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BG 18.44

कृषिगौरक्ष्यवाणिज्यं वैश्यकर्म स्वभावजम्
परिचर्यात्मकं कर्म शूद्रस्यापि स्वभावजम्

kṛṣigaurakṣyavāṇijyaṃ vaiśyakarma svabhāvajam
paricaryātmakaṃ karma śūdrasyāpi svabhāvajam

TRANSLATION

Agriculture, cattle-breeding and trade are the duties of the Vaishya born of his nature... And the duty of a Shudra ish one of service, born of his nature.

PURPORT

‘Agriculture’ is cultivation to produce crops. The meaning of ‘cattle breeding’ is the protection and rearing of cattle. ‘Trade’ is the activity causing the amassing of wealth through buying and selling. This is the duty of Vaishya born of his inherent nature. The duty of a Shudra, born of his inherent nature, is service to the three Orders mentioned earlier. All these have been described to stress that the occupational activities of the four stations are auxiliary to the performance of sacrifices etc., which are ordained by the Shastra. Sacrifices etc., are common to the first three stations. Control of the senses etc., are common to those who, among the first three stations, are anxious for release. As a Brahmana possesses preponderance of Sattva, and as the control of the senses, mind etc., can be performed by him easily and naturally control of the senses etc., have been prescribed as his duty. As control of the mind, senses etc., can be performed only with difficulty by the Kshatriyas and the Vaishyas owing to the preponderance of Rajas and Tamas respectively in them, these have not been stated as their duty. The occupation of a Brahmana is officiating as priest in sacrifices, teaching the Vedas and receiving gifts. The occupation of a Kshatriya is protecting the people and that of the Vaishyas is farming etc., as mentioned before. The duty and occupation of the Shudra is service to the three stations.