Apr 3, 2022 - Grade 9 (Sunday AM)
HariOm Parents,
Last class we talked about Upasana, which means "worship", or literally sitting near, that is being close to an idol, or a chosen deity like Rama, Krishna, Hanuman, or Ganesa so as to imbibe those same qualities the idol represents. Since we are creatures triggered by objects
We need a symbol or an idol to make our minds single-pointed, eventually to focus on the Lord. In simple terms, it is a form of prayer. We also looked at the sixteen steps to offer prayers to the Lord.
This week's topic is The Four Castes (Varnas).
We asked three students what they understood by the word Caste. They responded by saying they disagree with the Caste system, all are equal and this descrimination is unfair and unacceptable.
So, we began with the rationale behind this division. How do we describe an object or an animal, or a person, or a quality…?
We describe anything according to their attributes. We have seen in science how plant kingdoms are classified or grouped like creepers, evergreen, conifer, root vegetable etc., and the animal kingdom into reptiles, bovine, marine animals, cats etc.. Also, if you look at the periodic table of elements and minerals, they are grouped according to similar qualities or attributes. Stretching this idea, when we look at mankind, we also exhibit different attributes, qualities, features and so on. But we believe we are equal and we respect each other's differences. YES, it is absolutely true. This is from the spiritual standpoint. However, the same spiritual science classifies society into four groups or Caturvarna. And this is universal, not just in India. In all societies - Indian, East, West, Middle Eastern and more.
This classification or division called Caturvarna is based on Karma, what one does, NOT on color, region or wealth.
In Sanskrit, Varna means Color. Varna can also mean name, color, form, quality, relationship, and so on. A Form of classification.
Lord Krishna In Bhagavad Gita says, the four fold caste has been created by Me according to the differentiation of Guna (quality) and Karma (action).
Scriptures have stated that this classification is based on guna and karma and not by virtue of birth. Unfortunately, this division has been misunderstood by all of us and has led to disintegration in our society.
The divisions based on Karma are:
Brahmin (The Thinking Class)
Kshatriya (The Leader/Fighter Class)
Vaisyas (The Business Class)
Sudras (The Labor Class)
Before we look at the classes above let's look at an example where division exists - an organization like a manufacturing company. The experts or brains behind the creation of a product, the managers or admin who execute the product, the sales team that sell and bring in the money, the factory workers who work and produce the items.
Any set up will have these divisions.
With this concept in mind let us look at the four classes.
Brahmin- Who is a Brahmin? One who is capable of studying and teaching, of an intellectual nature. And his karmas are study, teach, perform rituals for himself and others, give charity and receive gifts.
Kshatriya - One who is capable of leading the society and protecting the people.
THe five karmas are, protect the people, give charity, perform yagnas, study scriptures, and not engrossed in sense objects. The kshatriyas are the natural-born leaders of society.
Vaisyas- Has the capacity to produce wealth. THeir karmas are, perform yagna, study scriptures, give charity and do business. They are people engaged in agriculture, cattle raising and other businesses.
Sudras- One who can perform work or service. Their karma is to serve without having any jealousy.
The above division is purely on capabilities and no category is superior or inferior to another. In fact, each of us is all four varnas put together in one!
Now, let us look at the classification based on Guna or one's inner mental qualities.
Sattvaguna (Nature of Knowledge) A desire for knowledge, and qualities of love, faith, kindness, and compassion.
Rajoguna (Nature of Activity) Numerous desires and ambitions
Tamoguna (Nature of Inertia) Dullness and little interest or ambition of any kind
It is said that human nature is composed of three gunas: sattva, rajas and tamas.
A brahmin is described as predominantly Sattvika.
A kshatriya is predominantly a Rajasika, with some sattvik qualities.
A vaisya is rajasic, with some tamasic qualities.
A sudra is predominantly tamasic.
In fact, the Manusmriti says that everyone is actually born as Sudra, (janmana jayate sudrah), because at birth we are basically the raw of life from which anything can be made. A brahmin can become a sudra later in life or a sudra can become a brahmin or a kshatriya.
Two video clips by Swami Chinmayananda were shown, one for explaining Gunas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJHYgEgluUA and one on Varnas based on Bhagwad Geeta https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEQ6jtrtUpk.
In conclusion, whatever be your karma or varna, perform your duty with an attitude of selflessness and full of devotion, for the benefit of the entire society. That's how one attains perfection and purity of mind.
We took the feedback from the class again regarding this topic. It was encouraging to hear the class agree with how the scriptures describe the Varna system.
Closing prayers! Hari om.
Other Sunday AM, Grade 9 2021-22 class summaries in https://cmnjparentportal21-22.blogspot.com/search/label/Gr%209%20-%20Sunday%20AM
Regards,
Rukmani & Partha