- Difference between Varna and Caste: Caste and Varna are different. Based on birth is called caste. Varna is based on self-nature. Economically powerful people to pass on their power and property to their lineage has changed Varna into Caste.
- Varna, according to Hindu scriptures, refers to the classification of people based on their qualities. The term is derived from the Sanskrit word, vr, which means “to describe,” “to classify” or “to cover.” Varna is classified into four types: brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya and shudra.
- Everyone is born shudra by birth. It is not that by birth one becomes brahmana; otherwise the sastra would not have stated like this, that janmana jayate sudrah, “By birth everyone is shudra.”
- Basic qualities by which varna has divided humans into four types: Brahmins: Vedic scholars, priests or teachers. Kshatriyas: Rulers, administrators or warriors. Vaishyas: Agriculturalists, farmers or merchants. Shudras: Artisans, labourers or servants.
- The question is when the shastra says that by birth everyone is shura. Then how can one become Brahmin? Cause and effect will uncover our mindset and how we grow from the mindset of Cause to Cause and Effect happening at the same moment.
- One who is just living for the cause may or may not be educated but living is only for survival and reproduction called Shudra. Unless one is suffocating with survival life and trying to see around that how happiness is possible. This shows that his search for effect has started. His mindset changes from survival towards bringing effect in this life, farmers or merchants. They will live for the cause of happiness for themselves. Now his mind can feel the effect and from this point one will try to bring the effect closer to the cause. At this time they will like to live for happiness with themselves and for others also, called Kshatriyas. One who has a taste of happiness for self and others becomes so enriched that to move and bring the effect and cause simultaneously becomes a challenge. This challenge will start throbbing in his heart. Each problem is a challenge. Each problem makes you more intelligent. And the day you will not have any problems, your mind will come to its utmost clarity – because no dust, no problem. Your mind becomes a mirror, so pure that it reflects reality. In this clarity cause and effect is happening at the same moment. One will be capable of giving birth to oneself, Twij, twice born. One becomes Brahmin.
- Always remember it has nothing to do with what is your profession but what is your mindset which makes you Shudra to Brahmin. What reflects in your behaviour.