Varna Ashram – Division of Labour is based on action and inner quality

Varna Ashram – Division of Labour is based on action and inner quality

“The fourfold order was designated by Me classifying each by the different distribution of Guna and Karma.    (Gita 4:13)

The division of society into four Varnas (Brahmanas,  Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras) is based on Gunas (qualities) and Karma (action or occupation). The underlying principle in this division of society is division of labour. Human society is compared to a huge machine. The individuals and communities are like its parts. If the parts are weak and broken, the machine will not work. The human body can only work efficiently if its parts and organs are in a strong and healthy condition. So it is with human society. Every individual should perform his duties efficiently.

The Brahmana

The first and most distinguished of all the Varnas is the Brahmana. This is the learned or priestly class. Members of this class are educators, teachers, preachers, counsellors, and upholders of Dharma. The Brahmana stands in society as the head stands for the body. The Gita describes those sattvic qualities that make one a Brahmana as, “Serenity, self-restraint, austerity, purity, forgiveness, all-uprightness, knowledge and God-realization.” (18:42).

The Kshatriya

The second in rank is the Kshatriya, the ruling or the military class. Kshatriyas are men of courage and bravery. The literal meaning of ‘kshatriya’ is “he who always protects others.” They are soldiers, kings, presidents, parliamentarians, leaders and administrators. “Heroism, vigour, firmness, resourcefulness, standing up for righteousness, generosity – these are the duties of the Kshatriyas.” (18:43). They are compared to the hands of the body.

The Vaishya

The third is the Vaishya or the producing class – providers of goods and services, such as traders, industrialists, doctors, technicians, agriculturists, etc. “Agriculture, cattle-rearing, farming and trade are the duties of the Vaishyas.” (Gita 18:44). They are the belly of society.

The Shudra

The fourth is the Shudra or the labouring class. “Rendering service is the duty of the Shudras.” (18:44). This class is considered the feet of society.

It is not a question of identical opportunities for all persons to rise to the highest station in life – for people differ in their abilities, likes and make-up, but of giving equal opportunities for all so that they may bring their respective abilities to fruition. Each one should have the opportunity of achieving his human fullness. It makes little difference whether we till the soil, or do business, govern or meditate. The rules of varna recognize that different people contribute to the general good in different ways, by supplying directly urgent wants. Society is a functional organization and all functions, which are essential for the health of society are to be regarded as socially equal. Individuals are bound together in a living organic social system. All men are not equal in their capacities, but all men are equally necessary for society, and their contributions from their different stations of life are of equal value.

The classification, we have seen, is made according to natural aptitude, quality of the mind, and purity of character, and not by virtue of birth. The worth of man is in the mind and not in the body. As man evolves, Guna (quality) and mind, which are interrelated, get refined. From Shudrahood to Brahmanhood man evolves mentally.

The position of Hinduism is that among four brothers, all the four Varnas may be present.

“A father has a number of children, each different in temperament, character and occupation. One is a Pandit, another is a businessman, another a soldier, yet another a simpleton.”  (Sri Rama – Uttarkand. 86).

The real classification is based on the degree of ethical and spiritual perfection.

(Pandit Ramdial Balbadar is a prominent Aachaarya (Teacher) of Hinduism in Guyana. He is the compiler and author of many titles and has over 30 years experience in Pandits’ Training across Guyana. He is currently the President of the Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region 3).