Bhagavad Gītā, Chapter 4, Class 168

In this thoughtful and liberating continuation on varṇadharma, Acharya Tadany explored the practical tension between jāti (birth/lineage, immutable and traditionally linked to family professions) and guṇa (personal qualities/character, fully malleable through conscious effort) when choosing a career (karma), presenting two equally valid approaches: 

(1) following jāti — leveraging childhood training, family mentorship, established methods, economic stability, and social acceptance, though it risks dissatisfaction if misaligned with inner inclinations; 

(2) following guṇa — prioritizing natural talents, passion, motivation, excellence, and authentic self-expression, though it may involve uncertainty, delayed training, lack of support, and social resistance. 

Acharya Tadany emphasized scriptural flexibility, citing powerful historical examples: Droṇa (born brāhmaṇa, became kṣatriya-like warrior-teacher) and Viśvāmitra (born kṣatriya, became Brahmarishi through intense sādhana), proving that birth provides a starting point but does not limit ultimate professional or spiritual destiny. 

Acharya Tadany synthesized the Gītā’s wisdom: while jāti offers structure and karma is partially constrained by circumstances, guṇa remains our sovereign domain — everyone can cultivate noble qualities (wisdom, courage, integrity, service) regardless of background, making character the true determinant of fulfillment and proximity to mokṣa. 

The class bridged ancient philosophy with modern life, where career paths are fluid and diverse, affirming that the tension between tradition and personal calling is timeless and resolvable through discernment, effort, and alignment with dharma.

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