Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 40
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
इज्याध्ययनदानानि सर्वेषां च द्विजन्मनाम् । प्रतिग्रहोऽध्यापनं च ब्राह्मणस्यैव याजनम् ॥ ४० ॥
ijyādhyayana-dānāni sarveṣāṁ ca dvi-janmanām pratigraho ’dhyāpanaṁ ca brāhmaṇasyaiva yājanam
祭祀（yajña）、研习吠陀与施舍，是一切二次出生者（婆罗门、刹帝利、吠舍）的本分；然而受施、教授吠陀之智，以及代他人主持祭祀，则唯婆罗门所专有。
All civilized men must participate in sacrificial performances, give charity and study the Vedic literature. The best of the twice-born, namely the brāhmaṇas, are specifically empowered to lead sacrificial performances on behalf of all members of society, teach everyone Vedic knowledge and receive everyone’s charity. Without the assistance or participation of qualified brāhmaṇas, the lower classes cannot properly study the Vedic literature, perform sacrifices or give in charity, because they do not have the required intelligence to perfectly execute such functions. When kṣatriyas and vaiśyas take shelter of bona fide brāhmaṇas, they are able to properly execute their respective duties, and society functions smoothly and efficiently.
FAQs
This verse states that worship, Vedic study, and charity are common duties for all dvijas, while accepting charity, teaching, and priestly officiation for others are specifically brāhmaṇa duties.
In Canto 11, Krishna instructs Uddhava on varṇāśrama-dharma to show how social and spiritual duties can be aligned with devotion and self-purification.
Honor the principle behind the duties—study sacred wisdom, worship sincerely, give in charity, and respect qualified teachers—while practicing devotion and integrity in one’s own role and livelihood.