> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bhagavata.keshavaswami.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bhagavata.keshavaswami.com/canto-03/s.a.v.e.s/e-expanding-entities-20-24/the-life-cycle/occupations-in-life.md).

# 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) ](https://vedabase.io/en/library/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) ](https://vedabase.io/en/library/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)](https://vedabase.io/en/library/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)](https://vedabase.io/en/library/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)](https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/3/22/4/)