division of labor in society was
no different. Over the ages, just like any other human system, it has
deteriorated to the bane of society in the form of caste system. The person who
has inherent passion in boat loads combined with some ignorance were in
commercial activities such as farming, trade etc., and were expected to build
the economy of the kingdom or country and also help less fortunate in society
similar to the leadership class or kshatriyas. These commercially minded people
were called vaishyas. Persons who didn’t exhibit either propensity to lead,
create wealth and impart wisdom to society were asked to serve society in their
own way through their handiwork as artisans, office workers, professionals in
various fields. In the current world, these divisions don’t exist on paper but
people do choose professions based on their innate tendencies. Happiness and
peace of mind comes to the person who is very comfortable in their skin and aligns
with their strengths and innate tendencies. Bhagwan Krishna has said that
earlier in the Gita.
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