Chapter 18: Moksha-sannyasa-yoga:: Verse 44
कृषिगौरक्ष्यवाणिज्यं वैश्यकर्म स्वभावजम् ।
परिचर्यात्मकं कर्म शूद्रस्यापि स्वभावजम् ॥
kṛṣi-gau-rakṣya-vāṇijyaṃ vaiśya-karma svabhāvajam
paricaryātmakaṃ karma śūdrasyāpi svabhāvajam – 18.44
Agriculture, animal husbandry and trade – these form the natural activities of a vaiśya. Service to others is the natural pursuit of a śūdra.
Chapter 18: Moksha-sannyasa-yoga: - Verse 44
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
Agriculture, trade, commerce and industry are indispensable for the prosperity and progress of human society. Farming alone produces food for people. Trade and commerce fulfil the task of procuring and reaching agricultural produce to people for their consumption. Industries too are equally needed to produce goods and services, which consumers avail of for ameliorating the quality of their life.
People with the requisite tendencies and motivation alone can take up these tasks with fidelity and effectiveness. Only then the society can be strong and cohesive. Here comes the role of vai¿yas with farming and industrial aspirations. It is Nature that imbues and preserves these traits.
Those with physical might to help and serve others as well as public institutions are also inevitable. All the four – brāhmanas, kshatriyas, vaiśyas and śūdras – have equal place, importance and purpose to make the society wholesome and prosperous.
