Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.13
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः । तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् ॥१३॥
cāturvarṇyaṃ mayā sṛṣṭaṃ guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ | tasya kartāramapi māṃ viddhyakartāramavyayam ||13||
Complete Shloka Translation
I created the fourfold varna order according to divisions of qualities and actions. Though its creator, know me as the imperishable non-agent.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| गुण | guṇa | quality or constituent tendency |
| अकर्तारम् | akartāram | non-agent |
| चातुर्वर्ण्यं | cāturvarṇyaṃ | [term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o... |
| मया | mayā | [term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o... |
| सृष्टं | sṛṣṭaṃ | [term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o... |
| गुणकर्मविभागशः | guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ | [term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o... |
| तस्य | tasya | [term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o... |
| कर्तारमपि | kartāramapi | [term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o... |
| मां | māṃ | [term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o... |
| विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् | viddhyakartāramavyayam | [term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o... |
| १३ | viddhyakartāramavyayam | [term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o... |
quality or constituent tendency
non-agent
[term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o...
[term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o...
[term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o...
[term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o...
[term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o...
[term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o...
[term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o...
[term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o...
[term] in context of I created the fourfold varna o...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The verse names the historical fourfold varna order and specifies guna and karma. It also introduces the distinction between divine creation and binding personal agency; social interpretations require contextual review.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Responsibility calls for attention to qualities and conduct, with respect for every person's dignity."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can responsibility be assigned with attention to conduct and human dignity?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.