Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 32
Varṇāśrama-Dharma and the Thirty Qualities of a Human Being
वृत्त्या स्वभावकृतया वर्तमान: स्वकर्मकृत् । हित्वा स्वभावजं कर्म शनैर्निर्गुणतामियात् ॥ ३२ ॥
vṛttyā sva-bhāva-kṛtayā vartamānaḥ sva-karma-kṛt hitvā sva-bhāva-jaṁ karma śanair nirguṇatām iyāt
If one performs his prescribed work according to the vocation arising from his nature, and then gradually gives up those nature-born activities, he attains step by step the nirguṇa condition—the niṣkāma stage.
If one gradually gives up his hereditary customs and duties and tries to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead in his natural position, he is gradually able to become free from these activities, and he attains the stage of niṣkāma, freedom from material desires.
FAQs
This verse teaches that by steadily performing one’s rightful duties and gradually abandoning materially motivated work, one can rise to nirguṇatā—transcendence beyond sattva, rajas, and tamas.
In his instructions on varṇāśrama-dharma, Prahlāda explains a practical path: live responsibly according to one’s nature, yet progressively purify work so it no longer binds one to material qualities.
Do your work honestly according to your abilities, reduce selfish motives and harmful habits, and increasingly align actions with spiritual goals—offering results to the Lord and cultivating detachment—so work becomes purifying rather than binding.