The caste system is the division of Hindu society into groups based on rank, wealth and/or occupation. Everyone must be a part of the lowest caste (Shudra) in at least one life. One will move through the caste system through reincarnation based on karma. To reach moksha (enlightenment), one must be at the highest caste (Brahmin). The caste system is outdated and is no longer legally used in India; however, some Hindus still believe in it.
The Brahmin Caste
Brahmin is the highest caste. Brahmins focus on purity, they are strict vegetarians and give food to any group of people, but only accept food from other Brahmins. Brahmins are the reflective group, with an intuitive sense if what is right. Due to their privileged priestly position, are sought by others for religious guidance. They influence social conduct and morality by the example they set. A Brahmin's ultimate goal is to think of the good of the world, a brahmin should offer sacrifices and do them to the best of his ability. Brahmin people are spiritual and universal, and are usually scholars or teachers, Brahmins are the models of society, they have to be a positive role model. Used to follow the practice of segregation from other Castes as they believed they were inferior, a more modern approach has been adapted and castes now communicate freely.
The Brahmin Caste
Brahmin is the highest caste. Brahmins focus on purity, they are strict vegetarians and give food to any group of people, but only accept food from other Brahmins. Brahmins are the reflective group, with an intuitive sense if what is right. Due to their privileged priestly position, are sought by others for religious guidance. They influence social conduct and morality by the example they set. A Brahmin's ultimate goal is to think of the good of the world, a brahmin should offer sacrifices and do them to the best of his ability. Brahmin people are spiritual and universal, and are usually scholars or teachers, Brahmins are the models of society, they have to be a positive role model. Used to follow the practice of segregation from other Castes as they believed they were inferior, a more modern approach has been adapted and castes now communicate freely.
The Kshatriya Caste
This caste maintains law and order, is in charge of protection from foreign invaders, and to generally protect society. They are also in charge of ensuring citizens perform their duties and advance spiritually and know the sacred Hindu scriptures. Kshatriyas duties require physical strength, courage and governing skills. They follow very similar rules of rituals as the Brahmins, they must study the ancient Hindu scriptures under the guidance of a Brahmin teacher. The ultimate goal is to achieve moksha through Karman yoga. In this caste, women have many rights, you are allowed to marry one caste up and one down, therefore women can move castes in one life (not through reincarnation).
This caste maintains law and order, is in charge of protection from foreign invaders, and to generally protect society. They are also in charge of ensuring citizens perform their duties and advance spiritually and know the sacred Hindu scriptures. Kshatriyas duties require physical strength, courage and governing skills. They follow very similar rules of rituals as the Brahmins, they must study the ancient Hindu scriptures under the guidance of a Brahmin teacher. The ultimate goal is to achieve moksha through Karman yoga. In this caste, women have many rights, you are allowed to marry one caste up and one down, therefore women can move castes in one life (not through reincarnation).
The Vaishya Caste
The vaishya caste is the commoners, they are productive in labour such as agriculture and pastoral tasks and in trading. Their way of life demanded study, sacrifice and the giving of alms. They are the middle class. All castes as of vaishyas and higher are twice born. Vaishyas want to live a spiritual life in order to get the a higher caste in their next life. They want to reach spiritual enlightenment and achieve moksha (enlightenment) through Bhakti yoga. Vaishyas are wealthy, but often considered low in the caste system. However, they were still well respected and are actively a part in trade and economics . They communicate with higher castes with respect.
The vaishya caste is the commoners, they are productive in labour such as agriculture and pastoral tasks and in trading. Their way of life demanded study, sacrifice and the giving of alms. They are the middle class. All castes as of vaishyas and higher are twice born. Vaishyas want to live a spiritual life in order to get the a higher caste in their next life. They want to reach spiritual enlightenment and achieve moksha (enlightenment) through Bhakti yoga. Vaishyas are wealthy, but often considered low in the caste system. However, they were still well respected and are actively a part in trade and economics . They communicate with higher castes with respect.
The Shudra Caste
Shudra is the fourth varna, whose mythological origins are described in the Purusha Sukta of the Rig veda, one of the sacred texts of Hinduism, and later explained in the Manusmṛti. The shudras are the only section of society allowed to accept another's employment; other varnas are occupationally and financially self-sufficient. Their jobs include:
Shudra is the fourth varna, whose mythological origins are described in the Purusha Sukta of the Rig veda, one of the sacred texts of Hinduism, and later explained in the Manusmṛti. The shudras are the only section of society allowed to accept another's employment; other varnas are occupationally and financially self-sufficient. Their jobs include:
- To render service to others.
- To take pride in their work and to be loyal.
- To follow general moral principles, (e.g. not to steal).
- To marry (the only compulsory rite of passage).