Discuss the "Caste System" in relation to modern Hinduism.

This weeks discussion question in my World Religions class:

Discuss the "Caste System" in relation to modern Hinduism.  Does it have a place in modern society?  If so, explain.  Can people be expected to maintain their "place" or is it outdated and to be discarded?

I have to admit, I am somewhat stymied this week, in reading the chapter and then visiting various websites to learn more.  What I learned is that there is so much to learn before one could ever begin to understand a system as complex as that of this incredibly ancient civilization.  The Caste System is an integral part of the system that has lasted for centuries.  This way of life, living, and interacting that is a part of the very fabric of Hinduism is not something that an outsider should judge or consider lightly. 

Many noted experts disagree as to definition of the Caste System, right down to the very translation of the words.  Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji of the India Heritage Research Foundation contends the word “Varna” ,found in the scriptures, means “class” not “caste”.   He also states  that when the Portuguese colonized parts of India, they mistakenly translated “varna vyavasthaa” as “caste system” and the mistake stuck.*

Regardless to the semantics and translations of the words, I guess what it all boils down to is treatment of each other.  Their system of “class” or “caste”, which ever word you might choose, is indisputably part of the very heart of Hinduism.   If you are of the opinion like Dr. Subramanium Swamy, author of the book, Hinduism under Siege, the caste system is a good thing based on its original intention.  He explained that the caste system was not designed as antagonistic groupings, nor was it connected to birth.  According to him, the caste system was created to keep the balance of the four powers in society-knowledge, wealth, weapons and land- from falling into one group’s hands. *

Swami Chidanand Saraswatji  points out that there is no hierarchy at all inherent in the varna system and that all parts are of equal importance and worth.  He compares it to the body saying the brain is no more important than the legs and feet, because they are all needed to work as a whole unit; each just serving different roles.  *

On the other side of the coin, many experts are of the opinion that the caste systems sets up predetermined inequalities based on things that are “unchangeable” for a person and should be completely abolished. 

 There are “classes” in every society.  There are those that are privileged from birth and like the Hindu caste system they follow in their fathers and grandfathers footsteps regarding occupation. Think here of some of the Ivy League doctors, lawyers, politicians etc.  There are others that are born in poverty and never see or even try to change their circumstances at birth.  Then there are those in the middle that do the middle man jobs and they often seem to follow in their parents footsteps having the similar, if not the same occupation.  Think here of farmers, factory workers, miners, etc.  Then, every society has their “outcasts”.  They may be considered outcast for many reasons, including race and religious reasons being near if not at the top of the list.  Think here of the slaves and burning of ‘witches’ etc.  And then there are the ones not satisfied to be “just what my parents were”.  They want to be more, to grow and enter into the next higher class of people.

Class systems seem to be a natural development of humans, even as they speak against it.  While it is certainly necessary to have each and every class of people for a people to live and thrive, it should not be something that you are stuck with for life.  Perhaps that is where the majority of the conflicting views on the caste system of Hinduism can be boiled down to.  Simply put, outsiders see their caste system as a negative thing.  The ones that are part of it seem to feel that it is as much a part of their daily life and religion as the Ten Commandments are a part of a Christian’s life. 

Certainly, injustices should be addressed by any society, especially injustices on the weak and vulnerable.   But in a case such as this, trying to change and integral part of any society or civilization runs the risk of destroying that civilization altogether.  The Hindus are adapting with times just as they have over the centuries past.  Outsiders really have no place imposing their opinions and views into something that takes lifetimes to learn.  The caste system definitely has its place in modern Hinduism and it is rapidly changing to fit the world around it.  People from different castes are serving in far different roles than in the past.  The “untouchables” are no longer called the untouchables but now are called Dalit and are protected by laws that do not allow them to be discriminated against.  Like most countries, India has its group of people that are treated badly.  It is nothing to be proud of nor continued, but fortunately, like America and many other countries, and unlike many others, India is working on moving their society forward and its religion, which is so much a part of their society, is moving forward with it.

*All quotes and references came from http://www.hinduwisdom.info/Caste_System2.htm

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That is the point that I ended on simply because it was already running long.  There is absolutely no way  to do this topic justice in limited space.  What I mainly learned this week is that Hinduism is an extremely beautiful and complex system that does not separate religion from secular life.  It would take intense study to even begin to understand the finer points necessary to have a valid opinion on a topic this broad.  I did the best I could with what I feel is inadequate knowledge or understanding. The brief time we get to spend studying each individual religion is just not enough to grasp the intricacies that are involved in each religious system.

Until next week...

Gentle Breezes

Next Week's Topic:  Discuss the Buddhist concept of Nirvana.