Re: Bhagavad Gita: Varna system misunderstanding
Originally Posted by
Nara
-----, Devotee also wondered whether these practices are valid today, even though he hedged with "I don't know". Whether these practices were valid in earlier times or not, I think they were not valid even in those times, and many here think they were, yet, you and I agree that they are not valid now as that tradition is almost extinct. Then, why not make a clean break. atanu says all of us are shudras, that is good, let the religious heads say this openly and say varna dharma is no longer valid in this kali yuga, we all are equal.
Cheers!
Namaste Shri Nara
For Veda there is no earlier time and future time.
If you think that varNa asrama dharma was not valid and is not valid then why you should exert so much to prove that it is a blot?
Certainly we are all equal at the very fundamental level (which we know from scripture) but not at the level of particular desires, capabilities and functions, else our genetic make up would be same. Given some stimulus, all of us will react differently at some level or other. A plant has life, but plants are certainly different from men. One cannot force the same practises on plants and humans. The knowledge of four fold division of varNa is divine and primeval, and like the knowledge of saman (Lord equal in every one), this also is taught by the same Veda.
Elsewhere, since continuity of soul is not known (or believed), the varNa is not linked with birth. But in no society at any time the Classes: I, II, II, and IV have been absent. And the same Dharma shastra that teaches varNa duties, itself identifies the kali yuga as different from other yugas and states that liberality will prevail in this yuga. Yet the same shastra teaches that varNa dharma duties remain eternal -- whether one knows or not is a different matter.
If, based on analysis of conditions, i find that though born a Brahmin, i do not qualify, I am very satisfied with being a Sudra, since it frees me from a lot of responsibilities. I can just practise surrender and rest in peace. On the other hand, i cannot say that this is the universal feeling all around. So I will not say that the scripture is a blot and all should follow me.
Einstein's science is not relevant for vast population. That does not make the Relativity theory irrelevant and a blot. It is directly relevant for those who make use of it but I cannot say that tomorrow it will not be relevant for me. The teaching of dharma shastra is for householders and is one of the ten branches of Vedic Dharma. It is valid and relevant fully for those who are placed by birth to follow it. But it may not be directly relevant for a Christian. Yet, being part of a Revolving system, a few aspirants will always cycle through this path to attain the ultimate knowledge that Self is all this.
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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