Bhagavad Gita · Verse 18.41
Chapter 18: Moksha Sannyasa Yoga (मोक्षसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशां शूद्राणां च परन्तप । कर्माणि प्रविभक्तानि स्वभावप्रभवैर्गुणैः ॥४१॥
brāhmaṇakṣatriyaviśāṃ śūdrāṇāṃ ca parantapa | karmāṇi pravibhaktāni svabhāvaprabhavairguṇaiḥ ||41||
Complete Shloka Translation
The duties of brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas and shudras are distinguished according to qualities arising from their own nature, O scorcher of foes.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| स्वभाव | svabhāva | one's own nature |
| कर्म | karma | action |
| ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशां | brāhmaṇakṣatriyaviśāṃ | [term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat... |
| शूद्राणां | śūdrāṇāṃ | [term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat... |
| परन्तप | ca | [term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat... |
| कर्माणि | parantapa | [term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat... |
| प्रविभक्तानि | karmāṇi | [term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat... |
| स्वभावप्रभवैर्गुणैः | pravibhaktāni | [term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat... |
| ४१ | svabhāvaprabhavairguṇaiḥ | [term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat... |
one's own nature
action
[term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat...
[term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat...
[term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat...
[term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat...
[term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat...
[term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat...
[term] in context of The duties of brahmanas, kshat...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The verse introduces the traditional varna framework through guna and svabhava. Its historical interpretation must be distinguished from claims about human worth.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"How can abilities guide responsibility without diminishing anyone's dignity?"
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can abilities guide responsibility without diminishing anyone's dignity?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to achieve purposeful living: execute your daily duties with full craftsmanship and honesty, release obsessive ego over results, and ground your spirit in timeless devotion, knowing that where righteous effort joins higher wisdom, victory is assured.