The Vedas For All

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– The Casteless Society

The Sanatana Dharma during Vedic era had never endorsed caste system. Thus restoration of true Sanatana Dharma alone would create a casteless society in India.
The caste is always a British invention which enumerated based on occupation. But true definition of 'Jaati' as per Veda is completely different from what British defined as caste!
'Jaati' as defined by Veda is 'Samaana prasava atmika Jaatih' which means those who have similar birth source form a Jaati.

Classification of Jatti

Four broad classification of 'Prajaati' (different groups of Jaati) as envisaged by Rishis are Udbhija,Andaja, Pindaja and Ushmaja.

Udbhija: are the Jaati or group that are coming out of ground like Plants, crops etc.
Andaja: Jaati or group takes birth from eggs, like birds, reptiles etc.
Pindaja: Jaati or group are those which are born from womb or say mammals.
Ushmaja: are those Jaati or group that are reproduced due to temperature and ambient condition like bacteria, virus etc.

This Prajati (Jaati group) is further classified as jaati based on similar physical characteristic of a Jaati. This is the Jaati created by God (or nature) and can't cross breed across the Jaati. Now on mammals there are many varieties of Jaati like tiger, dog, cat, human etc. All forms a special Jaati.
Thus human belongs to one jaati that's called manav Jaati (or human race). Thus jaati is immobile but doesn't divide humans! Forget about Indian Population, in fact humans of the World in fact belongs to one Jaati. That's why Vedas say 'Vasudhyava Kutumbakam'.

However for convenience usage this jaati too referred as to a population of a country or nation. That's why national address sometimes described as a speech (Bhashan) to Jaati (nation). The term of united nation is also called as Jaati-Sangh.

Vedic Sanatan Dharma

Vedic Sanatan Dharma also called as 'Varnashram Dharma'. There are four basic Varnas called as 'Bramhin, Kshatriya, Vaisya and Shudra. Also during Vedic era there were other Varnas like Rakshyasa, Dasyu, Chandal etc. However as those are considered criminals hence not included in mainstream civilization!
Now Varna again is based on the occupation and merit. It's mobile and not at all based on birth. As per Vedic Sanatana Dharma all are born as Shudras. Then based on one's Education and occupation (which are purely on merit and choice) are upgraded to Bramhin, Kshyatriya and Vaishya varna. All these three Varna's called as Dwija (means twice born).
This proves that first biological birth made all Shudras and then due to individual capacity one is again born to a Varna. People who are involved in intellectual activities are classified as Bramhin Varna, those have profession of defense and warfare are classified as Kshatriya and those have profession of trade, economy, animal rearing agriculture (owning lands) are classified as Vaishya Varna. The remaining who due to lack of education, talent or merit have to do labor work to support all the above Varnas remain as Shudras.
Again here it must be noted that Shudras are not untouchable in Vedic culture. 'Tapase Shudram' (Yajurveda 30.5) proves that Shudras are hard working class. Also Shudras can do Tapasya!'
Thus the present caste system is no way same to Varnashrama Dharma nor does the today's Jaati (caste) have any relation with Jaati of Vedic culture. Jaati is always immobile as it's depends on birth as discussed earlier. But Varna is always mobile, as it's always a choice of profession and ability to do a certain type of work!

Let me give some examples how Varna is mobile as below.

Aitareya Rishi was a son of Chandal/criminal (even lower than Shudra Varna) became Bramhin of highest order because of his merit and education. He wrote Aitaray Bramhan and Aitoreyopanishad!
Ailush Rishi belonged to a Shudra parent but because of his individual excellence he not only became a Bramhin but also got the title of 'Acharya'.
Satyakaam Jaabal became a Brahmin despite son of prostitute!
King Dakshya's son Prisadha became a shudra. Later on he did hard Tapasya to achieve salvation! (This also proves that Shudras were equally allowed to do Tapasya, a work of Brmahin.)
Kshatriya Nedhistha's son Nabhag became Vaishya where as many of Nabhag's son became Kshatriya again and one son Dhrista became Bramhin! Dhrista's son became Kshatriya where as the next generation again became Brahmin!
Agnivesya, Rathotar, Haaritand Shaunak became Bramhin despite born to Kshatriya parents. Shaunak rishi's sons were of all four Varnas.
Matanga who was born to Shudra family became Bramhin.
Ravana born to Brmahin family but became Khatriya.
Viswamitra became Bramhin despite being born to Kshatriya family. Viswamitra's sons became Shudra.

The above proves how Vedas never endorsed birth based caste system rather opted for Varna Vyavastha depending on one's choice, success and merit. Further Shudras weren't untouchable.
Thus I reiterate that caste based system is an invention by British and western intellectuals link to Varna Vyvastha. At the same time I would say that untouchable term started doing round not during Vedic era rather during 200 BC to 600 AD, a period when Sanatan Dharma was really directionless due to domination of Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism and Jain religion which were too declining during that period.

The Vedas are a collection of sacred texts that form the foundation of Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism. They are considered to be the oldest scriptures in the world, and they contain a vast amount of knowledge on a variety of topics, including religion, philosophy, science, and art.

The Vedas are divided into four main parts: the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharva Veda. Each of these Vedas is further divided into four parts: the Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads.

The Samhitas are the oldest parts of the Vedas, and they contain the hymns and prayers that are used in Hindu rituals. The Brahmanas are commentaries on the Samhitas, and they explain the meaning of the hymns and prayers. The Aranyakas are treatises on ritual and philosophy, and they are considered to be the bridge between the Brahmanas and the Upanishads. The Upanishads are the philosophical texts of the Vedas, and they contain the highest teachings of Hinduism.

The Vedas are a vast and complex body of literature, and they have had a profound impact on Indian culture and society. They are still studied and revered by Hindus today, and they continue to provide guidance and inspiration to millions of people around the world.

The Rig Veda is the oldest Veda, and it is considered to be the most important. It contains over 1,000 hymns, which are addressed to a variety of gods and goddesses. The Rig Veda is also the source of many of the most important Hindu concepts, such as Brahman, Atman, and karma.

The Yajur Veda is a collection of sacrificial formulas that are used in Hindu rituals. It is divided into two parts: the Vajasaneyi Samhita and the Taittiriya Samhita. The Vajasaneyi Samhita is the more important of the two, and it is the source of many of the most important Hindu rituals, such as the Vedic fire sacrifice.

The Sama Veda is a collection of melodies that are used in Hindu rituals. It is based on the Rig Veda, and it contains the same hymns, but they are set to different melodies. The Sama Veda is considered to be the most sacred of the Vedas, and it is often used in rituals that are associated with the worship of Vishnu.

The Atharva Veda is the fourth and youngest Veda. It contains a variety of texts, including hymns, spells, and magical formulas. The Atharva Veda is often considered to be the Veda of the Atharvan priests, and it is often used in rituals that are associated with healing, protection, and exorcism.

The Brahmanas are commentaries on the Samhitas. They explain the meaning of the hymns and prayers, and they provide instructions on how to perform the rituals that are described in the Samhitas. The Brahmanas are also the source of many of the important Hindu concepts, such as the four castes and the four stages of life.

The Aranyakas are treatises on ritual and philosophy. They are considered to be the bridge between the Brahmanas and the Upanishads. The Aranyakas are often written in a more mystical style than the Brahmanas, and they contain some of the earliest teachings on Hindu philosophy.

The Upanishads are the philosophical texts of the Vedas. They contain the highest teachings of Hinduism, and they are considered to be the source of many of the most important Hindu concepts, such as Brahman, Atman, and karma. The Upanishads are also the source of many of the Hindu Yoga/”>Yoga and meditation practices.

The Vedas have had a profound impact on Indian culture and society. They are still studied and revered by Hindus today, and they continue to provide guidance and inspiration to millions of people around the world.

The Vedas have also influenced other religions and cultures around the world. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans were familiar with the Vedas, and they borrowed some of their ideas about religion and philosophy from the Vedas. The Vedas have also influenced Buddhism and Jainism, two other major religions that originated in India.

The Vedas are a vast and complex body of literature, and they continue to be studied and debated by scholars around the world. They are a valuable source of information about ancient Indian culture and religion, and they continue to provide guidance and inspiration to millions of people around the world.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Vedas, along with short answers:

What are the Vedas?
The Vedas are a collection of sacred Hindu texts that are believed to be the oldest scriptures in the world. They are considered to be the foundation of Hinduism and contain a vast amount of knowledge on a variety of topics, including philosophy, religion, science, and medicine.
What are the four Vedas?
The four Vedas are the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharva Veda. Each Veda is further divided into four parts: the Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads.
What are the Samhitas?
The Samhitas are the oldest parts of the Vedas and contain the hymns and prayers that are used in Hindu rituals.
What are the Brahmanas?
The Brahmanas are the next oldest parts of the Vedas and contain instructions on how to perform the rituals described in the Samhitas.
What are the Aranyakas?
The Aranyakas are the third oldest parts of the Vedas and contain philosophical discussions on the meaning of the rituals described in the Samhitas and Brahmanas.
What are the Upanishads?
The Upanishads are the youngest parts of the Vedas and contain the most philosophical and metaphysical teachings of Hinduism.
What is the significance of the Vedas?
The Vedas are considered to be the most sacred texts in Hinduism and are believed to be the direct revelations of God. They are the foundation of Hindu philosophy and religion and contain a vast amount of knowledge on a variety of topics.
How are the Vedas used today?
The Vedas are still used today in Hindu rituals and ceremonies. They are also studied by Hindu scholars and philosophers.
What are some of the key teachings of the Vedas?
Some of the key teachings of the Vedas include the belief in one God, the importance of karma and reincarnation, and the goal of moksha or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
What are some of the criticisms of the Vedas?
Some of the criticisms of the Vedas include the fact that they are often seen as being sexist and patriarchal. They have also been criticized for their promotion of violence and animal sacrifice.
What are some of the benefits of studying the Vedas?
Some of the benefits of studying the Vedas include gaining a deeper understanding of Hindu philosophy and religion, developing a more spiritual connection to God, and finding inner peace and fulfillment.

The Vedas

The Vedas are a collection of sacred texts that form the foundation of Hinduism. They are considered to be the oldest scriptures in the world, and they are believed to have been revealed to ancient sages by the gods. The Vedas are divided into four parts: the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharva Veda. Each Veda contains hymns, rituals, and philosophical texts.

The Rig Veda is the oldest and most important of the Vedas. It contains over 1,000 hymns, which are addressed to various gods and goddesses. The Yajur Veda contains sacrificial formulas that are used in Vedic rituals. The Sama Veda contains melodies that are used in Vedic rituals. The Atharva Veda contains spells and incantations that are used for protection and healing.

The Vedas are a rich source of information about ancient Indian culture and religion. They provide insights into the beliefs and practices of the Vedic people. The Vedas are also a valuable source of knowledge about the history of India.

MCQs

Which of the following is not a Veda?
(A) Rig Veda
(B) Yajur Veda
(C) Sama Veda
(D) Atharva Veda
The Vedas are considered to be the oldest scriptures in the world. True or False?
The Vedas are divided into four parts. True or False?
The Rig Veda is the oldest and most important of the Vedas. True or False?
The Yajur Veda contains sacrificial formulas that are used in Vedic rituals. True or False?
The Sama Veda contains melodies that are used in Vedic rituals. True or False?
The Atharva Veda contains spells and incantations that are used for protection and healing. True or False?
The Vedas are a rich source of information about ancient Indian culture and religion. True or False?
The Vedas provide insights into the beliefs and practices of the Vedic people. True or False?
The Vedas are also a valuable source of knowledge about the history of India. True or False?