Hari Om Parents
We started the class with the beginning prayers followed by doing a
short meditation on the present moment.
We learned verses 8 through 11 of chapter 2 from the Bhagavad Gita.
Our first discussion was based on the survey we took last week
regarding our personal traits. The survey helped each one of us to
understand which guna is predominant in us and how we need all the
three gunas to perform various activities every day. We should all
strive to get the right balance of gunas.
The class then explored varna ashram dharma. Varna is based on guna( a
continuation of what was studied in the previous class), Karma and
janma. A classification which allows for work of society to be
distributed such that individual traits are accommodated, community
assets are preserved and appeased down. Our discussion was based on
Shri Krishna's teachings from chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita.
Our next discussion was based on the varna system. The 4-fold caste
system is based on guna or quality, karma or action and not on janma
or birth as talked by Shri Krishna in Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita.
Sudra- Varna that works well with their hands. Predominantly Tamas.
Gave example of Kabir' and Satyakama. Kabir was a mystic 16th century
saint and born in a family of weavers but his actions were totally
satvic and he qualifies to be Brahmana.
Vaishya- Varna that works to generate wealth and resources.
Predominantly Rajas and Tamas.
Gave examples of today's entrepreneurs.
Kshatriya- Varna that protects society, leads and organizes.
Predominantly Rajas and Satva
Gave example of Arjuna and Sri Rama. The lord was a Kshatriya by
janma, but he exhibited samatvam and equipoise in all situations. He
also imparted knowledge.
Brahmana- Varna that teaches, studies, preserves and passes down
knowledge. Predominantly Satva.
In the west and especially in Social studies curricula in middle
schools, the word caste, borrowed from Portuguese is used to describe
varna and a hierarchy is shown ignoring the logic of the system and
highlighting discrimination which has no scriptural basis or sanction.
Manu smriti says this is that all are Sudra at birth, wanting for
knowledge, waiting to be instructed.
Another view is that all Varnas reside in an individual at various
periods of time, depending on what guna dominates or what karma is
performed.
We did a small demo- making a cup of coffee. A perfect cup needs all 4
ingredients- coffee, sugar, water and milk. Similarly a harmonious
society needs all 4 Varnas.
We will continue our discussion on the Brahmana varna in our next class.
Our next class is on Feb 5th.
Pranams
Uma and Nirmala
