IT'S TIME TO SAY NO TO CASTE SYSTEM

In Vedic culture, everyone is considered to be born as Shudra. Then based on his or her education, one becomes a Brahmin, Kshatriya or Vaishya. This completion of education is considered to be a second birth. Hence these three Varnas are called “Dwija” or twice-born. But those who remain uneducated for whatever reasons are not discarded from society. They continue as Shudra and perform support-activities for the society.

A son of Brahmin, if he fails to complete his education, becomes a Shudra. Similarly, son of a Shudra or even a Dasyu, if he completes his education can become a Brahmin, Kshatriya or Vaishya. This is pure meritocracy. The way degrees are accorded today, Yajnopaveet was provided in Vedic system. Further, non-compliance with the code of conduct for each Varna could result in taking away of the Yajnopaveet.

Then, what is "Jaati" ?. Jaati means a classification based on source of origin. Various animals like elephant, lion, rabbits etc form different ‘Jaati’. In same manner, entire humanity forms one ‘Jaati’. A particular Jaati will have similar physical characteristics, cannot change from one Jaati to another and cannot cross-breed. Thus Jaati is creation of Ishwar or God.

Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra are no way different Jaati because there is no difference in source of birth or even physical characteristics to differentiate between them.

Later, word ‘Jaati’ started being used to imply any kind of classification. Thus in common usage, we call even different communities as different ‘Jaati’. However that is merely convenience of usage. In reality, all humans form one single Jaati.

Let us have look about "Varna". The actual word used for Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra is ‘Varna’ and not Jaati. The word ‘Varna’ is used not only for these four, but also for Dasyu and Arya. ‘Varna’ means one that is adopted by choice. Thus, while Jaati is provided by God, ‘Varna’ is our own choice.

Many examples exist of change of Varnas in Vedic history:

• Aitareya Rishi was son of a Daasa or criminal but became a Brahmin of highest order and wrote Aitareya Brahman and Aitareyopanishad. Aitareya Brahman is considered critical to understand Rigveda.
• Ailush Rishi was son of a Daasi, gambler and of low character. However he researched on Rigveda and made several discoveries. Not only was he invited by Rishis but also made an Acharya. (Aitareya Brahman 2.19)
• Satyakaam Jaabaal was son of a prostitute but became a Brahmin.
• Prishadh was son of King Daksha but became a Shudra. Further he did Tapasya to achieve salvation after repenting.
• (Vishnu Puran 4.1.14)
• Had Tapasya been banned for Shudra as per the fake story from Uttar Ramayan, how could Prishadh do so?
• Nabhag, son of King Nedishtha became Vaishya. Many of his sons again became Kshatriya. (Vishnu Puran 4.1.13)
• Dhrist was son of Nabhag (Vaishya) but became Brahmin and his son became Kshatriya (VP 4.2.2)
• Further in his generation, some became Brahmin again (VP 9.2.23)

• As per Bhagvat, Agniveshya became Brahmin though born to a king.
• Rathotar born in Kshatriya family became a Brahmin as per Vishnu Puran and Bhagvat.
• Haarit became Brahmin though born to Kshatriya (VP 4.3.5)
• Shaunak became Brahmin though born in Kshatriya family. (VP 4.8.1). In fact, as per Vayu Puran, Vishnu Puran and
• Harivansh Puran, sons of Shaunak Rishi belonged to all four Varnas.
• Similar examples exist of Gritsamad, Veethavya and Vritsamati.
• Matanga was son of Chandal but became a Brahmin.
• Raavan was born from Pulatsya Rishi but became a Rakshas.
• Pravriddha was son of Raghu King but became a Rakshas.
• Trishanku was a king but became a Chandal
• Sons of Vishwamitra became Shudra. Vishwamitra himself was a Kshatriya who later became a Brahmin.
• Vidur was son of a servant but became a Brahmin and minister of Hastinapur empire.

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