BG 4.13
तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् ॥
guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ
tasya kartāram api māṁ
viddhy akartāram avyayam
Word-for-word meanings
cātuḥ-varṇyam — the four divisions of human society; sṛṣṭam — were created; mayā — by Me; vibhāgaśaḥ — in accordance with the divisions; guṇa — [of] the guṇas of nature; karma — [and their corresponding] actions; api — although; kartāram — [I am] the originator; tasya — of that [system]; viddhi — know; mām — Me; avyayam — the imperishable; akartāram — as the non-doer.
Translation
The four divisions of human society (varṇas*) were created by Me in accordance with the preponderance of the guṇas operative in different people and in accordance with the corresponding character of their actions. Although I am the originator of this system, know Me, the imperishable, as the non-doer [being beyond the guṇas and changeless].
Notes
* Vedic society was divided into four social classes called varṇas, namely, the brāhmaṇas, who were devoted to the culture of knowledge, the kṣatriyas, the ruler and warrior class, the vaiśyas, businessmen and farmers, and the śūdras, the labor class. This division was based on the disposition and aptitude of the individual members who made up the society. All four classes worked together for the spiritual advancement of society.
