Vaagmi
0
Mr. Vaagmi this assertion that the terms Brahmin and Shudra can be used in a benign way is belied by the very title of this thread and the message Mr. LS is trying to convey in this tread. Why must a Shudra try to become a Brahmin unless the state of Brahminhood is superior to that of Shudrahood? It is all the more insulting to say that even a Shudra can be virtuous and if so he will be considered Brahmin. Take a look at the following passage reeking with "totemic upper and lower tags".
From OP:The python asked, “But this goes against the principle of four varnas/ castes. For even a Shudra may have all these virtues. Virtues cannot be the monopoly of any caste.” Yudhisthira replied in unambiguous language, “Indeed ,if a Shudra is characterised by all these virtues, he is to be defined as a Brahmin. And if a Brahmin lacks them then he is to be regarded as a Shudra.”
IMO, the whole story of Nahusha is a case of establishing Brahmnical superiority over Kshatriya, to tell Kshatriyas to watch out how they treat Brahmins.
Cheers!
Dear Mr. Nara,
Keeping aside emotions and judgmental position taking and posturing, do you sincerely believe that there is nothing which differentiates brahminhood, kshatriyahood, vyshyahood and shudrahood from each other? If your answer is just yes, I have nothing to argue with you.
If you accept that these are groups with distinct characteristics, value systems, cultures and practices then we can discuss this further. Before that let me make this clear. I have no superior-inferior, desirable-undesirable, upper-lower totemic positions assigned to these Brahminhood, kshatriyahood etc…. To me there are many desirable and undesirable things in all these groups.
My point is that we are turning sensitive to such an extent that we would like to remove the word shudra from the language. I do not understand the reason for such extreme intolerance. Can we not speak about yadava and kurmi without in any way trivializing the people?
I do not believe that the story of Nahusha had any diabolical conspiracy behind it. To me it is just a story told at a time and a context when some of the qualities of the group called Brahmins were thought to be more desirable than those of the group called shudras which led to the position that shudras may like to become Brahmins. So let us discuss this story free from emotions and take a cool look at it. This is my request. My mother used to say நெருப்புன்னலே சுட்டுடாது. If you are particular you may use the term Devas or angels to represent shudras. I have no objection. I will still deal with your posts. Thanks.