Dharma — as related to the caste system
The caste system — an infamous and grossly misunderstood relic of the Indian experience through time. Today, there are two schools of thought concerning the caste system; those that follow it zealously, rigidly, either for their own benefit or out of loyalty to a misplaced sense of tradition, and then those that completely defy and reject it, to embrace a new world order based on self-effort and merit.
Before we can judge who is right or wrong, or what our stance should be, it is important to understand two main things: first, what is the caste system meant to be (the why), and what is it actually today, the way we experience it (the what). Then, we can explore further the why.
A brief explanation will state that the system is a categorization method, which divides people (Hindus) in four main categories that are supposed to denote their profession and their responsibilities in life. These four castes are the Brahmins (priest class), Kshatriyas (rulers/kings), Vaishyas (tradesmen) and the Shudras (service oriented). Within these overarching castes can exist many sub-castes.
What caste system is supposed to be: Detailed shlokas in the Vedas explain the four castes in detail, where they came from and what their function is meant to be. The intention behind the classification is to give people a framework within which they can live their lives, fulfill their responsibilities and contribute to society. The four castes (mentioned above) are further elaborated as to what they really should be:
· Brahmins: those that are learned and wise, teach and advise society, and preserve culture
· Kshatriyas: administrators, that are responsible for the functioning of society
· Vaishyas: mobilizers of resources (to assist with the functioning of society)
· Shudras: the workers, who do the actual work (based on the resources available)
Adding to this, the scriptures state that a person’s caste is determined by their temperament, and NOT by their birth. There are many examples in the scriptures and puranas of wise brahmanas born in shudra families, and other such examples. The idea is that a person should do what they are good at, what is natural to their personality and temperament. Only then can that person be fulfilled within themselves, and also be a useful contributing member of society. If a person is naturally action-oriented, with a lot of energy, and strong leadership capabilities (Kshatriya), that person would be stifled if asked to play the role of advisor or consultant (Brahmin). Furthermore, people can change as they go through life. Their temperaments may change, one that used to be full of energy and vigour may develop a calmer constitution, and may be more able and willing to play the role of an advisor. Thus the caste system gives flexibility for people to change, to grow. And so, to reiterate again, a person’s caste is NOT determined by their birth, but rather by their personality and temperament.
It is also important to note that no one caste is supposed to be better or worse than the other. They are all different, but just as important and required for a functioning society. What would happen if all the garbage collectors went on strike tomorrow and refused to pick up our garbage? How would we live if all the farmers just stopped farming? Similarly, chaos would ensue if our law-enforcers stopped ensuring that people live within the law, and delivering consequences to those who break the law. Therefore, all castes being equal, there should be no difference in the way people of various castes are treated.
What the caste is system today: Unfortunately, the caste system today has devolved and become a corrupt body, exploited by the so-called higher castes. Historically, as India was ravaged time and time again by foreign invaders, the Brahmin castes found themselves responsible for preserving the spiritual culture of a society constantly under attack. In defense, they retreated and withdrew amongst themselves, guarding the ancient knowledge of the scriptures ferociously, in order to preserve it. Over time, this need to preserve translated into a sense of elitism and superiority that was against the original intent of the protectionist attitude, and definitely against the purpose of the Brahmin caste. Nonetheless, from that, our modern caste system was born. Now in a country no longer attack, the Brahmins found themselves with a strong advantage being the only holders of knowledge, and thus continue to seek to maintain that. With that, comes the exploitation of other castes for personal gain, and also the subjugation of the ‘lower-castes’. Within this power differential, some benefit, some suffer. Those that benefit seek to ensure they continue to do so, and ensure that happens, mostly at the expense of those who suffer. Now, caste is not determined by ability and temperament, but rather by birth. And the responsibilities awarded to you within your caste are more namesake than actual, and therefore merit is determined not by action and effort, but rather by family name. The list of atrocities perpetrated by this insistence to maintain the power differential are too numerous to list, but we have all heard of them many times. From what jobs are available to you, to who you are allowed to marry, to what temples you have access to, to where you are allowed to live, the disastrous results of this selfishness has infiltrated almost every avenue of life.
WHY is it important: Upon seeing the caste system as it is, and seeing how much suffering comes out of it, the natural reaction is ‘we need to get rid of this!’ Although this is not necessarily an untrue sentiment, we need to also fairly think, why did this system exist in the first place? This question takes us back to that eternal question of dharma. When we are aligned and integrated, when we serve the world through our innate abilities and tendencies, then dharma is maintained. To do in life, what we are good at, and what we enjoy, in that is not only society’s benefit, but our own joy and self-growth. Is it not, when we were young and innocent in high school and university, our main conflicts in life were, ‘what should I be? What should I study? What course should I take?’ Some of us may have felt pressured into a career by our parents, while some of us may have gone rogue and chosen off-beat career paths. Regardless, once we make the decision and are happy with it, at peace with it, then all mental agitations end. It is clear then, what we must do going forward. Yes, for those that were not at peace with their decisions, even years later struggle. Knowing who we are, what we are good at, what are innate skills are, makes following dharma natural. Not knowing so, then deciphering dharma is a constant challenge. The caste system was meant to be a tool to allow us to integrate, to be dharmic, understanding that the roles laid out to us was for our personal growth and development, and unique to us. Although that is not the case today, is just scraping the defunct system enough, or do we need to think or alternatives, to allow us to benefit from the wisdom of our sages.
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