Caste System, Stages and Goals of life

The Caste systems is a division of society into distinct social classes that are created by birth or occupation The Caste system was originally known as varna meaning “color” The Caste system is mentioned in the Rig Veda The Gita also mentions it: there are different types of people and they have their own way to achieve perfection- depending on their personality type and role in society. The Caste system dissuades members of different castes from intermarrying Caste system

Social classes Members of society are divided into five main social classes: The priest (brahmin) The warrior-noble (kshatriya) The merchants (vaishya) The peasants (shudra) The untouchables (dalit)

The warrior-noble (kshatriya) The priest (brahmin) The warrior-noble (kshatriya) The highest caste Performs Vedic rituals Act as a counselors Act as scholars Act as cooks as well- is seen as a natural extension of the priestly relationship with fire and sacrifice May prepare food for people in all other castes as well as their own. Has the role of protecting society The traditional caste of the aristocracy Administrators Arjuna was a warrior

The merchants (vaishya) This class includes merchants, landowner, producers, farmers, moneylenders, and artisans

Males of these three upper classes – brahmin (priets), kshatriya (warrior-noble), and vaishya (merchant) – receive a sacred cord during a ceremony in their youth and afterward are called “twice-born”

The Untouchables (dalit) The peasant (shudra) The Untouchables (dalit) Does manual labor is expected to serve the higher castes. The origin of this caste probably goes back to the Aryan subjection of native people, who were forced to do the work of servants The peasant is called “once-born” They do the dirties work Cleaning toilets, sweeping streets, and collecting animal carcasses What was an early concern for hygiene led to the separation of untouchables from the rest of society

“Children of God” Untouchables have been denied the use of wells used by other social classes and have even been forbidden from entering many temples. Untouchables have been forced to live in ghettos and sometimes have been horribly mistreated Gandi urged their inclusion in regular society and gave them a new name: Harijan (means “children of God”)

Stages of life Just as the individual’s path to “correct action” is suggested by caste, traditional Hinduism holds that each stage of life also has its proper way of being lived. Every culture recognizes specific life stages through which each individual passes. Student Householder Retiree Renunciation

Ages 8-20 studies religious works Householder Student 1st stage Ages 8-20 studies religious works Intense study of the Vedas Celibacy is a necessary part of the training Lasts until marriage 2nd stage Career is essential Marriage occurs at about age 20 The person fulfills the demands of society by raising children Marriage is arranged by the parents

Retiree 3rd stage Starts with the birth of the first grand child The individual may retire from ordinary life to spend time once again on religious matters Man leaves the home to seek a spiritual quest Often in the forest Retirees may continue to live with their children and with other relatives in an extended-family setting They may eat separately from the rest of the family and spend time on religious pursuits with friends.

Renunciate 4th stage It is an option not a requirement Appropriate after retirement Live entirely free from society by leaving home The entire world is their new home A man may leave his wife but need to make sure she is protected Celibacy is expected and the sign is an orange robe Wandering ascetic

Sannyasin Renunciate aka sannyasin is considered to be outside the caste system- free to wander, begging his food along the way, and many temples feed such pilgrims The sannyasin may remain a constant traveler, making pilgrimage to the sacred sites of India Or: he may settle in an ashram (religious community) Or: live in a cave permanently The purpose of this kind of life is to hasten mystical insight, to free oneself of all attachments, to end rebirth, and to attain moksha.

The goals of life Hinduism also exhibits a respect for more worldly goals These life goals are acceptable and virtuous when practiced correctly. These goals can be achieved simultaneously The goals are: Kama Artha Dharma Moksha

Goals of Life: Dharma and Moksha Means duty Social and religious duty Complete freedom The great ocean into which all rivers eventually flow