# The varṇāśrama system > [!summary] > *Varṇāśrama-dharma is the Vedic social system dividing society into four occupational divisions (varṇas) and four spiritual stages (āśramas). Created by Kṛṣṇa, this system organizes society according to individuals' qualities and work, ultimately aimed at spiritual advancement.* ## The Four Varṇas Are Created by Kṛṣṇa ![[bg/4/13]] ![[bg/18/41#translation]] ## Qualities of the Brāhmaṇas ![[bg/18/42#translation]] ![[sb/7/11/21]] ## Qualities of Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śūdras ![[bg/18/43#translation]] ![[bg/18/44#translation]] ## The Four Āśramas (Stages of Life) ![[sb/3/12/35]] ![[sb/7/11/13]] ![[sb/7/11/14]] ## Work According to One's Nature ![[bg/3/35]] ![[bg/18/47]] ## Meant for Spiritual Advancement ![[sb/1/2/13]] ![[cc/madhya/8/58]] ## Beyond Varṇāśrama — the Devotee ![[cc/madhya/22/26]] ![[sb/3/33/7]] ## Related Articles - [[wiki/articles/the-philosophy-of-bhagavad-gita|The philosophy of Bhagavad-gītā]] — Foundational teachings - [[wiki/articles/surrender-to-the-lord|Surrender to the Lord]] — Essential principle - [[wiki/articles/the-science-of-karma|The science of karma]] — Work and its results - [[wiki/articles/the-three-modes-of-material-nature|The three modes of material nature]] — Basis of varṇa ## From the Index - [[index/entries/varnasrama-dharma|Varṇāśrama-dharma]] — Social system - [[index/entries/brahmana|Brāhmaṇa]] — Priestly class - [[index/entries/ksatriya|Kṣatriya]] — Warrior class - [[index/entries/asrama|Āśrama]] — Stages of life