This verse gives evidence confirming the statement of Bhagavad-gītā that the orders of society—brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra—are calculated in terms of qualities and activities (guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ (BG 4.13)). All the descendants of Ajamīḍha, who was a kṣatriya, became brāhmaṇas. This was certainly because of their qualities and activities. Similarly, sometimes the sons of brāhmaṇas or kṣatriyas become vaiśyas (brāhmaṇa-vaiśyatāṁ gatāḥ). When a kṣatriya or brāhmaṇa adopts the occupation or duty of a vaiśya (kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyam (BG 18.44)), he is certainly counted as a vaiśya. On the other hand, if one is born a vaiśya, by his activities he can become a brāhmaṇa. This is confirmed by Nārada Muni. Yasya yal-lakṣaṇaṁ proktam. The members of the varṇas, or social orders-brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra-must be ascertained by their symptoms, not by birth. Birth is immaterial; quality is essential.
When a ksatriya or brahmana adopts the occupation or duty of a vaisya (krsi-go-raksya-vanijyam (BG 18.44)), he is certainly counted as a vaisya. On the other hand, if one is born a vaisya, by his activities he can become a brahmana
Expressions researched:
"When a kṣatriya or brāhmaṇa adopts the occupation or duty of a vaiśya"
|"kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyam"
|"he is certainly counted as a vaiśya. On the other hand, if one is born a vaiśya, by his activities he can become a brāhmaṇa"
Srimad-Bhagavatam
SB Canto 9
All the descendants of Ajamīḍha, who was a kṣatriya, became brāhmaṇas. This was certainly because of their qualities and activities. Similarly, sometimes the sons of brāhmaṇas or kṣatriyas become vaiśyas (brāhmaṇa-vaiśyatāṁ gatāḥ). When a kṣatriya or brāhmaṇa adopts the occupation or duty of a vaiśya (kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyam (BG 18.44)), he is certainly counted as a vaiśya. On the other hand, if one is born a vaiśya, by his activities he can become a brāhmaṇa.
From King Hastī came three sons, named Ajamīḍha, Dvimīḍha and Purumīḍha. The descendants of Ajamīḍha, headed by Priyamedha, all achieved the position of brāhmaṇas.
| Page Title: | When a ksatriya or brahmana adopts the occupation or duty of a vaisya (krsi-go-raksya-vanijyam (BG 18.44)), he is certainly counted as a vaisya. On the other hand, if one is born a vaisya, by his activities he can become a brahmana |
| Compiler: | SharmisthaK |
| Created: | 2021-01-20, 10:07:37 |
| Totals by Section: | BG=0, SB=1, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=0 |
| No. of Quotes: | 1 |