B.G 4.13
चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः। तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् ॥१३॥
The classification system of four classes, based on the duties to be performed according to one's qualities, is created by Me. Even though I am the creator of these, know Me as the non-doer, and as imperishable.
Gīta Bhāshya 4.13
Varnas are classification based on qualities. 'Brahmin', the intellectual class, is of Sātwik quality. 'Kshatriya', the warrior class, is formed by the combination of 'Sātwik' and 'Rajasic' qualities. The 'Vaisha', the business class, is formed by the combination of 'Rajasic' and 'Tamasic' qualities. The 'Shudra', the employee class, is of 'Tamasic' quality. Divisions of activities that arise due to qualities are dealt at 18.42 verse of Gita. The lord is known as 'non-doer' though He is the doer, as the nature of His actions is beyond the grasp of mortals.
अहमेव हि कर्ता इत्याह - चातुर्वर्ण्यम् इति। चतुर्वर्णसमुदायः। सात्त्विको ब्राह्मणः। सात्त्विक राजसः क्षत्रियः। राजसतामसो वैश्यः। तामसः शूद्रः। इति गुणविभागः। कर्मविभागस्तु- "शमो दमः" इत्यादिना वक्ष्यते।
Indeed, I am only the creator of the populace comprising four classes, is conveyed by the verse 'cāturvarṇyam'. Those with 'Sātwik' qualities are 'Brahmins'. Those with the combination of 'Sātwik' and 'Rājasic' qualities are 'Kshatriyas'. Those with the combination of Rājasic and Tāmasic qualities are 'Vasihyas'. Those with 'Tāmasic' qualities are 'Shūdras'. The division based on duties to be performed are stated in the verse "śamo damaḥ" (18.42), and onwards.
क्रियायाम् वैलक्षण्यात् कर्तापि अकर्ता। तथाहि श्रुतिः
Due to the nature of His actions being special, though He is the doer, He is said to be non-doer. Same is stated in the Vedic testimonials:
"विश्वकर्मा विमनाः"
"He is the creator of the universe, who is beyond thought!"
इत्यादि।
-(Rig 10.82.2, Visvakarma Sukta) and such others.
"तनुर्विद्या क्रियाकृतिः"
"Knowledge is my body and activities in the form of duties are my form."
इति च।
-stated thus as well (at 6.4.46 Bhagavatam).
साधितं चैतत् पुरस्तात् ॥१३॥
This topic, (regarding the lord and his qualities being beyond the grasp of the intellect and conflicting attributes existing in him without conflict,) has already been dealt with and established in previous sections.
Gīta Tātparya 4.13
Only those who are of 'sātwik' quality are Vaishnavas, i.e. devotees of lord Vishnu. The varna classification based on birth is merely indicative based on the number of 'sātwik' devotees found. Vaishnavas are found in all classes, and the apparent differences eventually dissolve as per the inherent nature. Divisions based on the action is stated at verse 18.42 of Gita. The word 'api' referenced regarding a combination of qualities is to be understood to mean 'none creates Me'.
"सत्वसत्वाधिकरजोरजोभिस्तमसा तथा। वर्णा विभक्ताश्चत्वारः सात्विका एव वैष्णवा॥" ]
"From 'satwa' quality comes goodness, from 'rajas' comes excess of passion, and from 'tamas' comes in the same way (darkness). Thus are the classification of the varnas into four. Only those who are of 'sātwik' quality are Vaishnavas, i.e. devotees of lord Vishnu.
इति च।
-stated thus.
कर्मविभागं "शमो दम" इत्यादिना वक्ष्यति।
Divisions based on the action is stated at verse "śamo dama" (18.42), and onwards.
"वैष्णवाः सात्विका एव तामसा एव चापरे। दौर्लभ्यसुलभत्वेन तेषां वर्णादिभिन्नता॥"
Indeed, the Vaishnavas, i.e. followers of lord Vishnu, are of Sātwik quality. Based on their ease of availability and rarity, they are classified into varnas.
इति च।
-stated thus as well.
"स्वाभाविको ब्राह्मणादिः शमाद्यैरेव भिद्यते। योनिभेदकृतो भेदो ज्ञेय औपाधिकस्त्वयम्। विष्णुभक्तिश्चानुगता सर्ववर्णेषु विश्पतिम्। आरभ्य हीयतेऽथापि भेदः स्वाभाविकस्ततः॥"
"The Brahmin and others are distinguished solely by qualities such as control of senses. The difference caused by distinctions in birth should be understood as merely attributive. Devotion to Vishnu, the lord of all, is to be found in all varnas. Even though distinctions may arise (because of birth), they eventually dissolve as per the inherent nature."
इति नारदीये।
-sates Naradiya Purana.
"कर्तापि भगवान् विष्णुरकर्तेति च कथ्यते। तस्य कर्ता यतो नान्यः स्वतन्त्रत्वात् परात्मनः॥"
"The lord Vishnu is spoken of as 'non-doer' even though He is the doer. As that supreme being is independent, He is non different from his acts."
इति च।
- stated thus as well by the testimonial.
अपिशब्दो गुणसमुच्चयार्थः। कर्ता मे नास्तीत्यपि विद्धीति ॥१३॥
The term 'api', i.e. 'even', is referenced regarding a combination of qualities. It is to be understood to mean 'none creates Me'.
