The Yoga of Liberation by Renunciation

Krishna explains the duties of kshatriyas. 'Śauryaṁ tejo dhṛtir dākṣyaṁ yuddhe cāpy apalāyanam'—heroism (śauryam), splendor (tejaḥ), firmness (dhṛtiḥ), skill (dākṣyam), not fleeing in battle (yuddhe apalāyanam). 'Dānam īśvara-bhāvaś ca kṣātraṁ karma svabhāva-jam'—generosity (dānam), lordly nature (īśvara-bhāvaḥ), these constitute the duty of kshatriyas (kṣātram karma), born of their nature (svabhāva-jam). These are rajasic duties: qualities of courage, leadership, protection, and generosity. Kshatriyas are those whose nature inclines toward leadership, protection, courage, and service to society through these qualities. Their duty is to protect, lead, and serve with courage and generosity. This is not about birth—it's about natural qualities and inclinations toward leadership and protection.