Re: Bhagavad Gita: Varna system misunderstanding
Originally Posted by
Nara
Hello folks,
In summary, in 4.13 Sri Krishna says he created the four varnas according to guna and karma, and in the verses from chapter 18 he describes the svabhava of the four varnas, and in the verses 9.32 and 9.33 he clearly declares the four varna manifest through birth. A brahmana is a brahmana if he is born into the brahmana varna, exhibit the brahmana gunas, and performs the brahamana karmas. Same with the other three varnas. All one can argue is birth alone does not result in a given varna, but birth is a necessary condition. This is what Yudishtra states to the Yaksha.
Cheers!
Namaste Shri Nara,
I wish to point out a few things as I understand.
I think that Birth in a particular environment is not a necessary condition but is primarily a result. In Brahadaraynaka U., Yajnavalkya takes another sage aside and discusses certain things in private. What they finally disclose is that karma karma karma.
When Shri Krishna says: 'I am the author of chatur varna' or the Rig Veda verse wherein the caste divisions are shown as Purusha's body, to me it is pointer that all castes (or actually varna-inherent colour) has a single source and that single source is worthy of worship. Second, Shri Krishna also says that "I ensure birth in a favouable kula for those who abide in dharma (approximate paraphrasing). Shri Krishna also talks of yogi who sees only sameness. Manisha Panchikam teaches of sameness. On the other hand, there is example how ekalvya was removed from the scene for not being a khatriya.
It is a cyclical event. Birth gives an environment for certain path, karma further ripens the future proclivity and it goes on. Thus birth does surely indicate the past propensities as well as effect pf past work. Taking a holistic view, there is no cause for grudge nor is there any cause to feel superior. If I had acquired expertise of leading a big Industrial house, then possibly I would have had a birth that would be conducive for that purpose. The varna division is general -- Thinkers-Artists-Teachers, Leaders-Warriors, Business People, and common men who have to support. There is no discrimination in this when one sees the big picture.
Lastly, I will re-iterate that holding a grudge, feeling superior or inferior, and inciting unrest -- all are indicative of deficient understanding. Actually it is for the individual to keep himself OK.
These are my opinions only.
Om Namah Shivaya
Last edited by atanu; 25 March 2010 at 04:24 AM.
That which is without letters (parts) is the Fourth, beyond apprehension through ordinary means, the cessation of the phenomenal world, the auspicious and the non-dual. Thus Om is certainly the Self. He who knows thus enters the Self by the Self.
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