Kriyamana Karma Yoga as a Principle of Function and Functional Unity
Every Varna has duties, rights, responsibilities and obligations according to capacity (Guṇa) and will (Swadharma), contributing to the overall social structure and functional unity of society.
Brahmin
Knowledge, intellect, reasoning, science and innovation.
Kshatriya
Governance, maintenance, preservation and protection.
Vaishya
Production of goods, services and sustaining human life.
Shudra
Ancillary services, skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled work.
Kriyamana Karma Yoga of the Four Varnas
In Kriyamāṇa Karma Yoga, the performer, or “person in action,” is merely an “instrument” of Karya Karana Yogism.
The performer uses intellectual capacity (Guna), material resources or natural resources as a “cause” and brings about results that serve human life.
Through this function, the performer contributes to the maintenance and functional development of society.
Individual Kriyamana Karma Yoga of Brahmin Varna
A person of the Brahmin/Intellectual Varna uses intellectual characteristics and personal traits such as thinking, learning, reasoning, open-mindedness, curiosity and intellectual humility as causes in the performance of action.
Intellectual Capacity
Thinking, learning, reasoning, curiosity and intellectual humility.
Knowledge Creation
Language, literature, science, discovery, innovation and technology.
Enrich Human Life
Enrichment of human life through knowledge, research and development.
Individual Kriyamana Karma Yoga of Kshatriya Varna
A person of the Kshatriya Varna uses political institutions, organizations, associations and constitutional duties as part of the functional structure.
Maintaining, preserving and protecting the social structure from destruction of social order is the principal purpose function of Kshatriya Varna.
Individual Kriyamana Karma Yoga of Vaishya Varna
A person of the Vaishya Varna contributes to sustaining human life and the life of society through the production of goods, products and services.
Farmers
Farmers cultivate crops, raise livestock and produce raw materials that help sustain human life.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers use raw materials, machinery, labour and resources to produce finished goods.
Traders & Merchants
Traders and merchants connect producers with consumers through buying and selling goods.
Doctors & Medical Fraternity
Doctors apply medical knowledge to diagnose and treat patients, contributing to human health.
Judiciary
The judiciary protects fundamental rights and helps maintain the social structure.
Individual Kriyamana Karma Yoga of Shudra Varna
A person of the Shudra Varna applies skills and specialized abilities in Kriyamana Karma Yoga as a cause.
Functional Unity of Social Structure
The four forms of Kriyamana Karma Yoga are interrelated and interdependent. Their programmed interactional functions together constitute the functional unity of the social structure.
Economic Dimension of Interaction
An effect propagates by becoming a cause that triggers a new effect and a new purpose.
Through this interaction, the effect dimension of each Varna becomes a cause that contributes to a new effect and purpose, enabling functional unity.
The Four Varnas in Functional Interaction
Brahmin
Knowledge production and transmission.
Effect: Income and recognition.
Purpose: Enrich human life through knowledge.
Kshatriya
Governance and protection of social order.
Effect: Government revenue.
Purpose: Growth and development.
Vaishya
Production of goods and services.
Effect: Goods, services and income.
Purpose: Sustaining human life.
Shudra
Ancillary services and necessary work.
Effect: Income and remuneration.
Purpose: Supporting livelihood.
Kriyamana Karma Yoga & Functional Unity
The interaction of the four Kriyamana Karmas creates functional unity within the social structure.
