Hinduism

Hindu Caste System

The Hindu class structure and the social laws pertaining to religious rights based on one's class seem to be very judgemental, demeaning, and exclusive to the point of abuse. The lowest Varna, the Shudra, is not even allowed to hear or study the Vedas based solely on their inescapable position in life as servants to the higher three classes. However, when one looks at their class system from a purely religious standpoint, you discover that the class system is not abusive in itself, and that the abuse that may take place comes from aspects of humanity outside their religious practices. Sanatana Dharma breaks down society into four classes (Varnas), and the untouchables. The highest class is the Brahmans, the priestly class. Their main purpose is to study and understand the Vedas, and bring this knowledge to others. The second class is the Kshatriya, the warrior class. The Kshatriya class acts as the protectors of the peace. Vaishya, the producing class, work as business people providing economic stability to the society. The servant class, the Shudra, serves the higher three classes. They are not allowed to read or hear the Vedas, but they are allowed to participate in Bhakti Marga, a special ceremony which symbolizes the path of devotion. It may seem degrading to keep them away from the religious texts that at the same time are keeping them from raising their station in this lifetime. But as a Hindu, they were placed in that class for a reason. Karma, which follows you throughout your many lifetimes, determines which class you will be in for any given lifetime. You may be demoted to an animal, designated within the class structure, or even elevated to a deity. Your actions in each lifetime affect your karma, and if a Shudra does their duty it will have a positive effect on their karma, perhaps elevating them into a class in which they will be allowed to study the Vedas and progress along their spiritual path. There are two other sections of humanity, one of which whose position in life is so low that they are not considered a class. These are the untouchables. They are outcast from society to the point that if they come in contact with one of the four classes, the class member must be purified. The other cross section of society, that although it is not a class, it does have it's own strict religious rules and confining boundaries. From a western perspective, the treatment of women seems very extreme, and there are organizations whose sole purpose is to empower Hindu women. The Law-code of Manu states, " Women must be honored and adorned by their fathers, brothers, husbands, and brothers-in-laws who desire good fortune..." Her father protects her in childhood, her husband protects her in youth, and her sons protect her in old age. Indicating, a woman does not deserve independence. The father who does not give away his daughter in marriage at the proper time would be considered censurable; A husband who does not approach his wife in due season would be considered censurable; and after the husband is dead, a son, who does not protect his mother would be considered to be censurable. (Ludwig, pg. 111) " The woman