चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः ।
तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् ॥
तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
मेरे द्वारा गुणों और कर्मोंके विभागपूर्वक चारों वर्णोंकी रचना की गयी है । उससृष्टिरचना आदि का कर्ता होनेपर भी मुझ अव्यय रमेश्वरको तू अकर्ता जान । कारण कि कर्मोंके फलमें मेरी स्पृहा नहीं है, इसलिये मुझे कर्म लिप्त नहीं करते । इस प्रकार जो मुझे तत्त्वसे जान लेता है, वह भी कर्मोंसे नहीं बँधता ॥
English
The four social orders were created by Me according to qualities and actions. Though I am their maker, know Me as the unchanging non-doer.
What this verse means
The four social orders arise from qualities and actions, but Krishna says he remains the unchanging one who is not bound by creation.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield, Arjuna is frozen by conflict and confusion. Krishna now explains that even the world's order comes from him, yet he is not bound by what he sets in motion. The teaching points beyond social roles to the unchanging source behind them.
Why this verse still matters
You are handed a role, a label, a family pattern, a job title, and everyone acts as if that is all you are. This verse says the structure may shape action, but it does not imprison the one who sees clearly.
The takeaway
You can participate in structure without being trapped by it.
Word-by-word translation
चातुर्वर्ण्यम् (the four social orders) / मया (by Me) / सृष्टम् (created) / गुणकर्मविभागशः (according to division of qualities and actions) / तस्य (of that) / कर्तारम् (maker) / अपि (even) / माम् (Me) / विद्धि (know) / अकर्तारम् (as non-doer) / अव्ययम् (unchanging)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga — Knowledge and Renunciation of Action, which contains 42 verses.
Explore related themes: karma (11 verses)