While travelling in a train from Haryana, Richard (now Radhanath Swami) saw an ugly incident of a teenager being beaten by his employer. On enquiry, Richard discovered that because the boy was from a lower caste, he was being discriminated against and was unlikely to get any facility to advance in life. However Richard also discovered that this was a perversion of a scientific system called varnashrama, which teaches that, just as the human body has a head, arms, belly, and legs, and each limb is meant to perform its function for the benefit of the whole body, in the social body, one is taught to accept responsibilities for the social and spiritual benefit of oneself as well as everyone in society according to one’s natural inclinations and skills. The Vedic varnashram was meant to encourage, empower, and unify everyone. Richard learnt that this beautiful system has now been corrupted by exploitation based on birth. Richard also thought of the suppression of racial and religious minorities in America and Europe, and he reflected sadly on how the tendency to cultivate superiority and exploit others takes many guises, expressing itself in society, politics, philosophy, or even religion.
The study of Vedic Varnashrama offers an interesting analysis and division of human beings on the basis of their differing psycho physical needs. Briefly, the varnashrama system comprises four basic material occupations or duties (varnas) and four spiritual stages (ashramas). The varnas are (1) brahmanas (intellectuals and priests), (2) kshatriyas (warriors and administrators), (3) vaishyas (farmers and business people), and (4) shudras (manual laborers and general assistants). Most people exhibit qualities that reflect an overlapping of these categories, but one occupational inclination will eventually predominate.
The four spiritual stages (ashramas) are (1) brahmacarya (celibate student life), (2) grihastha (married life), (3) vanaprastha (retired life), and (4) sannyasa (renunciation and complete dedication to the Absolute).
The Vedic culture takes into account the psychophysical nature of individuals before assigning a place for them in the varnashrama system. Unfortunately, this system has devolved into the modern-day caste system, where people are classified according to birth. If one is born into a brahmana family, for example, one is automatically considered a brahmana, regardless of qualifications. This superficial reading of varna has led to the jati system, with its innumerable sub-castes and variations on the original four varnas. This system has caused considerable confusion, civil strife, and social unrest in Indian society.
The varnashrama system emphasizes “quality and work,” not birth. People are put into particular categories according to their qualifications, not the families they were born into. While birth may point one in a particular direction or help in other ways, it is never the sole factor in determining one’s lifelong occupation. For example, birth in a judge’s family may afford one a good education and provide one’s vocational inclination early in life, but it doesn’t guarantee judgeship. Again, this “quality and work” criterion in relation to varna is clear from the Gita itself, though few modern Indians are aware of this.
The Greek philosopher Plato—though apparently unaware of Vedic texts—recognized social divisions that are strikingly similar to those of the varna system. In his Republic,he argues that social classes correspond to a hierarchy of personality types. The class predominated by the philosophical intellect, he says, is the highest, after that come those dominated by the emotions, and finally we find those in whom “the appetites” (sensual desires) predominate. Further, says Plato, one finds that society is naturally divided in a similar way. On top are the philosopher- kings, who rule; below them are the warriors, whom he refers to as “auxiliaries,” since they assist the king; and finally we have the merchants and workers, whom Plato combines into one distinct category.
He compares rulers to gold, auxiliaries to silver, and those in the third class to brass and iron. According to Plato, golden parents will tend to have golden children, as silver parents will naturally have silver children, and so on. But sometimes, he admits, golden parents may have silver, brass, or iron children, and the reverse is also true. When this occurs, says Plato, one must be flexible enough to acknowledge that a golden child born to an iron parent, for example, is indeed golden—his birthright should be disregarded in favour of his natural quality.
Radhanath Swami writes in his autobiography that it heartened him that nothing in the true Hindu philosophy supported suppression of human beings on the basis of one’s race, caste, sex or birth, and that among saintly people, he had not witnessed any of this kind of prejudice.
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Founder-acharya of the International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
“Go to India” a sweet but commanding voice; spoke up in the heart of young Richard (later Radhanath Swami) who was immersed in meditation, his search for meaning in life has brought him to the Isle of Crete. Today he was ordered to go to India. Born and raised in the middle class suburbs of Chicago, Radhanath swami grew up in the 1950’s and 60’s era when popular musicians protested war, prejudice and social injustice. Radhanath swami would listen to these songs again and again, but their lyrics referring to God stirred his soul. Peter, Paul and Mary- the folk trio from Greenswich village sang in their debut album
“Early in the morning, about the break of day
I ask the Lord, to help me find my way”
This simple prayer was to guide Radhanath swami in the coming years of his life........
Radhanath Swami has so kindly made us understand this truth about Caste System, it is very important that every one of us understand our stregths and weakness and work accordingly, this is what the caste system is all about.
View CommentThanks for giving the right perspective of Varnashrama dharma!!
View CommentThank you Radhanath Swami for great lesson. Varnashrama system has been created by Lord Krishna for everyone to get a chance to go back to Godhead.
View CommentIts really scientific.
View CommentA very eye-opening explanation of the existing Caste System and how the original Varnashrama system has been misused sidelining the real importance it plays in society.
View CommentThanks Maharaj
View CommentA clear description of the actual classes
View CommentRadhanath Swami has very nicely used the analogy of the human body to explain the scientific basis of our ancient Varnashram system. Knowing the actual essence, the basis & the spirit behind it can help stop its misuse & also simultaneously remove all misgivings from the minds of the common people. Spiritually educating the people on this subject matter can go a long way in making it acceptable with the right understanding. Vedic studies should also be made a part of our education system.
View Comment“Nothing in the true Hindu philosophy supported suppression of human beings on the basis of one’s race, caste, sex or birth.” Only true saints like H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj understand the spirit of Varnashrama.
View CommentVery wonderful article on how to create equality in society by just introducing Krishna Consciousness & its principles.
View CommentThank you for the well consolidated article on Varnashrama System.
View Commentnice & real one
View CommentI was searching for explanation of vedic varnashram system, i was bit confused, sometimes it would appear to be a wonderful arrangement, sometimes i would ask why to discriminate. This scientific article from Radhanath swami ahs helped me to get clear understanding that varnashram is very important for progress of all of us materially more importantly spiritual upliftment.
View CommentThe purpose and what the real varnashrama are well explained. But unfortunately, the caste is being practiced in the Indian society based on caste with out clear understanding.
View CommentVery educative.
View CommentJai Gurudev!!!
View CommentRadhanath Swami writes in his autobiography that it heartened him that nothing in the true Hindu philosophy supported suppression of human beings on the basis of one’s race, caste, sex or birth, and that among saintly people, he had not witnessed any of this kind of prejudice.
View CommentHH Radhanath Swami Ki Jay.
http://www.radhanathswamivideo.com
View CommentTruly scientific!
View CommentThanks for sharing the perspective about Varnashrama Dharma.
View CommentVery nice article telling how the Varnashrama system is designed according to once phsycophysical nature of the person.
View CommentJust superb explanation by HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj!!!
View CommentThanks for sharing the scientific basis for varnashrama dharma.
View CommentRadhanath Swami has started such nice centers and farms to help us live this Varnashram dharam. All glories to his service.
View CommentRadhanath Swami helps us understanding an institution which is created by God for a very specific purpose.
View CommentVery well explained. Unfortunately, caste system by virtue of birth instead of qualities is widely prevalent in India. This knowledge has to percolate everywhere.
View CommentThan you for sharing this wonderful article and explanation of Varna through example’s, understanding of the Varna’s and ashrams are very essential for us.
View CommentThis scientific article from Radhanath swami ahs helped me to get clear understanding that varnashram is very important for progress of all of us materially more importantly spiritual upliftment. All gloreis to HH RADHANATH SWAMI MAHARAJ
View CommentGood classification and very clear explanation
View CommentSo true and very well explained by HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj!
View CommentAmazingly explained varnashrama system! Thank you Radhanath Swami for this clearly explained article which clarifies many doubts.
View CommentThanks to Radhanath Swami for clarifying the original purpose of the most misunderstood concept of caste system
View CommentThank You Radhanath Maharaj for sharing this very important information on the vedic varnashram system.
View Commentthank u maharaj for sharing this wonderful article with us
View CommentThanks for giving the right vision of Varnashrama dharma.
View CommentToday the Varnashrama system has been most misunderstood. Even if the people reject it, it will become animal civilization. There is dire need for re-establishment of the real scientific Varnashrama system which Radhanath Swami has pinpointed here.
View CommentVery nice article.Invariably each one of us is the child of Krsna and each should try to help each one else for his upliftment in spiritual life. All Glories to HH Radhanatha Svami Maharaja.
View Commentvery nice article.Thank you Radhanath Swami for great lesson.
View Commenthari bol
Wonderful Article. gives a clear picture of Varnashram dharma.
View CommentNice explanation of varnashram system from Radhanth maharaj.
View CommentVery Nice And Very Clear Explanation Of Varnashram System From Radhanath Maharaj.
View CommentWonderful to know that the Greek philosopher also presented something similar to what is revealed in the great scripture “Bhagwad Gita”
View CommentSuch a deep explanation about scientific side of varnashram. Radhanath Swami is bringing the real essence to the world through his bee like nature. He is truely a gift of God to today’s world
View CommentGreat to seesuch elaborate explaination on Varnashrama system.
Thank you Radhanath Swami!!
View CommentRadhanath swami can not only help the devotees develop his relationship with God, he also resolves contradictions and confusions that a devotee may experience during his spiritual quest.
View CommentGreat article !!
View CommentThe Varnashrama system is called a daivy system because it is established by Supreme Lord Sri Krishna.It is meant for elevation of consciousness of every individual while performing our task related to one’s Varna and Ashrma.This is really nice and peace in society is guaranteed.But in today’s so called modern society (influence of Kali Yuga),the system is lost.Very nicely explained by Radhanath Swami.Thank you very much.
View CommentNice blog explaining the truth behind caste system and it’s mus-interpretaion in India
View CommentTruly, this is a very scientific way of dividing society
View Comment