FOUR TYPES OF CASTES BASED ON FOUR TYPES OF OCCUPATION AND GUNAS AS GIVEN IN SASTRAS

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