B.G 4.13
cāturvarṇyaṁ mayā sr̥ṣṭaṁ guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ। tasya kartāramapi māṁ viddhyakartāramavyayam ॥13॥
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.
ahameva hi kartā ityāha - cāturvarṇyam iti। caturvarṇasamudāyaḥ। sāttviko brāhmaṇaḥ। sāttvika rājasaḥ kṣatriyaḥ। rājasatāmaso vaiśyaḥ। tāmasaḥ śūdraḥ। iti guṇavibhāgaḥ। karmavibhāgastu- "śamo damaḥ" ityādinā vakṣyate।
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.
kriyāyām vailakṣaṇyāt kartāpi akartā। tathāhi śrutiḥ
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:
"viśvakarmā vimanāḥ"
"He is the creator of the universe, who is beyond thought!"
ityādi।
-(Rig 10.82.2, Visvakarma Sukta) and such others.
"tanurvidyā kriyākr̥tiḥ"
"Knowledge is my body and activities in the form of duties are my form."
iti ca।
-stated thus as well (at 6.4.46 Bhagavatam).
sādhitaṁ caitat purastāt ॥13॥
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'.
"satvasatvādhikarajorajobhistamasā tathā। varṇā vibhaktāścatvāraḥ sātvikā eva vaiṣṇavā॥"
"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.
iti ca।
-stated thus.
karmavibhāgaṁ "śamo dama" ityādinā vakṣyati।
Divisions based on the action is stated at verse "śamo dama" (18.42), and onwards.
"vaiṣṇavāḥ sātvikā eva tāmasā eva cāpare। daurlabhyasulabhatvena teṣāṁ varṇādibhinnatā॥"
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.
iti ca।
-stated thus as well.
"svābhāviko brāhmaṇādiḥ śamādyaireva bhidyate। yonibhedakr̥to bhedo jñeya aupādhikastvayam। viṣṇubhaktiścānugatā sarvavarṇeṣu viśpatim। ārabhya hīyate'thāpi bhedaḥ svābhāvikastataḥ॥"
"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."
iti nāradīye।
-sates Naradiya Purana.
"kartāpi bhagavān viṣṇurakarteti ca kathyate। tasya kartā yato nānyaḥ svatantratvāt parātmanaḥ॥"
"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."
iti ca।
- stated thus as well by the testimonial.
apiśabdo guṇasamuccayārthaḥ। kartā me nāstītyapi viddhīti ॥13॥
The term 'api', i.e. 'even', is referenced regarding a combination of qualities. It is to be understood to mean 'none creates Me'.
