The four social classes include, in order of importance:

1) Wise scholars, charged with guiding human society, kings and heads of state, and all human beings.

2) The administrators or kings and men of war, charged with the protection of society.

3) Traders and farmers, who are responsible for providing for the vital needs of society and for the protection of animals, especially cows.

4) Manual workers, craftsmen and artists, in charge of assisting members of the other three upper classes.

The four stages of the spiritual order are:

1) First stage of spiritual life, period of celibacy, continence and study under the supervision of a qualified spiritual master.

2) Second stage of spiritual life. Period of family and social life, in conformity with the Vedas, the original holy scriptures.

3) Third stage of spiritual life. A period of pilgrimages to various sacred places, to detach oneself from family and social life and thus prepare oneself for the renunciation of materialism, the pleasures of the senses and the fruits of the act.

4) Fourth and last stage of spiritual life. It is the total renunciation of all family and social life in order to perfectly master the senses and the mind, and to fully engage in the service of God or Krishna.

The combined activities of all members of society contribute to the creation of a favorable situation for the enhancement of the human mission. The beginnings of this social institution are based on spiritual education, which allows man to purify his animal tendencies including the pleasures of the senses, materialism and the four major activities; eating, sleeping, mating, defending oneself are the base.

The highest of all methods of purification lies in the knowledge of the Sovereign Lord, Krishna, the purest among the pure.

During their studies, those who live according to the standards relating to the position which is theirs; the period of celibacy, continence, study under the tutelage of a qualified spiritual master, are instructed in the importance of the human form, which has been granted to them. Thus, all basic education is designed to encourage the student to free himself from all family concerns.

Only students unable to take such a vow can return home and take a good wife there. The others remain in celibacy, continence, as hermits for life, and take a vow of absolute continence. It all depends on the quality of the training received by the student.

The four social divisions are based on the activities and qualities of each of the beings. They are designed according to the different occupations and abilities of each.