Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 19
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
शुश्रूषणं द्विजगवां देवानां चाप्यमायया । तत्र लब्धेन सन्तोष: शूद्रप्रकृतयस्त्विमा: ॥ १९ ॥
śuśrūṣaṇaṁ dvija-gavāṁ devānāṁ cāpy amāyayā tatra labdhena santoṣaḥ śūdra-prakṛtayas tv imāḥ
Khidmat tanpa tipu daya kepada para brāhmaṇa, lembu, para dewa dan insan yang patut dipuja, serta rasa puas sepenuhnya dengan apa jua yang diperoleh daripada khidmat itu—itulah sifat semula jadi śūdra.
When the entire social order is functioning properly according to Vedic standards, everyone is happy and satisfied. Although the śūdras are to be satisfied with whatever income they obtain through their service, they never lack the necessities of life, because the other orders of society, such as kṣatriyas and vaiśyas, are required to be abundantly generous, and the brāhmaṇas are well known for being the most merciful of all. Therefore, if all social classes obey the Vedic injunctions there will be a new and blissful life for the entire human society under the guidance of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
FAQs
In Bhagavatam 11.17.19, Kṛṣṇa says a śūdra’s natural dharma is sincere service to the brāhmaṇas, cows, and demigods, and remaining content with what is gained through such honest service.
In the Uddhava-gītā section, Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on practical dharma and devotion for society—explaining how each disposition can live rightly and progress spiritually, especially as Kali-yuga approaches.
Perform your work and service with integrity—no manipulation, false display, or exploitation—and cultivate santoṣa by appreciating rightful earnings rather than chasing unethical gain.