Lord Krishna tells Arjuna about the fourfold
caste, based on the occupation of a person and the Gunas that he has. We should
bear in mind that we should contribute to the society by way of service. If we
want to grow spiritually we have to give more than we take. Karma is the
occupation that we choose for contribution to the society.
Classification based on the composition of
three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) and the occupation one does. These 3 characters/Gunas will
influence the aptitude of a person.
In a Brahmana,
Sattva predominates. He possesses self restraint, purity, serenity,
straightforwardness, devotion, etc. He will be highly spiritual and less
interested in materialistic activity. Spiritual people should become teachers
of the society and mould the minds of young children. Dharma will be lost if
money becomes important.
In a Kshatriya,
Rajas predominates. He possesses prowess, splendor, firmness, dexterity,
generosity and the nature of a ruler. He has inclination for activity.
Contribution, service, help to others will be the prime consideration. He
doesn’t reject money but money is not the prime consideration.
In a Vaishya,
Rajas predominates and Tamas is subordinate to Rajas. Sattva is less. He does
the duty of ploughing, protection of cattle and trade. He works more but towards
a profit centered activity. His activity is called Sakamakarma activity.
In a Sudra,
Tamas predominates and Rajas is subordinate to Tamas. Sattva comes last. He is
not active. He is an illiterate. He does service to the other three castes.
This group is very close to animal. They are neither materialistic nor have
spiritual desires. Survival centric activity alone will be there in their
approach. They will do manual labour which is an unskilled activity.
Happiness does not depend upon what I have
but it depends upon what I am. You have to refine yourself more and more rather
than acquiring more and more and also be contented. Aptitude and heredity
coincided for some time. Caste system came because of heredity. We have to take occupation in keeping with
our aptitude for our well being.
Ignorance is the cause of our problem in
life. Spiritual knowledge will help us overcome all situations easily. You can
look upon ageing as a natural inevitable process. So also death will fall upon
when time comes. I have a contributing freewill. I don’t have a controlling
freewill. I can advise others but not take a decision for others.
Be blissful
S.SEKAR
Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com
