Gita Talk 88–All About the 4 Castes

The eighty-eighth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, continuing with Chapter 18:40, Swamiji discusses what caste is according to the Gita, as opposed to the "caste system" or castism. He talks about the inherent qualities of Brahmins, Kshatrias, Vaishyas and Sudras.

Core Themes

• The three gunas (sattwa, rajas, tamas) permeate all beings, even the gods; no one is beyond them while in prakriti (material nature).

• The goal of the yogi is to cultivate sattwa, which alone leads to liberation.

• Discussion of the varna system (not the caste system) as an expression of one’s innate swabhava (true inner nature), not social classification.

Four Varna Types (based on swabhava)

Each person is born with a dominant inner constitution (varna), which expresses in characteristic actions and duties:

1. Brahmins (Spiritual Intelligence)

• Qualities:

• Tranquility

• Self-restraint

• Self-discipline

• Spiritual practice (esp. meditation)

• Purity (dietary, mental, moral)

• Patience and endurance

• Uprightness

• Knowledge and realization

• Faith in God and moral living

• Duties: Living a life of study, teaching, meditation, and spiritual discipline.

2. Kshatriyas (Leaders & Protectors)

• Qualities:

• Valor and courage

• Splendor (nobility of character)

• Steadfastness

• Skill and effectiveness

• Willingness to face adversity

• Generosity

• Nobility and leadership spirit

• Duties: Governance, protection, righteous action, and moral responsibility.

3. Vaishyas (Producers & Traders)

• Duties:

• Agriculture

• Cow-herding (symbolic of nurturing)

• Commerce and trade (all forms)

• Characterized by economic and practical contribution to society.

4. Shudras (Service Workers)

• Duty: Serving others through skilled labor or assistance; honorable and essential.

• Not inferior—simply governed by a different inner disposition and life orientation.

Key Insights

• Varna is not chosen; it is revealed through behavior and tendencies—it is your inner nature (swabhava).

• Trying to take on a caste not aligned with your nature leads to disharmony and spiritual frustration.

• Action (karma) is not what determines caste; rather, your inner nature determines your tendencies and thus your proper karmic path.

• Even in pre-industrial terms, these categories remain symbolic of psychological and spiritual roles, not job titles or hereditary positions.

Cautions & Misconceptions

• This is not the caste system of birth, hierarchy, or social oppression.

• Many misuse or misinterpret Gita’s teaching on varna to justify spiritual superiority or inferiority.

• The talk critiques those who:

• Ignore or misapply the Gita based on a distaste for caste terminology

• Assume they are Brahmins or Kshatriyas by desire, not by actual swabhava

Final Reflection

• Understanding your true swabhava is key to spiritual happiness.

• Next session will explore how to find happiness through your own nature (living in harmony with your inner calling).