Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 32
The Universal Form (Virāṭ-Puruṣa): The Lord’s Entry into the Elements, the Devas, and the Origin of Varṇāśrama
विशोऽवर्तन्त तस्योर्वोर्लोकवृत्तिकरीर्विभो: । वैश्यस्तदुद्भवो वार्तां नृणां य: समवर्तयत् ॥ ३२ ॥
viśo ’vartanta tasyorvor loka-vṛttikarīr vibhoḥ vaiśyas tad-udbhavo vārtāṁ nṛṇāṁ yaḥ samavartayat
人々の生計の手段は主のヴィラート形態の腿から現れ、そこからヴァイシャが生じて、穀物の生産と民への分配という「ヴァールタ」の務めを担った。
Human society’s means of living is clearly mentioned here as viśa, or agriculture and the business of distributing agricultural products, which involves transport, banking, etc. Industry is an artificial means of livelihood, and large-scale industry especially is the source of all the problems of society. In Bhagavad-gītā also the duties of the vaiśyas, who are engaged in viśa, are stated as cow protection, agriculture and business. We have already discussed that the human being can safely depend on the cow and agricultural land for his livelihood.
FAQs
This verse states that vaiśyas arise from the Lord’s thighs and are meant to sustain society’s livelihood through vārttā—agriculture, trade, and especially cow protection—so human life can be maintained.
He explains that social roles (varṇāśrama duties) are not merely man-made but are rooted in the Lord’s cosmic order, meant for harmony and maintenance of the world when performed as dharma.
Support honest livelihoods that nourish society—ethical commerce, sustainable agriculture, and compassionate care for animals—seeing work as service that upholds dharma rather than mere profit.