STUDY CIRCLE THE VARNA ASHRAMA SYSTEM DATE: SATURDAY, 15 TH APRIL 2017
CONTENT Recap The Varna Ashrama System Discussion
RECAP
RECAP The Upanishadic Beginnings 1. What is the subtle difference between Vedas and Upanishads? The Vedas main focus were mainly focused on the ritualistic aspects and community welfare of the society. Where as Upanishads constitute the completion of the Vedas which emphasises on Self Realisation. 2. Are the Upanishads only to be available to certain groups of people? No, it is available to everyone. 3. Can Vedic Rituals lead one to liberation? No, it must be in conjunct with one s conduct and actions which can lead one to liberation. 4. What leads one to Liberation? Application of Self Knowledge.
Over a great period of time, the Upanishadic tradition of renunciation and asceticism became a part of the social norm in India. The tradition developed into a doctrine called the varna -ashrama system which states that each person should move though certain prescribed stages of life based on their societal position, or caste (varna), and stage of life (ashrama). Although caste was originally related to one's occupation and natural predisposition toward spiritual matters, it became a hereditary condition.
The doctrine states that there are four major stages of life. In the first, the Brahmacharya stage, a young person engages in a period of celibate spiritual study prior to marriage. That stage forms the basis later life, for in the Bramacharya stage one studies the spiritual basis of life. In the Grihasta stage, one marries and lives with wife and family as a householder, acting piously and supporting righteousness in society.
This is followed by the Vanaprashta stage, during which one gives up worldly duties to live a secluded life and to further study spiritual teachings. Finally one renounces all attachments to the world to live as a Sanyasi (renunciant). The sanyasi moves about in the world with no attachments to home or family while attempting to attain Self realisation. By following the correct dharma (spiritual attitude) in each stage of one enhances one's devotion to God and gains wisdom to prepare for the culmination of spiritual awakening. Each stage endeavours prepare the individual for spiritual fulfillment during their lifetime.
For atmavicharana (inquiry into the reality of being), ashramadharma (adherence to proper duties for each stage of life) is very essential. Through adherence to the regulations and prescriptions of conduct and study assigned to each stage or ashram, the earning of knowledge and wisdom is made easy and automatic. Wisdom can come only through work as worship. The ashramas guide man to sublimate all activity into worship. - Sathya Sai Speaks 9, pp.165-166
The varna-ashrama system does not discriminate between the various castes in determining who is qualified to pursue the path of God - realisation. In spiritual matters, there can be no discrimination based on sex, caste, nationality, or other false bodily distinctions. Traditionally, brahmins are the only caste authorised to perform Vedic rituals and to act as priests. But any aspirant, whether man or woman, can achieve the goal of liberation within the prescribed duties of their caste and stage of life. By transforming work into worship, a member of any caste group at any age can attain the highest.
They are of all castes and ages and of both sexes. Vasishta was born of a public woman; Narada's mother was a washerwoman; Valmiki belonged to the hunter caste; Viswamitra was a Kshatriya (warrior); Matanga was a member of the depressed classes. The inference is that what is important enough is constant meditation on the Lord, not the labels of caste or creed. - Jnana Vahini, pp.32-33
Members of all castes and all religions claim equal opportunity on the path to liberation. What is important is that each individual performs their own worldly and spiritual duties. Each aspirant must be cognisant of the duties owed to parents, spouse, children, and society. However, the seeker of liberation should always remember to carry on spiritual search even while engaged in the world. All material attachments must one day be surrendered. However, if one is able to detach from desire for worldly fame and riches, one may attain realisation while living in society. Righteous life in the world may be as much of a spiritual discipline as the ancient sages accomplished by their penance in the forests.
He has declared that the grihastha too attains moksha; only he must follow strictly the dharma laid down for his ashrama (station in life). There is no doubt that everyone, to whichever ashrama he may belong, who adheres to the dharma of that ashrama, will attain moksha. - Dharma Vahini, p. 55
The ancient tradition of varna-ashrama system encouraged principally older men in the latter years of their lives to give up attachments to family and possessions and to retire to the seclusion rural settings for meditation. However, in modern times, many spiritual teachers have recommended that renunciation can be accomplished without leaving society. If desires and attachments are released, physical removal from the home and family is not needed. In fact, one can remain active in the world while pursuing the spiritual path done without desire for the benefits is a potent spiritual path that may lead to better and more enjoyable results than non-action. Krishna made this point to Arjuna when he instructed Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra
Krishna: "Sanyasa (renunciation) and karma yoga (the path of dedicated action) both lead you to the same goal of liberation, O Arjuna! But know this. There is greater joy in doing work than in giving up work.... So, better than giving up of karma, is the renunciation of the fruits of actions; it yields greater joy. - Prashanti Vahini, p.48
Ramana Maharshi, the sage of Arunachala Mountain in India, encouraged his followers to remain active in the world but release mental attachments to worldly gains. He did not believe they would benefit from leaving their homes and families. He considered that abandoning dependents was unnecessary and even detrimental to an aspirant s spiritual progress. So also, Sathya Sai Baba recommends that devotees remain in the world and even get married. The renunciation required for spiritual success is a mental condition, not one of physical circumstances.
In fact, one can often progress more quickly on the spiritual path by living in the world. The world tests our renunciation and humility every day. We would not get the same opportunity to gauge our progress while living in solitude in a cave. By living in society, we can work to reduce ego and desire and we can measure our success through our daily trials. Through service to others in society, we can also win the grace of God and march more quickly to the goal of spiritual awakening.
No avatar, you will note, has granted sanyasa to any aspirant. These external insignia are not essential or even necessary. Non-attachment born out of wisdom and fostered by the Grace of the Lord, that is the precious capital for spiritual advance. - Sathya Sai Speaks 2, p.105
DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION 1. What is the Varna Ashrama System? 2. Why is it not considered as a predominant system to be followed today? 3. How is one able to attain moksha while leading a Grihasta (householder) life? 4. Why is physical renunciation from society not recommended? 5. How can we practice renunciation while in society?
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