{"id":365,"date":"2018-02-01T12:24:09","date_gmt":"2018-02-01T12:24:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iskconeducationalservices.org\/HoH\/?page_id=365"},"modified":"2018-11-01T07:39:50","modified_gmt":"2018-11-01T07:39:50","slug":"the-four-varnas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/iskconeducationalservices.org\/HoH\/practice\/dharma\/the-four-varnas\/","title":{"rendered":"The Four Varnas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Four Varnas<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Although every Hindu must follow general moral codes, each has individual duties according to his or her own nature. These are called sva-dharma<\/em>, literally “own duties.” They are regulated by the system of four varnas<\/em> (social classes) and four ashrams<\/em> (stages of life).<\/p>\n

The ideal varnasrama<\/em> system is discussed here. (For more information on actual practice and related issues of caste and untouchability; please see Reincarnation and Samsara<\/a>). Below we list the main duties of each of the four varnas<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Shudras (Artisans and Workers)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"The shudras<\/em> are the only section of society allowed to accept another’s employment; other varnas<\/em> are occupationally and financially self-sufficient.<\/p>\n

To render service to others.
\nTo take pride in their work and to be loyal.
\nTo follow general moral principles, (e.g. not to steal).
\nTo marry (the only compulsory rite of passage).<\/p>\n

Vaishyas (Farmers, Merchants, and Business People)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"The vaishyas<\/em> are the productive class. They and the two varnas below are called twice-born, indicating that they accept the sacred thread (symbolising spiritual initiation) and must perform certain rituals and rites of passage.<\/p>\n

To protect animals (especially cows), and the land.
\nTo create wealth and prosperity.
\nTo maintain workers with abundant food, clothes, etc.
\nTo trade ethically.
\nTo give taxes to the kshatriyas (ruling class).<\/p>\n

Kshatriyas (Warriors, Police, and Administrators)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"The kshatriyas<\/em> are the nobility, the protectors of society. Though permitted a number of privileges, they are expected to display considerable strength of body and character.<\/p>\n

To protect the citizens from harm, especially women, children, cows, brahmanas<\/em>, and the elderly.
\nTo ensure that the citizens perform their prescribed duties and advance spiritually.
\nTo be the first into battle and never to flee the battlefield.
\nTo be true to their royal word.
\nTo never refuse a challenge.
\nTo develop noble qualities such as power, chivalry, and generosity.
\nTo levy taxes (from the vaishyas only) and to never accept charity under any circumstances.
\nTo take counsel, especially from the brahmanas<\/em>.
\nTo know the scriptures, especially the artha-shastras<\/em>.
\nTo deal uncompromisingly with crime and lawlessness.
\nTo take responsibility for shortcomings in their kingdom.
\nTo conquer their own minds and senses and to enjoy only according to scriptural injunction.
\nTo beget an heir.<\/p>\n

Brahmanas (Priests, Teachers, and Intellectuals)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"The brahmanas<\/em> provide education and spiritual leadership. They determine the vision and values of any society. Traditionally their basic needs were fulfilled so that they could dedicate themselves to their spiritual tasks.They are expected to live very frugally.<\/p>\n

To study and teach the Vedas.
\nTo perform sacrifice and religious ceremonies, and teach others how to perform such rituals.
\nTo accept alms and also give in charity.
\nTo offer guidance, especially to the kshatriyas.<\/em>
\nTo provide medical care and general advice free of charge.
\nTo know Brahman (spirit, the self, God).
\nTo never accept paid employment.
\nTo develop all ideal qualities, especially honesty, integrity, cleanliness, purity, austerity, knowledge and wisdom.<\/p>\n

Scriptural Passages<\/strong><\/h4>\n

“It is better to perform one’s prescribed duties, even though faulty, than another’s duties. Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.”<\/p>\n

Bhagavad-gita<\/em> 3.35<\/p>\n

“Brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas<\/em>, and shudras<\/em> are distinguished by the qualities born of their own nature in accordance with the three material qualities.”<\/p>\n

Bhagavad-gita<\/em> 18.41<\/p>\n

See also: Bhagavad-gita<\/em> 2.31\u20138, 4.13, 18.41\u20138<\/p>\n

Related Values and Issues<\/strong><\/h4>\n