(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)
The Shoodras Make Up The Services Industry They Select Professions Where They Can Make A Personal Contribution To Society
कृषिगौरक्ष्यवाणिज्यं वैश्यकर्म स्वभावजम् |
परिचर्यात्मकं कर्म शूद्रस्यापि स्वभावजम् || 18.44||
kṛiṣhi-gau-rakṣhya-vāṇijyaṁ vaiśhya-karma svabhāva-jam
paricharyātmakaṁ karma śhūdrasyāpi svabhāva-jam|| 44||
Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 18- Ver. 44:
For persons who possess Vaishya traits, agriculture, dairy farming, and commerce are their natural professions. For those who possess the attributes of Shudras, serving others via labour is their natural duty.
Explanation
The majority-rajasic with a touch of tamo guna natures were those of the Vaishyas. They were hence attracted to creating and acquiring wealth through commerce and agriculture. They supported the country’s economy and produced work for the lower classes. In order to share their wealth with the less fortunate members of society, they were also expected to engage in philanthropic endeavours.
The people with tamasic natures were known as Shudras. They lacked an interest in administration, business, or scholarship. Serving society as their calling required was the finest approach for their advancement. This class includes artisans, technologists, job-workers, tailors, craftsmen, barbers, etc.
Verse & what we can learn
The responsibilities of the vaishya and shoodra varnas are now discussed by Shri Krishna. Vaishyas are encouraged to raise, invest, and trade capital as well as commodities and services due to their mental constitution.
Although farming, raising cattle, and trade are mentioned in the shloka, vaishyas’ main preoccupation is money. All of their decisions are driven by economic considerations. By initiating and maintaining the economic engine, vaishyas contribute significantly to the well-being of any civilization. By giving society what it needs at the appropriate time, place, and cost, they make sure that its requirements are met.
The services sector is made up of shoodras. They choose careers where they can contribute to society on a personal level. Since there are fewer rajas among them than among kshatriyas and vaishyas, they have a lower tolerance for risk.
They like to work in professions where they can contribute to society while also receiving fair compensation for their efforts. Their innate propensity to undertake a certain type of labour is reinforced, like that of any other varna, by acquiring the necessary abilities and training.
Any belief that one varna is superior to another should be abandoned. Four varnas are supposed to make up the human body itself. The thighs are vaishyas, the legs are shoodras, the hands are kshatriyas, and the intellect is a braahmana. If any part of the body is broken, it cannot operate properly.
Similar to how one varna’s failure to carry out its natural obligations prevents society from functioning. Societies that support each person in reaching their greatest potential frequently prosper. Shri Krishna wraps up his explanation of the four varnas in this shloka.
To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.
There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There is also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.
In the next shloka Shri Krishna explains about prescribed duties.
Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…