The Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran

Freedom & Renunciation ╯
40
No creature, whether born on earth or among
the gods in heaven, is free from the conditioning
of the three gunas. 41 The different responsibilities
found in the social order – distinguishing
brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya, and shudra
– have their roots in this conditioning.
42
The responsibilities to which brahmins are
born, based on their nature, are self-control,
tranquility, purity of heart, patience, humility,
learning, austerity, wisdom, and faith.
43
The qualities of kshatriyas, based on their
nature, are courage, strength, fortitude, dexterity,
generosity, leadership, and the firm resolve never
to retreat from battle. 44 The occupations suitable
for a vaishya are agriculture, dairying, and trade.
The proper work of a shudra is service.
45
By devotion to one’s own particular duty,
everyone can attain perfection. Let me tell you how.
46
By performing one’s own work, one worships
the Creator who dwells in every creature. Such
worship brings that person to fulfillment.
261 ╯