Comparing intercaste marriages (TB vs Other Brahmins)

[prasad1]

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I am digressing from the main discussion.

The concept that "suffering ends when we realize that nothing is permanent" is a profound teaching deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy. This idea, often explored in Hindu texts and practices, suggests that understanding and accepting the impermanence of life can lead to liberation from suffering. Let’s delve into how this teaching is articulated and applied in Hinduism:

Anitya (Impermanence)
Definition: In Hindu philosophy, the term "Anitya" means impermanence. It signifies that everything in the universe is transient and subject to change.
Application: Recognizing the fleeting nature of all phenomena—our bodies, emotions, relationships, and material possessions—helps reduce attachment and the suffering that comes with it.
Maya (Illusion)
Definition: Maya refers to the illusion or the appearance of the world as we perceive it. According to Hindu thought, our sensory experiences are not the ultimate reality but a temporary and deceptive facade.

Application: Understanding that our perceptions and experiences are transient and illusory encourages detachment and reduces suffering. This aligns with the realization that everything is impermanent.

Key Texts and Teachings
Bhagavad Gita
Teachings on Impermanence: In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna about the eternal nature of the soul (Atman) and the transient nature of the body and material world.
Verses:
Chapter 2, Verse 13: "Just as in the body the boyhood, youth, and old age come to the embodied Soul; in the same manner, is the attaining of another body; the wise man is not deluded at that." This verse underscores the continuous change in our physical form and encourages detachment from bodily existence.
Chapter 2, Verse 14: "O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed."
Upanishads
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: This ancient text speaks about the impermanent nature of the material world and the eternal, unchanging reality of Brahman, the ultimate truth.
Mandukya Upanishad: It describes the changing states of consciousness—waking, dreaming, and deep sleep—and points towards the Turīya, the fourth state, which transcends these and represents the true self beyond temporal change.

 

[GNANA SUNYAM]

One of the reasons for revolutionary inter-caste marriages. Women want dignified treatment. Women of 21st century need no longer bear any of the above non-sense, torture. Woe to irrational, meaningless traditions, customs.

 

[sravna]

What I meant was stick to something that is permanent and not to meaningless fads. Traditional do have meaning if you care to understand them properly. In essence stick to timeless and live by the present only at the external level.

 

[GNANA SUNYAM]

What I meant was stick to something that is permanent and not to meaningless fads. Traditional do have meaning if you care to understand them properly. In essence stick to timeless and live by the present only at the external level.

You are correct Sravna. But the brutal harassment, humiliation and torture that TB daughters-in-law suffered from their cruel, heartless, inhuman, beastly TB mothers-in-law in the guise of traditions cannot be ignored. Especially the MILs from Tanjore and Kumbakonam are reputed for their cruelty, so much so that non-Tanjore and non-kumbakonam brides and grooms avoided alliances from tanjore and kumbakonam.

The current DILs have witnessed their mothers suffering. They think independently. Meaningless, baseless, senseless traditions and customs, which are obsolete and outdated deserves to be shunned and thrown into dustbin. The current DILs have woken up to the ills and woes and they don't care any illusory social stigma.

 

[GNANA SUNYAM]

Today, Deepavali day of 2025, I watched the Solomon Papaya managed Debate in Sun TV as is being conducted every Deepavali. The subject was Which type of marriage is successful, that which is arranged by parents or that which is arranged by the bride and groom themselves. Very interesting strong arguments from both rival teams. Solomon Papaya while yet from yester-century married as per parents arrangement, after a long lecture eventually declared and judged the marriage arranged by bride and groom themselves is successful. While the subject was about success of marriage, either rival teams could not help touching the aspect of inter-caste. Caste still plays a role in marriages in TN be it arranged by parents or by themselves. So strong is the root caste-evil has taken in the society.

 

[GNANA SUNYAM]

Great traditions and customs never disappear. That which disappears is unworthy of holding hence disappears by itself.

 

[prasad1]

One of the reasons for revolutionary inter-caste marriages. Women want dignified treatment. Women of 21st century need no longer bear any of the above non-sense, torture. Woe to irrational, meaningless traditions, customs.

But that problem may not be solved by ICM. Women abuse must stop. It is a problem in India and most of the world.

 

[prasad1]

Great traditions and customs never disappear. That which disappears is unworthy of holding hence disappears by itself.

Please tell me about one tradition that transcends time.
I do not think you can do it. I believe in Advaita philosophy. Everything that has a beginning has an END. The only permanent thing is Bramham.

The Upanishads, the foundational scriptures of Hindu philosophy, delve deep into the nature of reality, consciousness, and the self. One of the central concepts discussed in these texts is Brahman—the ultimate, formless reality that is the source of all existence. In the Upanishadic tradition, Brahman is not merely an abstract idea but the very fabric of the universe, transcending all that we perceive through our senses. Understanding Brahman and its role in the cosmos is essential for grasping the essence of Hindu philosophy, particularly in the quest for self-realization and liberation.

Understanding "Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya"


Understanding "Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya" – The Core of Advaita Vedanta

Adi Shankaracharya's significant philosophical statement is "Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya," meaning "Brahman is the ultimate reality; the world is an illusion." This assertion embodies the core principles of Advaita Vedanta, highlighting the non-dual character of reality and the fundamental unity of the soul (Atman) with the supreme consciousness (Brahman). Let us examine its significance, consequences, and pertinence in modern existence.


Understanding: Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya
Understanding the profound philosophy of Advaita Vedanta with our detailed exploration of "Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya." Dive into the essence of reality, illusion, and non-duality through this core teaching and uncover its relevance in achieving spiritual awakening and self-realisation.


1. Brahma Satyam (Brahman is Real)
In Advaita Vedanta, Brahman represents the infinite, everlasting, immutable reality that underpins all existence. It transcends qualities (nirguna) and dualities.


Shankaracharya posits that Brahman is the fundamental essence of all existence, analogous to clay, which stays unchanged despite transforming forms like pots and vases. It is the singular truth, surpassing temporal, spatial, and causal limitations.


2. Jagat Mithya (The World is an Illusion)
Jagat, or the material world, is characterized as Mithya, signifying that it is not absolutely real but relatively real. It resembles a dream—perceived as real by the experiencer yet dissipating upon awakening.


This indicates that the universe is not non-existent but transient and contingent upon Brahman. Similar to a mirage in a desert, it seems tangible yet lacks ultimate reality.

Understanding "Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya"

Understanding "Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya"Understanding the profound philosophy of Advaita Vedanta with our detailed exploration of

www.sadhana-sansar.com

 

[vrajagopalan57]

I take a different view. You come to a TB forum and insult them and show how superior is YOur Brahmin group. Why start this inter-brahmin group fight? Caste tag has less meaning for educated young adults across all communities. Tamil Brahmins are a tiny community that is highly educated and has very few opportunities in Tamil Nadu. They are spread across the globe. So opportunity to meet people of the same community is difficult. If they marry outside the caste and happy why should it matter to others? I see mischief in this post.

I apologize if the intent of the original post was harmless.

 

[sriram.sudarsanan]

Cultural and ego clashes in a marriage are far worse. Human men marrying human women is fine. Caste purely based on birth has no basis other than in human ego

But within a grouping there are cultural norms that can clash. For that reason it is better to marry within similar culture which may be found within same caste but there are no assurances . But character is more important than cultural and hence caste background.

The movie culture has created attractive members of other castes. TB boys in orthodox families tend to grow spineless. Women including TB women don’t find that attractive. TB fellows rarely tend to breakout of this mold being forced to life of celebacy.

TB household tend to be most confused compared to other groups. There are many reasons. It is a different topic area.

TB homes if Rajasic flee Tamil Nadu. Or they are Tamasic pontifying on topics of Vedanta without trying to properly learn. All these are weaknesses. Hence the community is steeped in Superstitions. Nature ensures such communities perish.

It is all God’s will. The trend cannot be stopped. But dharma will survive one way or the other.

If the trend has to be stopped then begin to live like a Brahmin as defined in Gita.

I hesitate to use the word spiritual because it is the most distorted word in this forum and is synonymous with ignorance. Rather I would say find time to study Gita and Upanishad with Shraddha. Enquire and don’t be a follower of superstitions. Be accepting of all. Then like minded people will want association in weddings. That will be a turning point for TB communities

Very Well Pointed out the root cause.

 

[vrajagopalan57]

22oct2025
அன்புக்குரிய நண்பர்களே,
हरिः ओम्। नमस्सर्वेभ्यः।
I totally endorse Shri.Prasad’s & a few others’ matured observations, remarks and discrete positive expressions here in this group on this and varied subjects, and for normalising the issues optimally. Congratulations to them. Keep it up but please do have 24x7 active அகத்துக் கண்கள் on diverse posts here, with different motives, and be vigilant in safeguarding the purpose of this group.
क्षम्यताम्।
Persons who talk about intercaste marriages amongst Brahmins, more so (said in above messages) amongst Tamil Brahmin girls can they say what percentage of total population In TN, Tamil Brahmins constitute and how xyz can conclude that Tamil Brahmin boys are spineless, etc!!! What xyz mean by spine/guts? Ridiculous. I keep silent for many condemnable remarks in this forum and that does not mean anything can be said about Brahmin is accepted by majority members. Being a member of this group tilted Tamil Brahmin, let us respect brahmins and find solutions to cultivate true Brahminism in those who have-had distracted from the stipulated path. Not to use statistics and try to insult and alienate true followers. Who are they, who try to malign the Brahmin? Are they different? Since the forum is titled Tamil Brahmins, possibly Brahmins from non Tamil states try to edge over and project differently. Atleast, I never discriminated Brahmins from any states in any of my posts. Alas! the Brahmins are already very few in India and exponentially decreasing clan in India. Already invaders and a few selfish politicians meticulously divided us and such Brahmin dividers are further encouraged by such in-house Brahmins on the basis of sects, subsects, regions, states and languages. Such narrow minded, non progressive approach by a few here, actually fuel the anti samatanis. Question first are you a Brahmin, as stated in Vedic scriptures? If have an updated knowledge on history, please note that all these southern states were under single name “Madras Presidency” and even now in 2025, all South Indians are addressed in most part of northern India as “Madrasi” only. Thank god, by addressing Madrasi, they are trying to unite all South Indians as one but we are determined to divide ourselves based on geographical boundaries, languages and ultimately as spinned and spineless brahmins. I totally condemn such brahmins who are NOT Brahmins by thoughts or actions because they wish to divide Brahmins further. Enough of postings on analysing the darker spots in Brahmins and Brahmin culture. Let’s post, talk or discuss in this forum any thing that can stimulate our unity, integrity and have a progressive thinking to rejuvenate and accelerate the sanatana dharma culture. Dharma sastra says, if one does not do adharma then that itself is dharma.
Janmanā jāyate śūdra saṃskārāt dvija ucyate — by birth everyone is a sudra - it is through the sacraments of initiation and so forth that one attains “twice-born” status.
If we can understand ourselves from above preachings of our scriptures (what varna actually we are by action and thoughts), we are truly contributing to our Brahmana dharma, which is aimed at sanatanam. Be a human first, varna follows and, therefore, not essential to be recognised as Brahmins by any. Becsuse, one’s actions will/should speak that x is a Brahmin, else… One should be aware that the expression freedom too is fenced for the sustenance of healthy and progressive democracy. Jai Shri Ram.
மிக்க நன்றி, வணக்கம், வாழ்க வளமுடன்.
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः। शुभं भुयात्। V.Rajagopalan Iyengar (Retd. R&D Nuclear Scientist and a Sanskrit, Veda-vedanga & Sanatana dharma practicing teacher and preacher, having Tamil as mother tongue )

 

[prasad1]

I'm a long timer lurker and never posted here.I'm from a karnataka brahmin family and I've few of TB friends. One thing I've observed is Intercaste marriages among TB is very high compared to other brahmins.For example in karnataka there are 4 major brahmin communities.I've seen personally that we can put maximum percentage of intercaste marriages are between 10 to 15%.

Girls do marry out more often than men , but still their percentage is quite low(Women perhaps marry out 15% , Men perhaps marry out 10%). In my family or extended family there isn't a single intercaste marriage.But I do know few women and men in my community who had inter caste marriages.In fact compared to 2000s and 2010s , percentage of intercaste marriages is becoming stable or lower.I've attended at least 40 marriages in 2024.Out of them 39 were from within a caste.Other one is married to lingayat community who are fellow vegetarians and have similar culture.

But things are starkly different among TB friends , where too many men and women married out. In fact among TB friends there are very few children born of both TB houses.In US I've seen too many TB women married whites, blacks, chinese , hell lot of them are atheists/agnostics or nonreligious.I was really surprised how many of them are ultra progressive and woke left.

Whenever family functions happen in my family , we are glad to meet people , who speak the same language , have the similar customs, similar thinking .But I've seen among TBs too many different types of people meet in their family functions and uniqueness is pretty much lost.

I've seen similar tendencies among Telugu Brahmins, where inter caste marriages are pretty less.When I visited north indian states ,I've observed that brahmin intercaste marriages are still within 10 to 15% threshold.

My question is why only the TB community is affected so badly ? Why not other brahmins? Basically brainwashing by dravidian parties has an effect in destroying the TB community?

I feel that in the future , when dravidianism dies , one has to import brahmins from north india just like it has been done multiple times before.

Your statistics are selective and wrong.

Inter-caste marriage rates vary significantly by state in India, with some states like Goa, Sikkim, and Kerala showing high percentages, while others like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh have very low rates. States with higher inter-caste marriage rates include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, and Tripura. States that may show higher rates due to Dalit empowerment include Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
States with higher rates
Goa: 20.69%
Sikkim: 20.00%
Punjab: 19.90%
Kerala: 19.65%
Haryana: 18.50%
Manipur: 18.33%
Tripura: 17.81%
Maharashtra: 17.79%
Karnataka: 16.41%
States with lower rates
Meghalaya: 2.04%
Tamil Nadu: 2.96%
Rajasthan: 3.03%
Chhattisgarh: 3.40%
Madhya Pradesh: 4.39%
Bihar: 6.14%
Nagaland: 6.67%
Jammu and Kashmir: 4.82%

 

[prasad1]

Intercaste marriage varies significantly across different states and castes in India. While some regions are more accepting, others maintain traditional views that discourage such unions.

Regional Acceptance

• North India: States like Punjab and Haryana have seen a rise in intercaste marriages, though caste-based discrimination persists.
• South India: States such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu are generally more progressive, with higher acceptance rates.
• West India: Maharashtra shows a mix of acceptance, particularly in urban areas, while rural regions may resist.
• East India: In states like West Bengal, intercaste marriages are becoming more common, but traditional views still hold sway in many communities.

Caste Dynamics

• General Trends: Higher castes (like Brahmins) often face more resistance to intercaste marriages compared to lower castes.
• Specific Castes: Certain communities, such as Jats in Haryana or Rajputs in Rajasthan, may have stricter norms against intercaste unions.

Legal Framework

• The Special Marriage Act of 1954 allows intercaste marriages without religious barriers, promoting legal recognition and protection.

Social Implications

• Families may face social ostracism or violence, particularly in conservative areas, highlighting the ongoing challenges of caste-based discrimination.

Various internet sites.

 

[கால பைரவன்]

Your statistics are selective and wrong.

Inter-caste marriage rates vary significantly by state in India, with some states like Goa, Sikkim, and Kerala showing high percentages, while others like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh have very low rates. States with higher inter-caste marriage rates include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, and Tripura. States that may show higher rates due to Dalit empowerment include Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
States with higher rates
Goa: 20.69%
Sikkim: 20.00%
Punjab: 19.90%
Kerala: 19.65%
Haryana: 18.50%
Manipur: 18.33%
Tripura: 17.81%
Maharashtra: 17.79%
Karnataka: 16.41%
States with lower rates
Meghalaya: 2.04%
Tamil Nadu: 2.96%
Rajasthan: 3.03%
Chhattisgarh: 3.40%
Madhya Pradesh: 4.39%
Bihar: 6.14%
Nagaland: 6.67%
Jammu and Kashmir: 4.82%

Looks like there are limitations to the accuracy of AI generated summaries.

For example, the summary verbally says TN has higher rate of inter-caste marriages but the number says it is less than 3% , one of the lowest in the country.

That low number for TN is not surprising at all. The dominant politics in TN is dravidian politics and it is anti-brahmin and never anti-caste. The summary also talks about dalit empowerment but that is also more false than true. I think caste affinity may be the highest among TN dravidians including other religionists as well. Dravidian christians for example maintain even separate graves based on caste. That is why I would say dravidians who lecture brahmins on caste are the biggest hypocrites.