ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशां शूद्राणां च परन्तप । कर्माणि प्रविभक्तानि स्वभावप्रभवैर्गुणैः ॥ ४१ ॥
brāhmaṇa-kṣhatriya-viśhāṁ śhūdrāṇāṁ cha parantapa karmāṇi pravibhaktāni svabhāva-prabhavair guṇaiḥ
Translation
The duties of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras, O scorcher of foes, are divided according to the qualities arising from their own nature.
Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अर्थ)
हे परंतप! ब्राह्मणों, क्षत्रियों, वैश्यों और शूद्रों के कर्म उनके स्वभाव से उत्पन्न गुणों के अनुसार विभक्त किए गए हैं।
Commentary
Verses 41–44 describe the four varnas, and they have been read very differently over time. The verse bases the division on svabhava-prabhava gunas, "qualities born of one's nature," matching 4.13 (guna-karma-vibhagashah). Many modern teachers and reformers have stressed that this points to temperament and aptitude, not birth. Traditional commentators often linked nature with birth. The Gita's own emphasis is on each person finding and fulfilling their natural work.
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