A core teaching · reflective in mood · a little context helps
“Your rightful work comes from your nature, not imitation.”
O scorcher of foes, the duties of priests, warriors, merchants, and workers are divided according to the qualities born of their nature.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallyof priests, warriors, merchants · of workers · and · O scorcher of foes · are divided · born of one’s nature · by the qualities
Different kinds of work belong to different people according to their nature and qualities.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Moksha Sanyasa Yoga" (Liberation through Renunciation).
Verse 41 sits in Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita — Moksha Sanyasa Yoga, "Liberation through Renunciation". The chapter has 78 verses in total.
A student keeps forcing themselves into a career because everyone praises it, while their real strengths are elsewhere. The pressure eases when they stop copying and start listening to what fits.
Did you like this verse?
It shifts attention from borrowed identity to the work that matches your actual nature.
What this verse means
Different kinds of work belong to different people according to their nature and qualities.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield at Kurukshetra, Arjuna still hesitates while Krishna keeps unfolding the structure of right action. Here Krishna explains that social roles and duties are not random; they arise from the qualities built into a person's nature.
Why this verse still matters
A student keeps forcing themselves into a career because everyone praises it, while their real strengths are elsewhere. The pressure eases when they stop copying and start listening to what fits.
“You do not have to copy someone else’s role. Your nature points toward the work that fits you.”
Explore related themes: dharma (14 verses)