- by J. G. Arora, Organiser Weekly
There is a misconception in some minds that Hindu scriptures sanction the caste system. But being based on Vedas, Hinduism does not permit any caste system, whatsoever.
Vedas, the proud possession of mankind, are the foundation of Hinduism. Vedas are all-embracing, and treat the entire humanity with the same respect and dignity. Vedas speak of nobility of entire humanity (krinvanto vishvam aryam), and do not sanction any caste system or birth based caste system. Mantra number 10-13-1 of Rig Veda addresses entire humanity as divine children (Shrunvantu vishve amrutsya putraha). Innumerable Mantras of Vedas emphasize one-ness, universal brotherhood, harmony, happiness, affection, unity and commonality of entire humanity. A few illustrations are given here. Vide Mantra number 5-60-5 of Rig Veda, the Divine Poet declares, "All men are brothers; no one is big, no one is small. All are equal". Mantra number 16.15 of Yajur Veda reiterates that all men are brothers; no one is superior or inferior." Mantra number 10-191-2 of Rig Veda calls upon humanity to be united and to have common speech and common minds". Mantra number 3-30-1 of Atharva Veda enjoins upon all humans to be affectionate and to love one another as the cow loves her newly born calf. Underlining unity and harmony still further, Mantra number 3-30-6 of Atharva Veda commands humankind to dine together, and be as firmly united as the spokes attached to the hub of chariot wheel.
Bhagvad Gita, the essence of Vedas and Upanishads, has many Shlokas that echo the Vedic doctrine of one-ness of humanity. In Sholka number V (29), the Lord declares that He is the friend of all creatures ('Suhridam Sarva Bhutanam') whereas Sholka number IX (29) reiterates that the Lord has the same affection for all creatures, and whosoever remembers the Lord, resides in the Lord, and the Lord resides in him. Sholka number XVIII (61) declares that God resides in every heart (Ishwar sarva bhutanam hrudyeshe Arjun tishthti).
Guna (aptitude) and Karma (actions)
Hindu scriptures speak about 'Varna' which means to 'select' (one's profession etc.); and which is not caste; and which is not birth-based.
As per Sholka number IV (13) of Bhagvad Gita, depending upon a person's Guna (aptitude) and Karma (actions), there are four Varnas. As per this Sholka, a person's Varna is determined by his Guna and Karma, and not by his birth. Chapter XIV of Bhagvad Gita specifies three Gunas viz. Satva (purity), Rajas (passion and attachment) and Tamas (ignorance). These three Gunas are present in every human in different proportions, and determine the Varna of every person. Accordingly, depending on one's Guna and Karma, every individual is free to select his own Varna. Consequently, if their Gunas and Karmas are different, even members of the same family will belong to different Varnas. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the differences in Guna and Karma of different individuals, Vedas treat the entire humanity with the same respect; and do not sanction any caste system or birth based caste system.
Veda is the foundation
Hinduism is all-embracing, and gives the same respect to all humans, and anything to the contrary in Manu Smriti or anywhere else is not sanctioned by the Vedas. Being divine revelation, Shrutis (Vedas) are the ultimate authority for Dharma, and represent its eternal principles whereas being human recapitulations, Smritis (Recollections) can play only a subordinate role. As per Shloka number (6) of chapter 2 of Manu Smriti, "Vedo akhilo dharma mulam" (Veda is the foundation of entire Dharma) whereas Shloka number 2(13) of Manu Smriti specifies that whenever Shruti (Vedas) and Smritis differ, stipulation of Vedas will prevail over Smriti stipulation. In view of this position, anything discriminatory in Manu Smriti or anywhere else is anti-Veda, and therefore, is not sanctioned by Hinduism, and has been subsequently inserted by unholy intentions, and deserves to be weeded out.
Role of media
In order to usher in a casteless and harmonious society, all-embracing and universal message of Vedas has to be followed and spread.
Both the print and electronic media play an important role in a country's life. They should contribute their mite to unite various sections of society. But in India, most of the media are unwittingly strengthening caste and communal divisions. By publishing divisive articles and describing political leaders and electorate, achievers and sports persons, and even wrong doers and their victims as members of this caste or community, the media are strengthening divisions instead of unifying society. Media should play a positive role so that there is amity all around.
"Let your hearts be one"
Any one believing in caste system is violating Vedic command of one-ness of entire humanity. Though the first known poem in the world appeared as the first Mantra of Rig Veda, and though Vedas and Upanishads contain the sublimest thoughts in the sublimest language, because of a faulty education system, most of the educated Indians are ignorant of their rich heritage contained in Vedas and Upanishads. Most of the Indians do not know Sanskrit, the language of Vedic literature. Quite a few persons do not know even the meaning of their Sanskrit names. Though learning Sanskrit is quite easy, one can also go through the translated Vedic literature in order to understand and appreciate the precious Vedic heritage.
We have to ensure that we do not lose our rich Vedic heritage. Losing our Vedic heritage would mean losing our identity. To ensure the survival of our Vedic heritage, and to bring about unity and harmony in society, it is imperative that all-embracing message of Vedas is practised and propagated. With the fond hope that every one will do the utmost in this regard, I conclude this write-up with the last Mantra of Rig Veda emphasizing the unity and harmony of entire humanity, "Samani vha aakutihi, samana hrudyani vha, samanam astu vo mano, yatha vha su saha asti." ("Let your aims be one, let your hearts be one, let your minds be one, and let your unity go from strength to strength").
