4
The Roads of the Foolish and the Wise
Kṛṣṇa is thus explaining Himself as He is. Yet we are not attracted to Him. Why is this? The reason is given by Kṛṣṇa Himself:
daivī hy eṣā guṇamayī mama māyā duratyayā mām eva ye prapadyante māyām etām taranti te
“This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.” (Bg. 7.14)
The material world is pervaded by the three qualities of material nature. All living entities are influenced by these qualities. If they are primarily influenced by the mode of goodness, they are called  brāhmaṇas , and if they are influenced by the mode of passion, they are called  kṣatriyas . If they are influenced by the modes of passion and ignorance, they are  vaiṣyas , and if they are influenced by ignorance, they are  śūdras . This is not an artificial imposition due to birth or social status but is according to  guṇa , or the mode of nature under which one is operating.
cātur-varṇyam mayā sṛṣṭam guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ