Chapter 4 - Verse 13

The four castes (varnas, lit., colours) have been created by Me, Īśvara, according to the distribution of energies (gunas) of actions. The energies are Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion, activity,) and Tamas (darkness). The actions of a brahmana (priest), in whom Sattva predominates, are serenity, self-restraint, austerity &c., (xviii 42). The actions of a ksatriya (warrior), in whom Rajas predominates and Sattva is subordinate to Rajas, are prowess, daring, &c., (xviii 43). The actions of a vaisya (merchant), in whom Rajas predominates and Tamas is subordinate to Rajas, are agriculture, &c., (xviii. 44). The action of a sudra (servant) in whom

Tamas predominates and Rajas is subordinate to Tamas, is only servitude. Thus have been created the four castes according to the distribution of energies and actions. This fourfold caste does not exist in other worlds. Hence the limitation “in this world of man.” (iv. 12).

(Objection) :—Oh! then Thou art the author of the act of creating the four castes, and as such Thou art bound by its effect; wherefore Thou art not the eternal Lord nor the eternally unbound

Answer :—Though I am the author of this act when viewed from the standpoint of Māyā, still know thou that I am in reality no agent and therefore not subject to samsara.

Action without attachment does not bind the soul.

Since I am not in reality the author of those actions, of which you think Me to be the author,