42 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 7, Ch. 11
rta. Collecting without begging is called amrta, begging grains is
called mrta, tilling the ground is called pramrta, and trade is called
satyanrta. Engaging in the service of low-grade persons, however,
is called Sva-vrtti, the profession of the dogs. Specifically,
brahmanas and ksatriyas should not engage in the low and abomi-
nable service of sidras. Brahmanas should be well acquainted with
all the Vedic knowledge, and ksatriyas should be well acquainted
with the worship of demigods.
PURPORT
As stated in Bhagavad-gita (4.13), catur-varnyam may4 srstam guna-
karma-vibhagasah: the four divisions of human society were created by
the Supreme Lord according to the three modes of material nature and -
the work ascribed to them. Formerly, the principle of dividing human
society into four sections— bréhmana, ksatriya, vaisya and Sidra —was
strictly followed, but because of gradual neglect of the varndsrama prin-
ciples, varna-sarkara population developed, and the entire institution
has now been lost. In this age of Kali, practically everyone is a Sidra
(kalau sidra-sambhavah), and finding anyone who is a brahmana,
ksatriya or vaisya is very difficult. Although the Krsna consciousness
movement is a movement of brahmanas and Vaisnavas, it is trying to re-
establish the divine varndsrama institution, for without this division of
society there cannot be peace and prosperity anywhere.
TEXT 21
TM THT: Te AAT afeatay |
Md TARGA AT FT ATS RL
Samo damas tapah saucam
santosah ksdntir drjavam
Jianam dayacyutdatmatvam
satyam ca brahma-laksanam
Samah—control of the mind; damah—control of the senses; tapah —
austerity and penance; saucam—cleanliness; santosah—satisfaction;
