Bhagavad Gita- 108 Talks by Swami Sandeep Chaithanya

98. Sudra (working class) is the protector of dharma.

For a Brahmana (scholars or priestly class), it should be natural to have the qualities such as self control, tranquility, penance, cleanliness, patience, straightforwardness, knowledge, experience and care. For the kshatriya class, (warriors and protectors), courage, valour, braveness, cleverness, charity, authority, and able to fight without receding are the expected qualities. Protecting cows, looking after farming and trade are the duties of Vysya (farmers and tradesmen) class. To serve everyone is the duty of Sudras.

Sudras are entitled to attain the goal dharma (duty) and Vysyas, the arthha (wealth). Kshatriyas are entitled to kamas (aspirations) and the Brahmanas to moksha (liberation). Gita is not talking here about the birth rights of any class; everyone attains their chosen rightful path in accordance to their innate tendencies. A businessman (Vysya) becomes a Brahmana as he embarks on spiritual inquiry. There is nothing in the universe that is not under the spell of qualities (guna). When one executes their duties well, following the right path, he attains the supreme state.

It is the rajasic urge (dhrithi) to pursue dharma, arthha and kama without caring for the ultimate goal moksha. It is the tamasic urge to be sleepy, fearful, sorrowful, proud, brutal and mentally dull.

Although it may appear to be toxic in the beginning, bliss born out of self awareness evolves in to divine nectar in the end. This is satvic joy. On the other hand, the rajasic delight is nectar-like in the beginning turning into poison later. Rajasic delight results when sense objects merge with sense organs. Tamasic joy is delusive beginning till the end. Slumber, lethargy and foolishness are the cause of tamasic elation.