Chapter 4 - Verse 12

They who long after success in action sacrifice to the Gods, such as Indra and Agni. The sruti says :

" He who, on the other hand, worships a separate God, thinking, ‘He is separate from me and I am separate from Him’—he knows not. He is to the Devas as cattle (to men)" (Bri. Up. 1-4-10).

For, quickly is the fruit of action reaped in this world of men by those who, with selfish ends in view, sacrifice to external Gods, performing the works enjoined on them according to their caste (varna) and order (asrama). It is for this world of men that Vedic injunctions are meant.—By i.e., whether it be for a selfish end or for moksha, every one should follow the Lord, in the path of works or of knowledge. It is the Supreme Lord Himself that abides as the Self in every form.—(A) the expression “soon in this world of man” the Lord implies that even in other worlds actions produce results : the only difference being that it is only to this world of men that injunctions based upon castes and religious orders apply :

Caste, A Divinely ordered human institution

What is the foundation of the law that the respective duties of the several castes and religious orders obtain only is world of men, but not in other worlds?—Or the question may be put thus: It has been said that men, split up into communities of several castes and orders (varnas and nas), should follow Thy path in all things. Why should necessarily follow Thy path only, but not that of any order?—The answer follows: