कृषिगौरक्ष्यवाणिज्यं वैश्यकर्म स्वभावजम् ।
परिचर्यात्मकं कर्म शूद्रस्यापि स्वभावजम् ॥
परिचर्यात्मकं कर्म शूद्रस्यापि स्वभावजम् ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
खेती करना, गायोंकी रक्षा करना और शुद्ध व्यापार करना ये सबकेसब वैश्यके स्वाभाविक कर्म हैं, तथा चारों वर्णोंकी सेवा करना शूद्रका भी स्वाभाविक कर्म है ॥
English
Farming, cattle-keeping, and trade are the natural work of the merchant class. Service to others is the natural work of the worker class.
What this verse means
Different kinds of work suit different people. Farming, cattle care, trade, and service are described as natural duties for two social groups.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield, Krishna is still answering Arjuna’s crisis by explaining how human society holds together. After naming the duties of teachers and rulers, he now names the work of merchants and service workers, showing that every role has its own rightful place.
Why this verse still matters
You are forcing yourself into a career that looks impressive but drains you. Relief comes when you stop asking, “What should I be?” and start asking, “What fits my nature?”
The takeaway
You do not need to copy someone else’s role. Fulfil the work that fits your nature.
Word-by-word translation
कृषि (farming) / गौरक्ष्य (cow-protection) / वाणिज्य (trade) / वैश्यकर्म (the work of the merchant class) / स्वभावजम् (born of nature) / परिचर्यात्मकम् (service-oriented) / कर्म (work) / शूद्रस्य (of the worker class) / अपि (also) / स्वभावजम् (born of nature)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18: Moksha Sanyasa Yoga — Liberation through Renunciation, which contains 78 verses.
Explore related themes: dharma (14 verses)