On what basis is the varna of a soul decided? (Four varnas – brahman, vaishya, kshatriya, and sudra)
चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं
गुणकर्मविभागशः ।
तस्य कर्तारमपि मां
विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् ॥
cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭaṁ
guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ
tasya kartāram api māṁ
viddhy akartāram avyayam
[BG 4.13]Definition: According to the three modes of material nature and the work ascribed to them, the four divisions of human society were created by Me. And, although I am the creator of this system, you should know that I am yet the non-doer, being unchangeable.
Bhagwan is the one who divided all humans into four categories. What is the basis of this division?
It is based on the fruits of the past deeds of each soul.
If a soul performs pious deeds, then the soul is born in a brahmin’s family. If a soul performs bad deeds, then he is born in a bad family and bad environment. Thus, the varna of a soul completely depends on the past deeds of the soul.
On the other hand, what is the basis of the ashram (lifestyle) of a soul? (Four ashram – brahmacharya, grihastha, vanaprastha, and sannyasa)
Our lifestyle depends on the intensity of our desire to achieve kalyan.
If a person decides that he wants to reach Bhagwan in this very life and not reach anywhere else whatsoever, then sannyasa ashram (saintly lifestyle) is his best choice.
In general, out of the four ashrams, which one is the greatest?
Grihastha ashram (being a householder) is the greatest. Why?
Grihastha ashram is the feeder of all other ashrams. They feed sanyasis, vanaprastha, brahmachari, and everyone.
Though grihastha ashram is the greatest, it has no respect in society. In turn, householders respect and worship brahmachari, sanyasis, and vanaprastha ashram.
Why is a householder not much valued in society?
Because the desire of a householder to achieve kalyan is weak and unclear.
The householders think, “If I achieve kalyan, that is great. If not, no problem. I will eat, drink, and enjoy everything available in this world.”
They also think, “I will take up householder lifestyle, will have kids, and grow them up. Then I will fulfill all the desires of my kids. I will grow economically as well.”
A householder’s decision is influenced by selfish motives and desires, and not motivated by kalyan. And so, he is not admired or respected as much as saints. Even if someone is an excellent householder, he is not admired as much as a saint.
Maharaj considered Mayaram Bhatt as one of the most detached souls. Yet he is not as respected and admired as a saint. On the other side, people admire and respect Rolanand Swami. [Rolanand Swami was a disciple of Ramanand Swami but was against Muktanand Swami. He had evil intentions and he thinks he is better than others.]
Why did people admire and respect Rolanand Swami but not Mayaram Bhatt?
Because the initial decision of Rolanand Swami to become a saint was based on his hunger for his own kalyan. After becoming a saint, whether he has any saintly qualities or not is known only to himself and Bhagwan. But his initial decision was right and was based on his aspiration to achieve kalyan.
That is the reason society and scriptures give at most respect to a saint.
References:
- Chosathpadi Katha Part 19 (Pad 21).
- Chosathpadi Katha Part 20 (Pad 21).
- cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭaṁ – Bg. 4.13 (vedabase.io)