***** HINDUISM IS NOT TO BLAME FOR TYRANNY OF CASTE SYSTEM *****
and/or www.mantra.com/jai
By Dr. Vidya Bhushan Gupta
The vast majority of Westerners believe that Hinduism ranks its
followers according to caste.
Missionaries have used caste to convert Hindus, and politicians
throughout the world have used it to chastise India for social ills
ranging from poverty to nuclear explosions. Hindus have been tarred
with labels such as "Homo hierarchical." And Hinduism has been
characterized as a religion that teaches indifference to the plight
of fellow human beings.
Is the doctrine of caste rooted in revealed Hindu scriptures? Or
did victorious invaders insert it into secondary scriptures in
order to maintain their dominance?
The Vedas, Hinduism's only revealed scriptures, mention varna (from
Sanskrit root vri, meaning "to choose"), a fourfold classification
of chosen vocations. According to the allegory of cosmic Purusha in
the Vedas, all people are created from the same God. The
intellectuals are Brahmins who, like the brain of the cosmic
Purusha, think and speak; the warriors, like the arms, defend;
vaisyas (traders and farmers), like the thighs and the abdomen,
produce and consume; and the shudras (untouchables), like the feet,
do physical labor.
A text in the great Indian epic "Mahabharata" categorically states
that originally there were no classes; all people were Brahmanic to
begin with. The existing distribution arose from character and
occupation. Those given to sensual pleasures and violence became
warriors; those who subsisted by agriculture became vaisyas, and so
on. Thus, group membership was determined by aptitude and attitude,
not by birth.
In ancient times, there were examples of people who moved from one
class to another because of the vocation they chose. For example,
Valmiki, who was an untouchable, became a Brahmin, author, and a
sage after he changed his wild ways and wrote the Hindu epic
"Raamaayan."
Caste or jati as we see today, the hierarchical division of society
into about 2,000 rigid professional groups, is not mentioned in the
Vedas; however, the word "jati" is mentioned once as a group of
people born from a common progenitor. Caste seems to have been
juxtaposed on the concept of varna in secondary Hindu scriptures
such as the Puranas and Manusmriti at a later date. According to
one of the Puranas, in the beginning of time the whole human race
was of uniform perfection and happiness. Separation into castes did
not take place until a later time, when human behavior
deteriorated.
We can only speculate about the reasons for the corruption of these
secondary scriptures. Was it done to maintain the dominance of the
victorious Aryans over the dark-skinned Dravidians (another meaning
of the word "varna" is color)? Was it done to maintain a constant
supply of skilled and semiskilled laborers?
Assigning a specific role to every individual helped India maintain
social order in the face of the barbarian attacks in medieval
times, according to Abbe Dubois, a Christian missionary who worked
in India in the last century. A similar order was also prevalent in
ancient Egypt.
Although this rigid division of labor helped Indian villages
survive political upheavals, it became an instrument of
exploitation and oppression. People who were born from a union of
higher and lower castes and those who did not belong to any caste
became pariahs or untouchables, living on the fringes of society.
Caste is a sociocultural phenomenon in South Asia, not an article
of Hindu faith. Even the most conservative Muslims of Pakistan and
Sikhs of Punjab are caste-conscious. A 27-year-old Pakistani man
attending an American university was prohibited by his conservative
Muslim father from marrying a woman out of his caste. High-caste
Sikhs do not marry among low-caste Sikhs.
Such distinctions are not unusual in societies that have a long
history of colonialism. Catholics were treated as belonging to a
lower caste during the heyday of British rule in Ireland. The
British treated Indians of all castes as pariahs during the days of
the Raj. Slavery existed among the Hebrews in ancient Israel. St.
Paul regarded slavery as legal. "Let every man remain in the
calling in whch he was called. Wast thou a slave when called? Let
it not trouble thee" (1 Corinthians 7:2O-21).
St. Augustine considered slavery an expression of divine order, as
a punishment for sins. Thus the Hindu scriptures cannot be faulted
for caste any more than the Bible can be faulted for slavery.
Social evils are a product of the time, and scriptures should be
interpreted in their historical context.
Though the injustice of the caste system lingers in sections of
Indian society, Hindus and the Indian government have made great
efforts to eliminate this evil. Two reformers of the 19th century,
Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Dayananda, worked tirelessly to argue
the case against casteism.
Dayananda correctly interpreted the Vedas to prove that varna does
not refer to color but to choice, to choose a profession according
to one's aptitude and attitude. Mahatma Gandhi embraced the
untouchables as children of God, lived among them, and died among
them.
India's founding fathers abolished untouchability in 1949 and
incorporated an affirmative-action plan in the constitution. The
Indian constitution guarantees 22.5 percent of the seats for
untouchables and people of lower castes. Affirmative action has
increased to the extent of 50 percent in a few states. India's
current president is from a lower class.
Short of a revolution followed by authoritarian rule, this is the
best Hindus could have done to redeem themselves from the social
sin of caste. Let's not disregard Hinduism's positive aspects:
seeing the world as one family; looking at the virtues in others,
not at their color or caste; and recognizing that God of one color
has produced people of different colors for beauty's sake.
Meanwhile, we must maintain the reform that began more than 50
years ago.
- - -
DR. VIDYA BHUSHAN GUPTA of Closter specializes in
developmental-behavioral pediatrics. He teaches at
two hospitals affiliated with the New York Medical
College and holds a research appointment at Columbia
University. He has written a handbook of developmental-
behavioral pediatrics and has published widely in
scientific journals and in the lay press. A native of
India who came to the United States in 1984, he edited
the newsletter of the Arya Samaj of Bergen County from
1991-1992 and translated Sandhya, the daily prayer of
the Hindus, into English.
* * *
"There is no superior caste. The Universe is the work of the
Immense Being. The beings created by him were only divided into
castes according to their aptitude."
- Mahaabharat, Shanti Parva 188
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[ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 21:45:42 -0500
Jai Maharaj
Jyotishi, Vedic Astrologer
Om Shanti
"A king, though endowed with little prowess,
starting on an expedition at the proper time, in
view of the good positions of the planets, achieves
greatness that is eulogised in the scriptures."
- Brhat Samhita, 104.60
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uNmaiviLambi
Jai Maharaj) wrote:
> HINDUISM IS NOT TO BLAME FOR TYRANNY OF CASTE SYSTEM
Great article. Thanks a lot. Psychopaths, idiots, crooks, Christians,
muslims, imbeciles, antisocial elements, anti-Hindus should all read
and understand this
dolf
are finding faith elsewhere...
and/or www.mantra.com/jai
uNmaiviLambi <tripur...@yahoo.com> posted:
> Dr. Jai Maharaj posted:
> > HINDUISM IS NOT TO BLAME FOR TYRANNY OF CASTE SYSTEM
> Great article. Thanks a lot. Psychopaths, idiots, crooks, Christians,
> muslims, imbeciles, antisocial elements, anti-Hindus should all read
> and understand this
You are welcome. Perhaps it can be translated in many languages,
printed on paper and distributed throughout the world -- and often.
Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi
Om Shanti
Seon Ferguson
rule with tyranny because they can remember their past lives which makes
them superior? You have convinced me that it is possible that Hinduism was
hijacked by political leaders who used it to their own advantage. Perhaps
that is what the Romans did with Christianity or the Arab leaders did with
Islam (I don't have to remind you the persecution Islam has committed
against Hindus)
"use...@mantra.com and/or www.mantra.com/jai (Dr. Jai Maharaj)" wrote in
message news:20091217S5GQ3YwsWFM3M0uN2cVD6ua@JzVY3...
and/or www.mantra.com/jai
mischievous, would have the audacity to claim a right to tyrannical
power due to a succession of past births. But power for politicians
can be so intoxicating as to invite tyranny. However it can also be
argued that talents and tendencies flow in the DNA from generation to
generation, just don't let the power-hungry dwell on this thought.
Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi
Om Shanti
In article <dY6dnU3yiLHjnbbW...@westnet.com.au>,
"Seon Ferguson" <seo...@gmail.com> posted:
>
> Sow here did the Indian leaders get the idea that they have the right to
> rule with tyranny because they can remember their past lives which makes
> them superior? You have convinced me that it is possible that Hinduism was
> hijacked by political leaders who used it to their own advantage. Perhaps
> that is what the Romans did with Christianity or the Arab leaders did with
> Islam (I don't have to remind you the persecution Islam has committed
> against Hindus)
> Dr. Jai Maharaj posted:
Greatest Mining Pioneer of Australia of all Times
Jai Maharaj) wrote:
Come on Fool, you are quoting those infamous books of Terror & those
circumcised criminals who compiled such ...
Poor idiot, the Vedas demonstrate, like the other sectarian follies
that they know NOTHING AT ALL about the History of the World ... even
the one of their own Himalaya Mountains near by ...
THE REAL GENIUS IN THE VEDAS IS INSPIRED BY THE SOMA OF WHICH OF
COURSE YOU KNOW NOTHING AT ALL .... and following which you never
experimented !
...still more as my friend Dr Banerjee pointed out, you have not even
Hindu ... just one of those feverish new convert who wants to overdo
it, and be more Catholic than the Pope ...
Sir Jean-Paul Turcaud
Australia Mining Pioneer
Seon Ferguson
"use...@mantra.com and/or www.mantra.com/jai (Dr. Jai Maharaj)" wrote in
message news:20091217CZ1gw8Zi16PM4563516qjO7@EG0zn...
> I seriously doubt that a modern-day elected leader, even the most
> mischievous, would have the audacity to claim a right to tyrannical
> power due to a succession of past births. But power for politicians
> can be so intoxicating as to invite tyranny. However it can also be
> argued that talents and tendencies flow in the DNA from generation to
> generation, just don't let the power-hungry dwell on this thought.
>
> Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi
> Om Shanti
>
Well that's what they claim. They get this deluded belief from Hinduism.
Greatest Mining Pioneer of Australia of all Times
and/or www.mantra.com/jai
"Seon Ferguson" <seo...@gmail.com> posted:
> Dr. Jai Maharaj posted:
> > I seriously doubt that a modern-day elected leader, even the most
> > mischievous, would have the audacity to claim a right to tyrannical
> > power due to a succession of past births. But power for politicians
> > can be so intoxicating as to invite tyranny. However it can also be
> > argued that talents and tendencies flow in the DNA from generation to
> > generation, just don't let the power-hungry dwell on this thought.
> >
> > Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi
> > Om Shanti
> Well that's what they claim. They get this deluded belief from Hinduism.
Can you name them?
Seon Ferguson
"use...@mantra.com and/or www.mantra.com/jai (Dr. Jai Maharaj)" wrote in
message news:20091217SbUG4XCO50BP8B4lKuIKc72@EaAo5...
Name what? The people who belief the nonsense that because they have had
more past lives they are superior? Or which Hindu scripture they base their
tyrannical belief on? No I just know the system is unfair.
Hunter
> HINDUISM IS NOT TO BLAME FOR TYRANNY OF CASTE SYSTEM
You hindutva nazis worship the Manusmriti, and this is what it has to say:
I � 91. "One occupation only the lord prescribed to the shudra - to
serve meekly even these other three castes."
I � 93. "As the Brahmana sprang from (Prajapati�s i.e. God�s ) mouth, as
he was first-born, and as he possesses the veda, he is by right the lord
of this whole creation."
II � 31. "Let (the first part of ) a brahmin�s (denote) something
auspicious, a kshatriya�s name be connected with power and a vaishya�s
with wealth, but a Shudra�s (express something) contemptible."
II � 100. "Whatever exists in the world is the property of the Brahmana;
on account of the excellence of his origin the Brahmana is indeed,
entitled to it all."
VIII � 37. "When a learned Brahmin has found treasure, deposited in
former (times), he may take even the whole (of it); for he is the master
of everything."
VIII � 270. "A shudra who insults a twice born man with gross invective,
shall have his tongue cut out; for he is of low origin."
VIII � 271. "If he mentions names and castes of the (twice born) with
contumely, an iron nail, ten fingers, shall be thrust red hot into his
mouth."
IX � 189. "The property of a Brahmana must never be taken by the king,
that is a settled rule; but (the property of men) of other castes the
king may take on failure of all (heirs)."
IX � 317. "A Brahmin, whether learned or ignorant, is a powerful divinity."
X � 129. "No collection of wealth must be made by a shudra even though
he be able to do it; for a shudra who has acquired wealth gives pain to
Brahmana."
XI � 261-62. "A Brahmana who has killed even the peoples of the three
worlds, is completely freed from all sins on reciting three times the
Rig, Yajur or Sama- Veda with the Upanishad."
XII. 4. "If the shudra intentionally listens for committing to memory
the veda, then his ears should be filled with (molten) lead and lac; if
he utters the veda, then his tongue should be cut off; if he has
mastered the veda his body should be cut to pieces."
and/or www.mantra.com/jai
> Dr. Jai Maharaj posted:
> > In article <mJ-dnT_9XabGh7bW...@westnet.com.au>,
> > "Seon Ferguson" <seo...@gmail.com> posted:
> >
> >> Dr. Jai Maharaj posted:
> >>
> >> > I seriously doubt that a modern-day elected leader, even the most
> >> > mischievous, would have the audacity to claim a right to tyrannical
> >> > power due to a succession of past births. But power for politicians
> >> > can be so intoxicating as to invite tyranny. However it can also be
> >> > argued that talents and tendencies flow in the DNA from generation to
> >> > generation, just don't let the power-hungry dwell on this thought.
> >> >
> >> > Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi
> >> > Om Shanti
> >> Well that's what they claim. They get this deluded belief from Hinduism.
> > Can you name them?
> Name what? The people who belief the nonsense that because they have had
> more past lives they are superior? . . .
Yes, them.
Rachel Uchitel
"manipulation," revision, and rewriting of religious bull-crap
continues today to satisfy ruling hierarchies.
"It was ever thus."
anal...@hotmail.com
Here is some food for thought:
The ultimate test of everything
(religion,politics,art,science,education, culture, customs, rites,
norms of behavior) is whether it induces man to follow the Golden
Rule.
All the Great Religions of the world are inspired by God/the Gods and
are worthy of respect.
(1) Not very intelligent people follow doctrines and practices they
were born to to the word.
(2) Semi-intelligent people see the fact that religious images closely
follow culture and from that conclude that Man has obviously created
God.
(3) the truly intelligent see the Truth hidden by the limitations of
time-bound existence. While they would reject bad (violating the
Golden Rule) practices allegedly required/sanctioned by Religion they
would see further and not dwell too much on these things.
The survival of religion is independent of all three groups of people.
anon246813579
his real name is Jay Stevens. He is a Nazi trying to ferment trouble
among the Desi community. He probably is a white guy who thinks he is
an Aryan and is the progenitor of Hinduism. This guy writes a lot of
trash in this newsgroup to promote some type of Eurocentric agenda.
If you ever find him, cut his throat.
On Dec 17, 9:23 pm, use...@mantra.com and/or www.mantra.com/jai (Dr.
anon246813579
it. The insidious caste system is from the Hindus. The Hindu law
book called the Manu Smriti outlines this in very vivid terms.
Hinduism is a form of Satanism and we need to de everything to convert
those who are trapped by the stangle hold of Hinduism so that they
experience peace and liberation.
Om shanti!
M. Ranjit Mathews
> The below are total lies written by a Nazi. Don't believe a word of
> it. The insidious caste system is from the Hindus.
This is from the Hindus?
http://www.google.com/search?q=mexico+caste+system&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
> The Hindu law
> book called the Manu Smriti outlines this in very vivid terms.
> Hinduism is a form of Satanism and we need to de everything to convert
> those who are trapped by the stangle hold of Hinduism so that they
> experience peace and liberation.
How was peace and liberation brought to non-Hindus? (Or if these
haven't yet been thus brought, how can they been brought thus).
http://www.britannica.com/bps/additionalcontent/18/34970450/Religious-Culture-in-Modern-Mexico
Somewhat ironically, the strongest proponents of retaining the low-
caste designation were "Indian" parishioners themselves, who as
constitutionally full and equal citizens of the Mexican Republic faced
higher fees for sacraments and stricter consanguinity regulations for
marriage than they did under the tiered ecclesial system of New Spain.