The three twice-born varṇas (ānulomyaprasūtānāṃ) have three āśramas available (excluding saṃnyāsa for kṣatriyas and vaiśyas). Those born as śūdra should follow śūdra conduct. This verse restates the social framework while leaving implicit the tension between rigid varṇa boundaries and the universality of the yoga teaching being delivered to Gārgī — a woman — in this very text.