Re: How to fight Casteism?
Namaste saidevoji, TTA, Sudarshan and reflections,
Guru Ramana who was almost a Socialist in His approach, however, said: "It is dangerous to discard traditional rules of conduct. Try to think and understand their significance."
He also said: "To humble oneself more and more is good. Avoid contempt towards those who are low."
Below are my loud thoughts on the subject. I understand that similar to Varna, which cannot be same for all, a discussion on the subject will also have many varnas and not one.
Varna is a very deep spiritual truth that is not at all known/relevant for most people. If I am of Brahmin nature (varna-inner color), I will do good as a Brahmin. Any other calling would distort my life and my future. In today's society, ruled by blind desire for consumerism, everyone craves the greener grass elsewhere. Contentment, which actually is the goal of everyone, is pushed far by one's own actions. Jealousy, envy, and hatred control the actions rather than wisdom.
In addition to educating people on real significance of varna (as best as can be done), I agree to Sudarshan's view to the extent that a certain amount of reform is required so that the negative perceptions of caste system (which is perception and also real pain and shame to many low caste born) cannot be exploited by those who create divisions -- such as missionaries and some Hindus as well.
The shame of being a so-called low caste born should not be heaped upon some, as Narayana is manifest through all.
It is mind's nature to be divisive. If we remove all Muslims and Christians from the scene then also we will see Hindus fighting each other on some or other pretext. The problem is not in the varna itself, which is natural, but the problem is human ego and false idea of I-Me-Mine.
Yet, to foster Brotherhood and Goodness, IMO, a positive reform is called for. (And why restrict it to only the caste divisions -- all divisions are similar).
Om Namah Shivaya
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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