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The Hindu class system explained

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aramakrishnan1

Active member
[h=2]1. Definition of the four classes (Chāturvarnya)[/h] Trigunas: At a spiritual level, the universe or all creation is made up of three unseen subtle basic components. These are known as the three subtle basic components (trigunas) namely Sattva, Raja and Tama. In the word ‘triguna’, ‘tri’ stands for three, while ‘guna’ stands for subtle components.


The social system created to assist everyone in society to behave based on their natural temperament, i.e. their constitution, which is composed of the three subtle components (trigunas) and their spiritual evolution is the system of the four classes. In other words, this system of four classes incorporated in Righteousness (Dharma) is meant to provide guidance on behaviour and spiritual practice (sādhana) according to one’s potential and requirement, to enable one to experience Bliss.

[h=3]1.1. Motive (principle) and importance[/h] Smrutis: The word ‘Smruti’ is used with two meanings. In a broad sense, it refers to all the ancient religious texts that profess Sanatan philosophy, excluding the Vēdic literature of the post-Vēdic period. These holy texts include Panini’s Vyaakaran, the Shrautsutras, Gruhyasutras and Dharmasutras, the Mahābhārat, and the holy texts by sages like Manu and Yadnyavalkya. More narrowly, the Smrutis refer to ‘religious (Sanatan) scriptures’.
All the Smrutis are in the form of verses (shlokas) and all their topics are arranged systematically.
A. The creation of the classes, described by authors of the Smrutis is based on division of labour. This was meant to strike a balance between various societal groups without leading to any rifts between them. In that system of classes rather than the rights and privileges of the different classes, emphasis was laid on the performance of duties.
B. In a family, children generally resemble their parents with regard to the complexion, temperament, intelligence, etc., due to genetics. Based on this, authors of the Smrutis, such as the Sage Manu laid down the rules for constituting the societal pattern. Manu came across different people with qualities required for various tasks in a particular social setup and believed the qualities to be inherited. He then allotted the responsibility of various tasks beneficial to society to each group based on those qualities.
C. Srī Krushna has said (SrīmadBhagvadgitā 4:13), ‘चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्ट्यं गुणकर्मविभागश:।’. This means, ‘I have created the four classes (varna) according to components (guna) and actions (karma)’.

D. Srī Eknaathi Bhaagvat (20.314, 21.209-210) emphasises this point: ‘Each individual is born in a particular class, depending on his potential to practise Spirituality or according to his need for that particular type of spiritual practice. The God’s motive behind establishing this system of four classes was for man to re-enter the Hansa class (the purest class from the purest times, that is, the period preceding even the pure Era of Truth or Satyayug) after he had fulfilled the obligations of all the four classes. This means that the restrictions of the four classes imposed by The God are in fact meant to overcome or transcend the four classes.’
[h=2]2. Actual spiritual practice according to class[/h]
We are born on earth with the sole purpose of undergoing the destiny created by our deeds from previous births and to realise God. Regardless of the destiny we are born with, the class system helps us in accomplishing the goal of God realisation.

A. Spiritual practice means offering whatever one has, unto God. A Shudra (labourer) should offer his body, as he does not have anything else to offer by the way of service. A Vaishya (businessman) should offer his body and wealth, a Kshatriya (warrior) his body, wealth and life and a Brahman (priest) his body, wealth, life as well as intellect for the Absolute Truth (God alone is the Absolute Truth).

B. In the present times of Kaliyug, every person, to whichever class he may belong, becomes a Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra for some time of the day, everyday, as given in the table below.​
[TABLE="class: tablestyle"]
[TR]
[TH] Class
(varna)
[/TH]
[TH="colspan: 5"]
Duration of class during the day (%)​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH]
[/TH]
[TH]
Brahman
[/TH]
[TH]
Kshatriya
[/TH]
[TH]
Vaishya
[/TH]
[TH]
Shudra
[/TH]
[TH]
Total​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Brahman
[/TH]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
30​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
10​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Kshatriya
[/TH]
[TD]
30​
[/TD]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
10​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Vaishya
[/TH]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Shudra
[/TH]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
For some time of the day, every individual is a Brahman when he studies, a Kshatriya when he fights according to the situation, a Vaishya when he earns a livelihood and a Shudra when he does some physical work like cleaning his body during a bath. Hence, every one needs to undertake the spiritual practice of all the four classes for some time each day.

C. The origin of the system of the four classes dates back thousands of years. From then till the present period, nearly 70% of the population has been born of interclass marriages. For this reason too, every one needs to undertake the spiritual practice of all the four classes for at least some time.

D. An individual is born in the class which is conducive to his spiritual progress. Hence, if a Shudra is rich as a result of his merits from previous births, his thinking that, ‘I will practice Spirituality by offering my wealth like a Vaishya,’ is wrong. He must certainly offer his wealth, but according to his class he should also render physical service unto God. As a result of performing the service of both classes, instead of being born in his next birth as a Vaishya, he may directly be born in a Kshatriya or Brahman class.

E. If one undertakes the spiritual practice of one’s class appropriately and completely, then in the next birth, one is born in a higher class. E.g. if in this birth the spiritual practice of a Shudra is completed, then in the next birth he may be born as a Vaishya. Later, being born progressively as a Kshatriya and a Brahman, he may ultimately attain the Final Liberation.

It is not possible to undertake spiritual practice for the sake of society (samashti sādhana) without doing individual spiritual practice (vyashti sādhana); hence, to make rapid spiritual progress a seeker should do both. Mainly Brahmans and Kshatriyas can undertake spiritual practice for the sake of society. In case of a Brahman it involves teaching Spirituality to others while for a Kshatriya it is sacrificing even one’s life for the protection of society, should the need arise.​
[h=3]2.1 Animals and the four classes[/h] The system of four classes is observed not only in man, but also among flora and fauna. Among animals, the cow and the serpent, who are sāttvik (spiritual purity predominant), belong to the Brahman class while the tiger and lion, who are rājasik (action-passion predominant) in nature, belong to the Kshatriya class. This means that ‘class’ is a state, which is determined by the three components (gunas).
[h=2]3. The determination of class[/h] [h=3]3.1 Difficulties in the determination of class[/h] One has to be beyond the three components (gunatit) to recognise the qualities (gunas) and actions (karma) of another. Only Saints can do this, but They do not answer such queries and only recommend the appropriate spiritual practice.
[h=3]3.2 Creation according to the doctrine of evolution[/h]
A. The Shudra: According to the doctrine of evolution, the protection of one’s body is the basic impression in any living being. All are Shudras at birth, because they are born with the impression that ‘I am the body (जन्मात् जायते शूद्र:।).’ It is said that ‘Shudras have no right to study the Vēds,’ because Shudras (those who are concerned about their bodies) cannot think beyond their bodies and to understand the Vēdas, one has to be able to focus on its subtle or spiritual aspects by going beyond the body.

B. The Vaishya: With further evolution, one begins to be concerned with nurturing his family and thus commences some occupation for livelihood, such as agriculture, business, etc.

C. The Kshatriya: With yet further evolution, one begins to develop an affinity for a territory. This leads to the creation of the Kshatriya class. Now the affinity is for the country and not for one’s body, hence patriots sacrifice even their lives for their country.

D. The Brahman: In the final stage of evolution, one becomes curious about The Lord and spiritual knowledge. This leads to the origin of the Brahman class.​
[h=3]3.3 Qualities are more important than the birth[/h] यस्‍य यल्‍लक्षणं प्रोक्‍तं पुंसो वर्णाभिव्‍यंजकम्‌ ।
यदन्‍यत्रापि दृश्‍येत तत्तेनैव विनिर्दिशेत्‌ ।। - श्रीमद्‌भागवत ७.२१.३५

Meaning: An individual should be classified in a particular class (varna) irrespective of his birth if he possesses the decisive characteristic of that class. One’s class should be decided considering the holistic picture of the qualities of the class of the person and those of the other classes. - Srīmadbhagvat 7.21.35

The Hindu Holy epic, the Mahābhārat says that an individual’s class should be determined by birth, but in accordance with his qualities and only if he possesses those qualities should he be considered to belong to that particular class.

The Hindu class system explained
 
1. Definition of the four classes (Chāturvarnya)

Trigunas: At a spiritual level, the universe or all creation is made up of three unseen subtle basic components. These are known as the three subtle basic components (trigunas) namely Sattva, Raja and Tama. In the word ‘triguna’, ‘tri’ stands for three, while ‘guna’ stands for subtle components.


The social system created to assist everyone in society to behave based on their natural temperament, i.e. their constitution, which is composed of the three subtle components (trigunas) and their spiritual evolution is the system of the four classes. In other words, this system of four classes incorporated in Righteousness (Dharma) is meant to provide guidance on behaviour and spiritual practice (sādhana) according to one’s potential and requirement, to enable one to experience Bliss.

1.1. Motive (principle) and importance

Smrutis: The word ‘Smruti’ is used with two meanings. In a broad sense, it refers to all the ancient religious texts that profess Sanatan philosophy, excluding the Vēdic literature of the post-Vēdic period. These holy texts include Panini’s Vyaakaran, the Shrautsutras, Gruhyasutras and Dharmasutras, the Mahābhārat, and the holy texts by sages like Manu and Yadnyavalkya. More narrowly, the Smrutis refer to ‘religious (Sanatan) scriptures’.
All the Smrutis are in the form of verses (shlokas) and all their topics are arranged systematically.
A. The creation of the classes, described by authors of the Smrutis is based on division of labour. This was meant to strike a balance between various societal groups without leading to any rifts between them. In that system of classes rather than the rights and privileges of the different classes, emphasis was laid on the performance of duties.
B. In a family, children generally resemble their parents with regard to the complexion, temperament, intelligence, etc., due to genetics. Based on this, authors of the Smrutis, such as the Sage Manu laid down the rules for constituting the societal pattern. Manu came across different people with qualities required for various tasks in a particular social setup and believed the qualities to be inherited. He then allotted the responsibility of various tasks beneficial to society to each group based on those qualities.
C. Srī Krushna has said (SrīmadBhagvadgitā 4:13), ‘चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्ट्यं गुणकर्मविभागश:।’. This means, ‘I have created the four classes (varna) according to components (guna) and actions (karma)’.

D. Srī Eknaathi Bhaagvat (20.314, 21.209-210) emphasises this point: ‘Each individual is born in a particular class, depending on his potential to practise Spirituality or according to his need for that particular type of spiritual practice. The God’s motive behind establishing this system of four classes was for man to re-enter the Hansa class (the purest class from the purest times, that is, the period preceding even the pure Era of Truth or Satyayug) after he had fulfilled the obligations of all the four classes. This means that the restrictions of the four classes imposed by The God are in fact meant to overcome or transcend the four classes.’
2. Actual spiritual practice according to class

We are born on earth with the sole purpose of undergoing the destiny created by our deeds from previous births and to realise God. Regardless of the destiny we are born with, the class system helps us in accomplishing the goal of God realisation.

A. Spiritual practice means offering whatever one has, unto God. A Shudra (labourer) should offer his body, as he does not have anything else to offer by the way of service. A Vaishya (businessman) should offer his body and wealth, a Kshatriya (warrior) his body, wealth and life and a Brahman (priest) his body, wealth, life as well as intellect for the Absolute Truth (God alone is the Absolute Truth).

B. In the present times of Kaliyug, every person, to whichever class he may belong, becomes a Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra for some time of the day, everyday, as given in the table below.​
[TABLE="class: tablestyle"]
[TR]
[TH] Class
(varna)[/TH]
[TH="colspan: 5"]
Duration of class during the day (%)​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH][/TH]
[TH]
Brahman
[/TH]
[TH]
Kshatriya
[/TH]
[TH]
Vaishya
[/TH]
[TH]
Shudra
[/TH]
[TH]
Total​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Brahman[/TH]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
30​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
10​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Kshatriya[/TH]
[TD]
30​
[/TD]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
10​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Vaishya[/TH]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Shudra[/TH]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
For some time of the day, every individual is a Brahman when he studies, a Kshatriya when he fights according to the situation, a Vaishya when he earns a livelihood and a Shudra when he does some physical work like cleaning his body during a bath. Hence, every one needs to undertake the spiritual practice of all the four classes for some time each day.

C. The origin of the system of the four classes dates back thousands of years. From then till the present period, nearly 70% of the population has been born of interclass marriages. For this reason too, every one needs to undertake the spiritual practice of all the four classes for at least some time.

D. An individual is born in the class which is conducive to his spiritual progress. Hence, if a Shudra is rich as a result of his merits from previous births, his thinking that, ‘I will practice Spirituality by offering my wealth like a Vaishya,’ is wrong. He must certainly offer his wealth, but according to his class he should also render physical service unto God. As a result of performing the service of both classes, instead of being born in his next birth as a Vaishya, he may directly be born in a Kshatriya or Brahman class.

E. If one undertakes the spiritual practice of one’s class appropriately and completely, then in the next birth, one is born in a higher class. E.g. if in this birth the spiritual practice of a Shudra is completed, then in the next birth he may be born as a Vaishya. Later, being born progressively as a Kshatriya and a Brahman, he may ultimately attain the Final Liberation.

It is not possible to undertake spiritual practice for the sake of society (samashti sādhana) without doing individual spiritual practice (vyashti sādhana); hence, to make rapid spiritual progress a seeker should do both. Mainly Brahmans and Kshatriyas can undertake spiritual practice for the sake of society. In case of a Brahman it involves teaching Spirituality to others while for a Kshatriya it is sacrificing even one’s life for the protection of society, should the need arise.​
2.1 Animals and the four classes

The system of four classes is observed not only in man, but also among flora and fauna. Among animals, the cow and the serpent, who are sāttvik (spiritual purity predominant), belong to the Brahman class while the tiger and lion, who are rājasik (action-passion predominant) in nature, belong to the Kshatriya class. This means that ‘class’ is a state, which is determined by the three components (gunas).
3. The determination of class

3.1 Difficulties in the determination of class

One has to be beyond the three components (gunatit) to recognise the qualities (gunas) and actions (karma) of another. Only Saints can do this, but They do not answer such queries and only recommend the appropriate spiritual practice.
3.2 Creation according to the doctrine of evolution

A. The Shudra: According to the doctrine of evolution, the protection of one’s body is the basic impression in any living being. All are Shudras at birth, because they are born with the impression that ‘I am the body (जन्मात् जायते शूद्र:।).’ It is said that ‘Shudras have no right to study the Vēds,’ because Shudras (those who are concerned about their bodies) cannot think beyond their bodies and to understand the Vēdas, one has to be able to focus on its subtle or spiritual aspects by going beyond the body.

B. The Vaishya: With further evolution, one begins to be concerned with nurturing his family and thus commences some occupation for livelihood, such as agriculture, business, etc.

C. The Kshatriya: With yet further evolution, one begins to develop an affinity for a territory. This leads to the creation of the Kshatriya class. Now the affinity is for the country and not for one’s body, hence patriots sacrifice even their lives for their country.

D. The Brahman: In the final stage of evolution, one becomes curious about The Lord and spiritual knowledge. This leads to the origin of the Brahman class.​
3.3 Qualities are more important than the birth

यस्‍य यल्‍लक्षणं प्रोक्‍तं पुंसो वर्णाभिव्‍यंजकम्‌ ।
यदन्‍यत्रापि दृश्‍येत तत्तेनैव विनिर्दिशेत्‌ ।। - श्रीमद्‌भागवत ७.२१.३५

Meaning: An individual should be classified in a particular class (varna) irrespective of his birth if he possesses the decisive characteristic of that class. One’s class should be decided considering the holistic picture of the qualities of the class of the person and those of the other classes. - Srīmadbhagvat 7.21.35

The Hindu Holy epic, the Mahābhārat says that an individual’s class should be determined by birth, but in accordance with his qualities and only if he possesses those qualities should he be considered to belong to that particular class.

The Hindu class system explained

I got a few questions here....this system should be Universal I guess but how does the following fit into this classification:

1)Non Indians
2)Hindus of a mixed caste parentage eg NB and B or B and NB
3)Non Hindus


Next doubt is since its mentions that one should practise what is in accordance with his birth caste what if a person is not from the 1st Varna but is born with the desire to know about religion and curious to know about God and spirituality does he/she have to suppress that thought?

Ok next question about Sudras being attached to bodily attachment ..I feel most humans are affected by this affliction and we can see almost all 4 Varnas indulging in worldly attachment..so how do we explain that?
I have noticed almost every caste drinking alcohol and the type of alcohol differs only with financial status..but net effect is the same..alcohol is an addictive intoxicant and its Rajasic.

Ok what if an individual does not give a thought to be classified into any class and just leads a life of a good human being following only Trikarana Suddhi that is Purity in Thought, Word and Deed would that be a problem?
 
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Ok what if an individual does not give a thought to be classified into any class and just leads a life of a good human being following only Trikarana Suddhi that is Purity in Thought, Word and Deed would that be a problem?

Brilliant question.

Srī Krushna has said (SrīmadBhagvadgitā 4:13), ‘चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्ट्यं गुणकर्मविभागश:।’. This means, ‘I have created the four classes (varna) according to components (guna) and actions (karma)’.

I am willing to live by this definition. The birth based division is an aberration and should be shunned and scrapped.

So you can follow your life, depending on the ratio of the three gunas. It applies universally.
 
Last edited:
A Doctor's Son has the advantage of becoming Doctor, but it is not without his own efforts to become one. The person who is born in a family where the living style, food etc. is more sattvic has the advantage of growing more with Satva guna and facilitated to learn more knowledge leading to Brahman.
A person who is born in a family totally ignorant of self-knowledge (or Brahman) does not enjoy this advantage. But everyone has the opportunity to attain oneness with Brahman in the way he progress towards it.
I felt it an achievement to climb by foot, the Tirumala shrine. But there are very simple people who does not know much about the concepts of Atman or Brahman, but they do it easily climbing the steps and they apply Turmeric and vermillion marks at every footstep while climbing. Here comes the difference between using your knowledge and using your physical ability to attain Brahman. The Lord is so kind to both of these Bhaktas who try to attain him by Knowledge or other simple ways.
Those who have the advantage of getting birth in Satvic families, but deviate from it and go the Tamas or Rajas way are choosing to go away from Brahman and they will get into more birth cycles than the others.
 
A Doctor's Son has the advantage of becoming Doctor, but it is not without his own efforts to become one. The person who is born in a family where the living style, food etc. is more sattvic has the advantage of growing more with Satva guna and facilitated to learn more knowledge leading to Brahman.
A person who is born in a family totally ignorant of self-knowledge (or Brahman) does not enjoy this advantage. But everyone has the opportunity to attain oneness with Brahman in the way he progress towards it.
I felt it an achievement to climb by foot, the Tirumala shrine. But there are very simple people who does not know much about the concepts of Atman or Brahman, but they do it easily climbing the steps and they apply Turmeric and vermillion marks at every footstep while climbing. Here comes the difference between using your knowledge and using your physical ability to attain Brahman. The Lord is so kind to both of these Bhaktas who try to attain him by Knowledge or other simple ways.
Those who have the advantage of getting birth in Satvic families, but deviate from it and go the Tamas or Rajas way are choosing to go away from Brahman and they will get into more birth cycles than the others.

Sir I do not know as to What your life experiences have been. I take it as an affront when you deny equal opportunity to every individual purely based on birth. I agree that environment determines the direction for ones growth.
We all have the three gunas in all of us humans in varying proportions. No one is devoid of any of the three Gunas. Our aim is to go beyond gunas.
 
Last edited:
I got a few questions here....this system should be Universal I guess but how does the following fit into this classification:

1)Non Indians
2)Hindus of a mixed caste parentage eg NB and B or B and NB
3)Non Hindus


Next doubt is since its mentions that one should practise what is in accordance with his birth caste what if a person is not from the 1st Varna but is born with the desire to know about religion and curious to know about God and spirituality does he/she have to suppress that thought?

Ok next question about Sudras being attached to bodily attachment ..I feel most humans are affected by this affliction and we can see almost all 4 Varnas indulging in worldly attachment..so how do we explain that?
I have noticed almost every caste drinking alcohol and the type of alcohol differs only with financial status..but net effect is the same..alcohol is an addictive intoxicant and its Rajasic.

Ok what if an individual does not give a thought to be classified into any class and just leads a life of a good human being following only Trikarana Suddhi that is Purity in Thought, Word and Deed would that be a problem?

Well said, Renuka. I think everybody is of mixed caste. Nobody can assert the caste of his/her 2^14 ancestors over the last 14 generations. We all know of "high class" people (men) frequenting the female dancers, the devadasis, the concubines of "lower class". Even MS Subbalakshmi is a product of such a union. Don't know how she should be classified.

Besides I find the claim that a Brahmin becomes a Shudra when he is taking a bath (or presumably performing other bodily functions) quite laughable.
 
Why this classification in the modern day. The prescribed functions have changed, we are what our profession requires us to be. There are totally new type of professions, that were not available in the vedic times. Let us not get into this perpetual fight of caste at least in this site.

Let us follow the our constitution, and in the spirit of brotherhood among all human beings, stop bringing up unpleasant divisiveness among us.
 
Dear aramakrishnan1, I must congratulate you for being so forthright in presenting a somewhat accurate picture of the Hindu system of varna classification. Most people will try to equivocate due to the controvertial nature of the claims. Your presentaion is more or less in conformity with the views published as authentic in kamakoti.org, the online presence of Kanchi Shankara Matam, and from personal experience I know it is more or less consistent with the views of Sri Vaishnavas, both Thenkalai and Vadakali.

Let me point out some of the deviations from the main stream view.

B. In the present times of Kaliyug, every person, to whichever class he may belong, becomes a Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra for some time of the day, everyday, as given in the table below.
[TABLE="class: tablestyle"]
[TR]
[TH] Class
(varna)[/TH]
[TH="colspan: 5"]
Duration of class during the day (%)
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH][/TH]
[TH]
Brahman
[/TH]
[TH]
Kshatriya
[/TH]
[TH]
Vaishya
[/TH]
[TH]
Shudra
[/TH]
[TH]
Total​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Brahman[/TH]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
30​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
10​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Kshatriya[/TH]
[TD]
30​
[/TD]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
10​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Vaishya[/TH]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH] Shudra[/TH]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
20​
[/TD]
[TD]
40​
[/TD]
[TD]
100​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

For some time of the day, every individual is a Brahman when he studies, a Kshatriya when he fights according to the situation, a Vaishya when he earns a livelihood and a Shudra when he does some physical work like cleaning his body during a bath. Hence, every one needs to undertake the spiritual practice of all the four classes for some time each day.
Please correct me if I am wrong by providing proper citation, I don't think there is any textual support for this % allocation.

BTW, an interesting corollary of this % allocation and the claim highlighted above is, Shudras must be the cleanliest of them all as they spend 40% of the time in such activities, and the Brahmins and Kshatriyas must be the dirtiest as the claim is they spend only 10% of their time doing this.

C. The origin of the system of the four classes dates back thousands of years. From then till the present period, nearly 70% of the population has been born of interclass marriages.
This claim is neither here nor there. It is not consistent with the mainstream thinking, which asserts each Brahmin can trace his/her lineage all the way back to a sage of the Vedic times. It is inconsistent with reality as we are all 100% mixed, we all are mongrels.


2.1 Animals and the four classes
Once again, correct me if I am wrong by providing proper citations, but I don't think this kind of varna classification for animals has any textual support or support in practice.

This claim has a funny, or absurd, side, IMO -- while the humans are classified into 4 varnas, when it comes to animals, whole species are classified into one of the four varnas!! If all cows and snakes are Brahmins, who among their ranks is going to do all the physical labor? Also, what about the innumerable sub species, no difference there?

Needless to stay, I reject all this reactionary gobbledygook, these are so patently contrary to basic human dignity, and basic rights of all human-beings for no other reason than being a human.

Cheers!
 
I got a few questions here....this system should be Universal I guess but how does the following fit into this classification:

1)Non Indians
2)Hindus of a mixed caste parentage eg NB and B or B and NB
3)Non Hindus

Your question about non Indians and non Hindus reminded me of a 5th caste in the modern age: NRI :)
 
Dear Biswa,

Dont you think all of us are Catur Varna in action on daily basis in forum itself..

See when we all debate in a religious thread..then we are Brahmana

when things get out of hand and fights start..then we are Kshatriya

then when some of us advertise here..then we are Vaisya

then when we indulge is "sensual" pleasure threads..we are Sudra
 
Well said but true Brahmanas are never supposed to partake in "sensual activities"? If so, then that person becomes God, rather than remain a human. Similarly if a true Brahmana does not touch money, presumably he/she does not have to eat or live in a house. Because eating and sleeping themselves are "sensual activities" - as they involve the senses.

Are we all supposed to achieve nirvana in this life itself?
 
Are we all supposed to achieve nirvana in this life itself?

Nope..it can be many lives to come..I read a story once of 2 religious people who asked a Jnaani when they would attain Nirvana/Moksha..

The Jnaani told them both that to take a look at a tree and told them the tree is full of leaves and they have the same number of births as the number of leaves on the tree.

The 1st person was so disappointed and was feeling frustrated that he wont attain Moksha in this life itself.

The 2nd person was beaming with joy and was very very happy and jumping around saying "I am so happy that one day I will finally reach Moksha"
 
Since animals are being classified into castes, I am very interested in knowing the caste of an ​amoeba.


Dear Biswa,

An amoeba has no bodily attachment hence it readily divides itself without any feeling of regret.
Totally selfless and self sacrificing..hence beyond Gunas and Varna.
 
This member Shri aramakrishnan1 seems to me to be very good at copying and pasting whatever attracts his attention, from the web. In the present case it is copied from the website of Forum of Hindu Awakening located in NJ. Since this outfit is in US, may be some of our members can find out, in due course, its credentials and the type of people behind it. They sure seem to be extra-ordinary Hindus!
 
This member Shri aramakrishnan1 seems to me to be very good at copying and pasting whatever attracts his attention, from the web. In the present case it is copied from the website of Forum of Hindu Awakening located in NJ. Since this outfit is in US, may be some of our members can find out, in due course, its credentials and the type of people behind it. They sure seem to be extra-ordinary Hindus!

Dear Sarmaji,

Please see the bottom line of my post. I have pasted the link to original article from where I posted it here. It is not written by me but brought here.
I request you to look at what is written and analyse rather than attributing your own motives to the authors of the article and the forum.
EpporuL yaar yaar vaai ketpinum apporuL meipporuL kaaNbadhaRivu - I clarify that this one is not written by me too.
 
That sarcastic "extra-ordinary Hindus !", I infer you wanted to call them Hindutvavaadis or "communal elements" or something beyond my imagination.
Those propagating Christianity / other religions are treated as "Secular ones" and those who talk of Hinduism are called "Communal". What a strange country we have become ?
 
If you cut and paste, it is customary to give the reference. It is ethical and also legal from the site owner's perspective.

The so called Hindutva practiced by RSS & BJP is political and not religious. So let us not get all hung up on terminology.

It is also advisable to post short gist and give reference to the main article, so people can go and read the article in its original form.

Also this site is open to all, so people from different religion, states, countries participate, so please keep that in mind.
 
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Dear Biswa,

An amoeba has no bodily attachment hence it readily divides itself without any feeling of regret.
Totally selfless and self sacrificing..hence beyond Gunas and Varna.

Hmm, maybe if an amoeba is nirguna, maybe it is close to nirvana as well? Maybe the Jataka hierarchy is all reversed, meaning the amoeba is the real Buddha! :)
 
....Please see the bottom line of my post. I have pasted the link to original article from where I posted it here.
Dear aramakrishnan1, yes, I did notice you had given a link to the site. But that is not enough. I wonder how many would have visited the site if you had not also cut and pasted the entire article, if even one person did not go, that is one less traffic count for that site.

I think the ethical thing to do (sorry for bringing ethics into this, but it is relevant) is to provide the link, and perhaps a small excerpt so that people who find the excerpt interesting can go to the site for more. IMO, giving a link at the end does not mitigate the error of cutting and pasting the entire article.

May be this is an issue that needs a ruling from the moderators, that will be beneficial to all of us.

Cheers!
 
Dear aramakrishnan1, yes, I did notice you had given a link to the site. But that is not enough. I wonder how many would have visited the site if you had not also cut and pasted the entire article, if even one person did not go, that is one less traffic count for that site.

I think the ethical thing to do (sorry for bringing ethics into this, but it is relevant) is to provide the link, and perhaps a small excerpt so that people who find the excerpt interesting can go to the site for more. IMO, giving a link at the end does not mitigate the error of cutting and pasting the entire article.

May be this is an issue that needs a ruling from the moderators, that will be beneficial to all of us.

Cheers!

Dear Naraji,
I am registered as member of the Forum for Hindu Awakening and I am given the full freedom to propagate the message to others based on my judgement. Whether to copy & paste the entire article or present an extract and provide link to the original article shall be best judged by the member. If the extract provided, which is opinion of the member on the article here fails to appeal to the other readers, then the link would not be used by the reader.
There may be many who visit this forum and read the posts, but have restrictions within their networks to access the linked articles. For those, the article directly presented here would be very useful.
For example, in countries like UAE, access to many Hindu sites are restricted and those members who have restricted access would not be able to read the original article itself.
I don't think you are recommending our Moderators to become Kapil Sibal and curb social media activities affecting their politics.
 
Dear aramakrishnan1, I must congratulate you for being so forthright in presenting a somewhat accurate picture of the Hindu system of varna classification. Most people will try to equivocate due to the controvertial nature of the claims. Your presentaion is more or less in conformity with the views published as authentic in kamakoti.org, the online presence of Kanchi Shankara Matam, and from personal experience I know it is more or less consistent with the views of Sri Vaishnavas, both Thenkalai and Vadakali.

Let me point out some of the deviations from the main stream view.

Please correct me if I am wrong by providing proper citation, I don't think there is any textual support for this % allocation.

BTW, an interesting corollary of this % allocation and the claim highlighted above is, Shudras must be the cleanliest of them all as they spend 40% of the time in such activities, and the Brahmins and Kshatriyas must be the dirtiest as the claim is they spend only 10% of their time doing this.


This claim is neither here nor there. It is not consistent with the mainstream thinking, which asserts each Brahmin can trace his/her lineage all the way back to a sage of the Vedic times. It is inconsistent with reality as we are all 100% mixed, we all are mongrels.


Once again, correct me if I am wrong by providing proper citations, but I don't think this kind of varna classification for animals has any textual support or support in practice.

This claim has a funny, or absurd, side, IMO -- while the humans are classified into 4 varnas, when it comes to animals, whole species are classified into one of the four varnas!! If all cows and snakes are Brahmins, who among their ranks is going to do all the physical labor? Also, what about the innumerable sub species, no difference there?

Needless to stay, I reject all this reactionary gobbledygook, these are so patently contrary to basic human dignity, and basic rights of all human-beings for no other reason than being a human.

Cheers!

I request you to visit the link given below

Sattva Raja Tama

The percentages mentioned in the original article were based on research by this organisation.
 
Re" # 12: Biswasji: Then all our rishis were telling us about Brahman without being or knowing what is Brahman. I think it is not like that because for a reason you come into the world and perform the mission of that life including causing to bring in one or more sins to help them wash off those sins in penance and by undergoing punishment. Having fulfilled that mission, you should seek to become Brahman.
 
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