Arya, Caste

Q. 27. What is the meaning of Arya?

A. 27. Yogi Aurobindo stated: "Arya is a person who has a well governed life, with courage, gentleness, purity, humanity, compassion, a protector of liberty and the weak, with observance of social duties, an eagerness for knowledge, and one who respects the wise and the learned." Therefore, Arya is a civilized noble person with all these social accomplishments.

Yogi Aurobindo stated: "Arya is a person who has a well governed life, with courage, gentleness, purity, humanity, compassion, a protector of liberty and the weak, with observance of social duties, an eagerness for knowledge, and one who respects the wise and the learned." Therefore, Arya is a civilized noble person with all these social accomplishments.

  1. The simple meaning of 'Arya' is defined as noble. The correct nomenclature is Arya and not the 'Aryan'. In Valmiki's Ramayana, Sita addressed Sri Rama as 'Arya'. Yogiraj Sri Krsna addressed Arjuna as 'Arya' in the gita. Vedavyasa, also defined the word 'Arya' in Mahabharata as follows:

    2. In Valmiki's Ramayana, Sita addressed Sri Rama as 'Arya'. Yogiraj Sri Krsna addressed Arjuna as 'Arya' in the gita. Vedavyasa, also defined the word 'Arya' in Mahabharata as follows:

Na vairamuddipayati prasantam,

Na darpamarohati nast ameti.

Na durmato-smiti karotyakarya,

Tamaryasilam paramahuraryah.

Na sve sukhe vai kurute parharsa,

Nanyasya dukhe bhavati visadi

Datva na paschat kurute-nutapam,

Na kathyate satpurusarya silah.

"Arya is one who is neither boastful, nor re-ignites the resolved animosity, nor becomes desperate, nor acts recklessly in adversities."

"One who is neither snobbish nor exploits others, nor despises deeds and dedications, is said to have the distinctive features of an Arya."

This verse describes the qualities of an Arya:

Jnani tustascha dantascha, satyavadi jitendriyah.

Data dayalurnamrascha, Syadaryo' stabhirgunaih.

The eight characteristics of an Arya are stated as follows:

  1. Jnani is learned scholar of the Vedas.

  2. Posses sustenance of a steady state of contentment,

  3. Able to restrain self in adversities,

  4. Truthful,

  5. Free from vices,

  6. Dedicated,

  7. Kind,

  8. Generous.

Arya does not indicate any race, sect, or ethnicity. Therefore, the question of Arya, or the Aryan invasion of India, does not arise. The myth of Arya, or the Aryan invasion of India, was perpetuated by the British during their rule over India (See the chapter on distorted chronology). Therefore, no Indian can say that the British were foreigners, for no one could force them to leave India. Their policy of divide and rule gave birth to another myth which claims that the 'Dravids of south India' were of a different race. This propaganda was used for the imperialistic indulgences of the British, but the fact is that the word 'Dravid' denotes 'divine prosperity' are called Dravids.

Therefore, the question of Arya, or the Aryan invasion of India, does not arise. The myth of Arya, or the Aryan invasion of India, was perpetuated by the British during their rule over India (See the chapter on distorted chronology). Therefore, no Indian can say that the British were foreigners, for no one could force them to leave India. Their policy of divide and rule gave birth to another myth which claims that the 'Dravids of south India' were of a different race. This propaganda was used for the imperialistic indulgences of the British, but the fact is that the word 'Dravid' denotes 'divine prosperity' are called Dravids.

Therefore, a common person would address rich people as 'Dravid' and a noble person as 'Arya'.

Atharvaveda, xii.5.8-10, while defining Dharma de-scribed Dravinam, as divine prosperity. Pandava Gita Sloka, twenty-eight, asserts the same definition of Dravinam as being the repertoire of all material possession along with a prosperous life.

Q. 28. What is Svasti?

A. 28. Svasti means peace, progress, and prosperity. The distorted word is svastika. Svasti is represented as a symbol in the Kharosthi script, akin to a cross with extended sub-arms in a counter-clock- wise or clock-wise direction. Kharosthi is now almost extinct, but the symbol of Svasti is well accepted by Hindus all over the world including the Hindus of Indonesia and Bali.

 The distorted word is svastika. Svasti is represented as a symbol in the Kharosthi script, akin to a cross with extended sub-arms in a counter-clock- wise or clock-wise direction. Kharosthi is now almost extinct, but the symbol of Svasti is well accepted by Hindus all over the world including the Hindus of Indonesia and Bali.

The symbol of Svasti is prima facie at all auspicious occasions. Prior to any ceremony or auspicious occasion, a Svasti symbol is marked at the spot to invoke 'prosperity' (Also refer to Question number 10).

The mammoth entrance of a ninth century stone Hindu temple in Bali, Indonesia shows the magnificent Svasti symbols in both clock-wise and anti-clockwise directions (see Figure above).

The National Geographic magazine, Vol.189, No.3, March, 1996, while describing 'The Silk Road's Lost World' through central Asia, referred to the archaeological findings of gave diggings found at a place called Niya. At this place a wooden bowl was found that shows a Svasti symbol engraved in anticlockwise directions (see Figure). Niya carvings on a small wooden door reflected Indian elephants as one would see at the atrium of dwellings in the present day rural and urban Rajasthan, India.

In the early 1900s the British archaeologist, Sir Aurel Stein, found 'hundreds of wooden documents' in Kharosthi script, an Indian alphabet of Aramaic origin dating back to the fifth century B.C., and these documents were often used for Silk Road transactions.

Note : The true spirits of Arya and Svastika are distorted. These distorted meanings of Arya and Svastika are still used in some groups and countries. These particular groups still take unfair advantage of these pious names and symbols. Hopefully, God will grant them insight, so these groups may understand the appropriate meanings of Arya, a civilized noble person, and of Svastika, which means peace, progress, and prosperity.

Q. 29. What is the main Mantra, verse, or hymn which is acceptable as a prayer to all Hindus?

A. 29. 'Gayatri Mantra', is the main Mantra, verse, or hymn, acceptable as a prayer to all Hindus.

is the main Mantra, verse, or hymn, acceptable as a prayer to all Hindus.

Om bhur bhuvah svah. Tatsavitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhimahi. Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.

- Yajurveda 36-3

- Yajurveda 36-3

God, You are the creator and protector of the universe, giver of life and of prosperity. You are the reliever of misery and suffering. Alone, You are worthy of worship. You are Luminous, Self-effulgent, Pure, and Divine. We meditate on God, who is the giver of intellect to guide our intellectual faculties in the right direction.

Q. 30. What is Agnihotra or Hawan, pronounced as Ha-[sound of 'H' as in Hawaii]-One?

A. 30. It is a process of religious, ceremonial, and devotional offerings of purified butter, Ghi, and a mixture of natural botanicals and aromatic herbs called samagri. This samagri is placed on a specially ignited fire in a particular rectangular pan called a Havan Kund, or a special altar. During this process divine Vedic hymns are recited. This whole ceremony is known as Agnihotra, or Havan. It is also known as Homam, or Homa. It is pronounced as 'home'. The process of Agnihotra purifies the air as studied by Dr. Satya Prakash, 1935, Dean of the Chemistry Department of Allahabad University, Allahabad, UP, India.

It is a process of religious, ceremonial, and devotional offerings of purified butter, Ghi, and a mixture of natural botanicals and aromatic herbs called samagri. This samagri is placed on a specially ignited fire in a particular rectangular pan called a Havan Kund, or a special altar. During this process divine Vedic hymns are recited. This whole ceremony is known as Agnihotra, or Havan. It is also known as Homam, or Homa. It is pronounced as 'home'. The process of Agnihotra purifies the air as studied by Dr. Satya Prakash, 1935, Dean of the Chemistry Department of Allahabad University, Allahabad, UP, India.

The message is 'not to sacrifice the environment for the sake of human growth, but the message is to live in harmony with the environment.'

The prefix, 'Agni' in Agnihotra, has several meanings in Vedic literature. Apart from its physical meaning, spiritually, it represents the first syllable 'A' of AUM, Om. Agni is the name of God as Self-Effulgent, Resplendent, Illuminator, Brilliant, Effulgent, the Great Universal Soul who is One, Without a Second, All Knowing, Supreme Being, Omniscient, Divya Shining, or Divine (Rgveda 1.1.1, 1.24.1, 1.242., 8.44.23., 30.2.1., 1.164.46).

During Agnihotra one explores and tries to realize the presence of the above qualities of God within oneself. Spiritually, it helps bring one closer to the realization of God in the individual.

Q. 31. What is Yajna and Yajna-Sesa?

A. 31. Like Dharma, Yajna is a Sanskrit word that is difficult to translate in English. The meaning of Yajna is 'sanctified creative activity and constant collective efforts to undertake benevolent endeavors towards the growth of people without a selfish motto'.

 Like Dharma, Yajna is a Sanskrit word that is difficult to translate in English. The meaning of Yajna is 'sanctified creative activity and constant collective efforts to undertake benevolent endeavors towards the growth of people without a selfish motto'.

In simple language Yajna means continuous, selfless, and dedicated efforts towards the service of humanity in order to offer these benevolent efforts to the Impersonal, All Pervading Reality, Brahman, or God.

Any significant benefit that remains after undertaking sanctified creative continuum, dedicated activity, or effort, is called Yajna-Sesa. Sri Krsna, in the Gita asked devotees to offer Yajna-Sesa to undertake real dedication and devotion, or Dharma. The best example is of Asvamedha Yajna.

Q. 34. Describe Asram and how one should lead a life?

A. 34. Asram is a Sanskrit word that can be used to describe either a place or a phase of life. There are four phases, or Asrams, in the life of a person. The Vedas have determined that the human life span consists of one hundred years. Manu, the law provider, compiled all the natural laws in a book called Manusmrti. Human life is divided into four stages that are necessary for an individual, as well as, for societal growth and prosperity. Manusmrti describes the manner in which to live. Four further points are listed as follows:

 Asram is a Sanskrit word that can be used to describe either a place or a phase of life. There are four phases, or Asrams, in the life of a person. The Vedas have determined that the human life span consists of one hundred years. Manu, the law provider, compiled all the natural laws in a book called Manusmrti. Human life is divided into four stages that are necessary for an individual, as well as, for societal growth and prosperity. Manusmrti describes the manner in which to live. Four further points are listed as follows:

  1. Brahmacharya Asram-The first phase of life, from the birth to age 25, is designated to educate, to acquire skills, and to prepare one to earn a living.

  2. Grhastha Asram-The second phase of life, 25 to 50 years of age is designated for further progress, prosperity and propagation; such as marriage, children, and work.

  3. Vanaprastha Asram-The third phase of life, from 50 years to 75 years of age, is designated to the achievements of life. This stage is for exploring life's goals including retirement.

  4. Samnyasa Asram-The fourth phase of life consists of the twilight years from seventy-five years of age onwards. This stage is meant to serve humanity and to impart gained knowledge and experiences, selflessly, for the betterment of whole universe. Selfless service to humanity is the main motto of Samnyasa Asram.

    5. The first phase of life, from the birth to age 25, is designated to educate, to acquire skills, and to prepare one to earn a living.

  5. Grhastha Asram-The second phase of life, 25 to 50 years of age is designated for further progress, prosperity and propagation; such as marriage, children, and work.

  6. Vanaprastha Asram-The third phase of life, from 50 years to 75 years of age, is designated to the achievements of life. This stage is for exploring life's goals including retirement.

  7. Samnyasa Asram-The fourth phase of life consists of the twilight years from seventy-five years of age onwards. This stage is meant to serve humanity and to impart gained knowledge and experiences, selflessly, for the betterment of whole universe. Selfless service to humanity is the main motto of Samnyasa Asram.

    8. The second phase of life, 25 to 50 years of age is designated for further progress, prosperity and propagation; such as marriage, children, and work.

  8. Vanaprastha Asram-The third phase of life, from 50 years to 75 years of age, is designated to the achievements of life. This stage is for exploring life's goals including retirement.

  9. Samnyasa Asram-The fourth phase of life consists of the twilight years from seventy-five years of age onwards. This stage is meant to serve humanity and to impart gained knowledge and experiences, selflessly, for the betterment of whole universe. Selfless service to humanity is the main motto of Samnyasa Asram.

    10. The third phase of life, from 50 years to 75 years of age, is designated to the achievements of life. This stage is for exploring life's goals including retirement.

  10. Samnyasa Asram-The fourth phase of life consists of the twilight years from seventy-five years of age onwards. This stage is meant to serve humanity and to impart gained knowledge and experiences, selflessly, for the betterment of whole universe. Selfless service to humanity is the main motto of Samnyasa Asram.

    11. The fourth phase of life consists of the twilight years from seventy-five years of age onwards. This stage is meant to serve humanity and to impart gained knowledge and experiences, selflessly, for the betterment of whole universe. Selfless service to humanity is the main motto of Samnyasa Asram.

Q. 35. What is Varna?

A. 35. Great Manu classified society into four sections to promote peace and prosperity (Manu 1.31). These sections are based on aptitude, innate qualities, inclinations, and voluntary vocational selections, or Karmna that are never given by birth, Janamana, but by vocations only. These sections are called Varnas. Varna is singular and is pronounced as varn. The Varnas are described as follows:

Great Manu classified society into four sections to promote peace and prosperity (Manu 1.31). These sections are based on aptitude, innate qualities, inclinations, and voluntary vocational selections, or Karmna that are never given by birth, Janamana, but by vocations only. These sections are called Varnas. Varna is singular and is pronounced as varn. The Varnas are described as follows:

  1. Brahmin: The intellectual class of society is primarily engaged in devotional services to God. This includes the study of scriptures and imparting the gained knowledge to society through education. The method helps to propagate the study of scriptures (Manu 1.31), the 'Think Tank' of the society.

  2. Katrina: The governing class of society. Ksatriya includes rulers, warriors, and soldiers. The governing class is the ruling, martial, and administrative sector of society.

  3. Vaisya : The commerce sector of society. It consists mainly of traders, farmers, salespersons, and others who are engaged in production, or manufacturing or distribution, and other related business or commerce.

  4. Sudra: Sudra includes people who are physically inclined to work, those who are skilled and unskilled laborers, as well as, occupations in transportation and allied activities. This is the service sector of the society.

    Q. 36. Are these Varnas to be treated differently?

    A. 36. No. all Varnas are an essential part of society, and one is neither higher nor lower than the other. The caste system is wrong, and the system was propagated by the British to cause internal turmoil, so the people would be easier for them to rule. Vedas have described society as follows:

    5.  The intellectual class of society is primarily engaged in devotional services to God. This includes the study of scriptures and imparting the gained knowledge to society through education. The method helps to propagate the study of scriptures (Manu 1.31), the 'Think Tank' of the society.

  5. Katrina: The governing class of society. Ksatriya includes rulers, warriors, and soldiers. The governing class is the ruling, martial, and administrative sector of society.

  6. Vaisya : The commerce sector of society. It consists mainly of traders, farmers, salespersons, and others who are engaged in production, or manufacturing or distribution, and other related business or commerce.

  7. Sudra: Sudra includes people who are physically inclined to work, those who are skilled and unskilled laborers, as well as, occupations in transportation and allied activities. This is the service sector of the society.

    Q. 36. Are these Varnas to be treated differently?

    A. 36. No. all Varnas are an essential part of society, and one is neither higher nor lower than the other. The caste system is wrong, and the system was propagated by the British to cause internal turmoil, so the people would be easier for them to rule. Vedas have described society as follows:

    8.  Ksatriya includes rulers, warriors, and soldiers. The governing class is the ruling, martial, and administrative sector of society.

  8. Vaisya : The commerce sector of society. It consists mainly of traders, farmers, salespersons, and others who are engaged in production, or manufacturing or distribution, and other related business or commerce.

  9. Sudra: Sudra includes people who are physically inclined to work, those who are skilled and unskilled laborers, as well as, occupations in transportation and allied activities. This is the service sector of the society.

    Q. 36. Are these Varnas to be treated differently?

    A. 36. No. all Varnas are an essential part of society, and one is neither higher nor lower than the other. The caste system is wrong, and the system was propagated by the British to cause internal turmoil, so the people would be easier for them to rule. Vedas have described society as follows:

    10.  The commerce sector of society. It consists mainly of traders, farmers, salespersons, and others who are engaged in production, or manufacturing or distribution, and other related business or commerce.

  10. Sudra: Sudra includes people who are physically inclined to work, those who are skilled and unskilled laborers, as well as, occupations in transportation and allied activities. This is the service sector of the society.

    Q. 36. Are these Varnas to be treated differently?

    A. 36. No. all Varnas are an essential part of society, and one is neither higher nor lower than the other. The caste system is wrong, and the system was propagated by the British to cause internal turmoil, so the people would be easier for them to rule. Vedas have described society as follows:

    11.  Sudra includes people who are physically inclined to work, those who are skilled and unskilled laborers, as well as, occupations in transportation and allied activities. This is the service sector of the society.

    Q. 36. Are these Varnas to be treated differently?

    A. 36. No. all Varnas are an essential part of society, and one is neither higher nor lower than the other. The caste system is wrong, and the system was propagated by the British to cause internal turmoil, so the people would be easier for them to rule. Vedas have described society as follows:

Q. 36. Are these Varnas to be treated differently?

A. 36. No. all Varnas are an essential part of society, and one is neither higher nor lower than the other. The caste system is wrong, and the system was propagated by the British to cause internal turmoil, so the people would be easier for them to rule. Vedas have described society as follows:

Brahmanoasya mukhmasid bahu rajanyah krtah,

Uru tadasya yadvaisyah padbhyam sudro ajayata.

BY the grace of God that section of society, which bestows knowledge through oratory, powers are Brahmins. Those who have powers to protect through arms are Ksatriyas, and the ones who take care of the main body or trunk of the society, 'prosperity', are Vaisyas, and the Sudras move society forward.

Nirukta defines 'Varna' as Varno Varnote (2.1.40); Varna is whatever is adopted, implemented, or executed. As described earlier, Varna is never 'Janmana'. It means Varna is never by birth, but by ones' own propensities which is fallaciously portrayed by the caste system.

Manu classified the society with good faith but during the last millennium the classification has gone totally haywire. The most important factor remains to be the constant subjugation of Hindu society by foreign forces and ideologies.

All Varnas are equal. All Varnas are equally important to sustain society. By virtue of this societal division, Hindu society was able to survive during the treacherous times of foreign subjugation, and not a single scripture sanctions differential treatment.

Q. 37. What is the difference between Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin?

A. 37. Brahman: The word Brahman is pronounced as 'Brh-mn'. Brahman describes the Eternal, Supreme Being, the Absolute Ruler, and the Ultimate Reality that pervades and transcends all things, God.

The word Brahman is pronounced as 'Brh-mn'. Brahman describes the Eternal, Supreme Being, the Absolute Ruler, and the Ultimate Reality that pervades and transcends all things, God.

Brahma : It is pronounced as b-r-h-maa'. Brahma is a concrete representation of creating the attribute of God as a Creator. Brahma is expressed in the form of a trinity, or a mythological triad of Creator; Propagator; Re-Creator, or Destroyer, respectively, Brahma+Visnu+Siva. Allegorically, Brahma is represented by four faces to express the imparting of knowledge in all four directions: east, west, south, and north. Brahma is also a title given to a designated person during Agnihotra who makes sure that all the activities of Agnihotra are conducted appropriately. Brahma is a silent conductor and administrator of Agnihotra. Anyone who knows all the four Vedas is also called Brahma.

It is pronounced as b-r-h-maa'. Brahma is a concrete representation of creating the attribute of God as a Creator. Brahma is expressed in the form of a trinity, or a mythological triad of Creator; Propagator; Re-Creator, or Destroyer, respectively, Brahma+Visnu+Siva. Allegorically, Brahma is represented by four faces to express the imparting of knowledge in all four directions: east, west, south, and north. Brahma is also a title given to a designated person during Agnihotra who makes sure that all the activities of Agnihotra are conducted appropriately. Brahma is a silent conductor and administrator of Agnihotra. Anyone who knows all the four Vedas is also called Brahma.

Brahmin: It is pronounced as 'Braa-h-min'. it is one of the four sections of society, or Varna, that is based on a vocational division. It is an intellectual class of society that deals primarily with the devotional or priestly services to God as described by the law provider, Manu. (See answer to number 35).

 It is pronounced as 'Braa-h-min'. it is one of the four sections of society, or Varna, that is based on a vocational division. It is an intellectual class of society that deals primarily with the devotional or priestly services to God as described by the law provider, Manu. (See answer to number 35).