Mood:
chattyTopic: As I think
When ever I do Q&A regarding Hinduism, I often get asked the question regarding the caste system within Hinduism. I agree it used to be quite bad. But Hinduism has nothing to do with Caste system. Vedas do not talk about Caste as we understand it.
There are two distinctive words "Kula" and "Varna". Kula means Caste, Varna means Quality. In Bhagawad Gita, Holybook of Hindus, Arjuna uses the word "Kula" (Chapter 1 verse 40). He says that the caste will get disturbed if women belong to a particular caste (as it is used today in India) become corrupt and do unwanted things leading to breaking of the caste system. For this Lord Krishna's answer was very clear: Kutastvaa Kasmalam Idam = How did this dirty thinking came in to your mind? Anaryam = This kind of thinking is not noble Asvargyam = This thinking can not offer you heaven Akeertikaram = This thinking is a cause to the infamy. (Chapter 2 verse 2) --- Please note that this is the first verse spoken by Lord Krishna. So it is clear from this verse that Lord Krishna is totally against the word "Kula" which Arjuna has used. Lord Krishna is very clearly saying that this kind of thinking is not noble.
So it is clear that Holy Gita is against caste system!!! It is unfortunate that in India those who say they are Hindus are following what is denounced by Lord Krishna. Even in Vedas you do not see the word "Caste" (Kula).
When you approach someone you will never ask what is your Varna, but rather what is your caste...
This is where the difference lies! It is the dividing line between varna and caste. Varna is something one needs to contemplate within oneself. It has nothing to do with the Caste one is born in. Internally what one is capable of doing decides what ones Varna is...
Let us take the example of Military --- you have:-
a) Strategists - Thinkers who never fight the war
b) Warriors - Those who shoot to kill and defend the country
c) Economists / CEOs / Defense secretaries - Those who keep calculating which artillery costs how much and where they could do savings for the country by not compromising security. They do this with out any selfish motive -- e.g. modern day politicians and defence secretaries
d) Cleaners -- Those who keep the Army vehicle ready for combat; who cook food in the kitchen for the army; who pave the roads for Army; who does the laundry for Army; etc..;
Varna has to be understood in the above context:
(a) Strategists - Brahmins
(b) Warriors - Kshatriyas
(c) Economists - Vaisyas
(d) Cleaners - Sudras
They are classified as per their calibre. Their classification is entirely dependant on their personal likes and dislikes. For example a Strategist can not take up a combatant position because he doesn't like a physical combat. But he is perfectly capable of preparing a war strategy.
Any modern day organization will have people fit in to this varna system. Now you may ask, where did the discrimination in the name of caste came in to picture?!
If you see around you would see discrimination rampant --- CEOs earn 30 times higher salary than those who do cleaning job. And CEOs often don't come in to contact with cleaners... It is just that their worlds don't match up! They keep to their circles. Isn't that discrimination?! It is in this context where caste system came in to picture.
In old days people kept to their circles. It is like attending social clubs. In order to get entry in to a Bikers club you need to have some connection with bikers. That is caste....
Hinduism is taking unnecessary bashing for something which they never created. Hindu Theology can not be responsible for social evil...
