From the Hindu October 24 2014 Qualifying Factor “The most fascinating aspect in human beings is the differences in physical and subtle natures that are unique to each individual. In addition, birth wealth status learning valor skill achievements etc. also compound the differences. Scriptural tradition speaks of the four Varnas—the Brahmana, the Kshatriya, the Vaisya and the Sudra –as a means of classification where the Brahman is seen to b e distinct in terms of knowledge and the Kshatriyas in terms of valor and so on. The term “Brahmana” is discussed in the Upanishads and sacred texts and it’s shown that only a person in whom are manifest • Truthfulness • Charity • Forbearance • Good conduct • Ahimsa • Austerity • Compassion is a “Brahmana” according to the sacred tradition. The import of the term “Brahmana” refers to the knower of Brahman and the Puranas show that many sages DO NOT necessarily hail from the Brahmana category by birth. Vasistha was born to Urvasi (nymph community?), Rishyasringa to a deer, and Agasthya to a pot and so on. Sage Valmiki is held to have been a robber earlier and by association with the Saptarishis and later with the Narada , he underwent a transformation and became a sage-or Brahmin by Karma. It is held that Narada kindled his conscience and asked him to meditate on Rama Nama. He accepted this instruction in both body and soul and mediated intensely for many years. In due course the anthill; grew around him and he came out of it An individual’s worth rests only on his conduct and inner purity by which he pursues the quest to realize the Brahman. Those in whom this conduct is absent are to be exempted from the Brahmin category though they may lay claim to this title by birth alone!” [From the talk by Sri Mani David Sastrigal] THIS MEANS THAT SO LONG AS YOU DON’T CAUSE TROUBLE TO OTHERS AND SELF CULTIVATE TO AHVE A STERLING CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY YOU ARE or CAN BE A BRAHMIN. Indeed a “Sacred thread” is just a normal thread!
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 07:37:27 +0000
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