Occupations in Life

The Vedic social system also provides a way for each person to engage their psycho-physical nature in suitable work for individual growth and social stability. The four broad divisions are:

Brahmanas (Teachers) – those who are drawn towards education, teaching and providing spiritual guidance. Their qualities: “Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness.” (BG 18.42)

Ksatriyas (Administrators) – those who have capacity for managing, organising and ensuring upkeep of society. Their qualities: “Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership.” (BG 18.43)

Vaisyas (Merchants) – those who are suited for business, entrepreneurial pursuits and providing resources for society. Their qualities: “Farming, cow protection and business.” (BG 18.44)

Sudras (Labourers) – those who happily serve the other three classes and provide support for the entire social system on the ground. Their qualities: “labour and service to others.” (BG 18.44)

If we look at society as a body, then the sudras are the legs, the vaisyas are the stomach, the ksatriyas are the arms, and the brahmanas are the head. Each one is critically vital and equally important. Srila Prabhupada explains how cooperation between the varnas is beneficial for one and all: “The entire social structure of varna and asrama is a cooperative system meant to uplift all to the highest platform of spiritual realisation. The brahmanas are intended to be protected by the ksatriyas, and the ksatriyas also are intended to be enlightened by the brahmanas. When the brahmanas and ksatriyas cooperate nicely, the other subordinate divisions, the vaisyas, or mercantile people, and the sudras, or labourer class, automatically flourish.” (SB 3.22.4)