Hindu Dharma Sastras (ancient law books) ban foreign travel. Crossing the sea was a taboo in those days. There were reasons for it. But great Brahmins like Agastya and Kaundinya travelled to South East Asia and established a Hindu empire which lasted 1300 years in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. I have written a lot about it my earlier posts.
His Holiness Sachidananda Siva Abhinava Narasimha Bharati Svaminah of Sringeri Mutt (33rd Head of Sringeri Shankara Mutt) answered a devotee’s question on the ban on orthodox Hindus travelling abroad.
Some gentlemen pleaded with His Holiness for relaxation of the rules prohibiting foreign travel and urged the great need and the advantages of such travel in the interests of the welfare and advancement of our country.
Brahmanyam is the highest asset of a Brahmana and for preserving it he is asked not to mix with all and sundry people even in this land whose contact or company is likely to affect the Brahmanyam. How can a Brahmana then be permitted to go to foreign lands and stay there with people of quite different tastes, tendencies and habits? No kind of expiatory rite can completely eradicate the effect of such contact. So the Sastras do not permit free intercourse as before with one who has returned from foreign lands though he may have performed some expiation ceremony. It is in no sense cruel to have such segregation.
Though we equally love all the portions of our body, do we not allow some portions to be operated upon and even removed if we find that they are likely to affect the general health of the whole body? It may be a painful process but is a necessary one. Similarly a person who has seriously impaired or lost his Brahmanyam is sure to affect the purity of others and nothing wrong in segregating him from the main society.
It will be well to bear in mind that the prohibition as regards foreign travel applies only to the small communities of Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya collectively called Dvijas and not to Sudras and other castes which form the overwhelming majority in our society. Let the latter take to foreign travel and the former encourage and help them. If they do so, this will incidentally reduce the heart burning and hatred caused by the Brahmanas competing with others in all fields of worldly enterprise.
If it is said that the Brahmanas particularly are required for foreign travel by reason of their superior intelligence, quick grasp of new ideas, power of adjustment to circumstances etc., we must recollect that this superior capacity is not the result of physical labour but only of their habits of self restraint, strict adherence to the Sastras, frequent exercise of their intellect in the pursuit of subtle problems of life and more so of their inborn state of contentment.
If the Brahmana is allowed to give up all these and join in the race for worldly prosperity and imbibe the spirit of discontent, the superiority will vanish in no time and he will be just like others and sometimes even inferior to them. It is therefore dangerous to try to dilute and ultimately eradicate Brahmanyam from our land and make the Brahmanas remain so only in name to be treated with contempt.”
From the book ‘Golden Sayings’,1969 publication by Sri Jnanantha Grantha Prakasana Samiti, Thenkarai, Madurai District.
Swaminathan comments: What Swamiji said several decades ago is very true. It is a bitter truth that we are not ready to admit. No one will follow Swamiji’s advice. We have hundreds of excuses to put forth before him. But the religious heads cant dilute the Satras. I myself have noticed the following changes during my 27 year stay in London:
1. We can’t follow all the rituals in foreign countries which we followed in India.
2. Our sons and daughters are not following or believing what we believed when we were young.
3. Every family got marital connection with a Non Hindu. The minute it happened, their entire tone changed and began to talk about “universal brotherhood!”
4. Names of Sri Lankan and Mauritian Tamil children have been distorted beyond recognition. By the third generation they didn’t even understand their names. Neither do their parents! When they followed false numerology their names got wrong and negative connotations.
5. The Non residents did not see anything wrong in religious conversions.
6. They did not attend their parent’s funerals for the fear of losing their asylum status.
7. Most of the youths lost their roots and forgot their mother tongue. Most of their religious hymns are in their mother tongue. When they read them through Roman letters they sounded awkward.
8. Few old people have become mental patients because of cultural and religious conflicts in their families.
9. Children who are born to couples belonging to two different religions feel like rudderless ships!
10. First generation forget their mother tongue. By second generation, they forget their culture. By third generation they forget their religion. By fourth generation they are rootless and feel like rudderless ships. Since their parents also forgot most of their language and culture they are unable to help their children
11. The writer can give hundreds of incidents to substantiate the above statement. Very few Brahmins do Sandhya Vandhana three times a day and monthly rituals like Tharpanam. Going to temples is rarer.
12. We must see His Holiness in the right context. He advised Brahmins to be content and be the torch bearers of religion and culture like in the olden days. You and I look at present day and care for our family and our friends, but Shankaracharyas and saints like him look at future and care about generations to come.
Source: tamilandvedas.com
I do not understand how Kshatriyas (Rajputs) would not have been allowed to travel abroad, when their very life was devoted to protection of the country against marauders. Even in Lord Rama and Lord Krishna’s time – they had to go overseas to eradicate evil. Broadly speaking, most (if not all)
of the Incarnations of the Lord, were to Kshatriya lineages and not Brahmin.
For those of us who still have some residual attachment to old values the article may be seen as timely reminder. But Kaliyuga being what it is and IT industry contributing its might to kill brahminism and Religious institutional heads encouraging silently overseas travel because of large monetary support they benefit from their overseas Indian devotees is there hope trend will reverse?
Shankaracharya Sri Chandrasekhar Swami mentions that California derives its name from Kapila Aranya, implying that thaw Sage had his aranya there.
Beautiful article. 100% true. The solution would be for Brahmins abroad to do their Nithya karmas, Pithru karmas and to remain rooted to brahminism. By doing this and by cleansing themselves and also Brahmins living in Hindustan changing their lifestyle and returning to Brahminism, only then can the rot be reversed. Many Brahmins are suffering today because the last 4-5 generations of Brahmins have failed their Dharmik duties. Just being born as a Brahmin isn’t enough. Living like a true sattvic Brahmin and being proud of Brahminism is important. Sadly most Brahmins these days are ashamed and apologetic about their great roots. Hopefully things will change…
By an NRI Brahmin who is proud of being a Brahmin and who lives by Brahmin traditions even abroad.
Who are pushkarna brahmins
It is true in long ago. But now number of swamiji’s have ashrams in foreign countries like USA, UK, Canada and so. Many indian people are setteled in other countries, and marry their women. Mainly Brahmins marry other sect of women in India and other countries too. Brahminism lives in purity, truth and kindness. Those who have these 3 values they all are Brahmins. not only indians but all people.
Every family now has someone settled abroad and also inter religion marriage is very common. It is saddening to see our roots and culture getting lost.
Your article is good and it is true. We lost touch of our Brahminism. Parents have to do daily so children will follow.
My experience is different. I, being a Brahmin did not find any problem in performing my daily rituals in a foreign land. Only in some countries you have an electric deepak and hotel do not permit you to light the agarbhattis due to smoke alarm.
Disgusting! who are real brahmins by deeds? only a few! It is not enough to be born as Brahmin but must follow steps enshrined for them. Almost all have abandoned this & still claim to be brahmin. They do a lot of adharma as others do, even when they are in India. on the contrary those who are settled abroad practice Brahman dharma better. Though it was rightly said but no takers today! All practising brahmins, musicians, singers travel widely to make money like others. So forget what is said or written do what one likes.
All the points listed are rightfully correct but none of them are followed. May be because there is no Guruparampara system of teaching. Unless we revive the system and revive the status of Sanscit we are doomed and live like orphans under mlechas. Just following the rituals though not in perfection will not solve the problem. As told in numerous situations Brahmana is to be poor materially but rich in knowledge. But it is reverse now. Another point of interest is that the top three classes are of Devine. But it is vysya class which is responsible blew for all the troubles. I make this statement when vysya means the trader on world map. There should be a complete revival if India has to lead. Since the designated classes are not following the system why the ritvijas are to be selected on birth class? Why not adopt from other lower classes and train them from young age? What was the caste of Viswamitra and Valmiki?
You should mention the so-called ancient sastras that proscribe foreign travel by Brahmins. This is a foolish article written by an unenlightened mind living in the narrowest corridors of the Hindu intellectual and spiritual mansion. The author should first understand who a Brahmin is. For this purpose he should read the Upanishads especially Brhadaranyaka (3.8.10) and also Gita 18.42. He should learn the principles enunciated in the same Upanishad at 1.4.7, 2.15.1 to 2.15.14, 3.7.1 to 3.7.23, 3.8.8, 4.4.22; Chandogya 6.8.7, etc so that he will understand what he is, with reference to other beings. A true Brahmin will live among other beings without the fear of being negatively influenced. He is so strong. He does not discriminate against his fellow beings. He sees the equality lying behind all diversities. The type of Brahmins mentioned in the article are mere cowards and embodiments of ignorance. Nobody becomes a Brahmin solely because he wears a sacred thread or he is born of such a thread-wearer. Person who boasts of being a Brahmin is a cheat.
The Vedas say antarksha gaccha, samudra gaccha dyavaprithivi etc etc, travel in space travel across the oceans and on land. The teachings of the Vedas are for all people. Therefore foreign travel is for all people. The christian missionaries followed their masters to all countries and spread christianity. The same story is about islam. But the hindu priests did not go out of india because of the stupid belief that foreign travel is banned. The disciples of Gotam Buddha and Svami Dayanand were the first to cross the seas and kindle the light of Dharma in other countries.
The question of “foreign travel” is quite vague as termed in this article. If you want to consider seers travelling to Manasarovar, they are actually travelling to china, so are they no more considered brahmins!? Historical accounts indicate that the Vikramaditya’s kingdom spread to the middle-east on the west and southeast asia in the east, so what is then called as foreign travel? Nobody is even able to define what is the meaning of “Jambu Dvipam” as pronounced in the sankalpam. When the majority of brahmins undertake office and other works for livelihood what is then the way out for them? If they are not brahmins what caste do they belong to?
There was a time when it was said that Brahmins should not cross seven seas or if he crosses he should not or need not perform our religious rites like Tarpanam. But in the present context it is extremely difficult to accept or adhere to it. We can have one or two Sankaracharyas who will be the guiding light for the masses. If every body practices “Progitam ”
How will the Brahmins Survive. Today Vaadyars in certain cities are sought after because they are patronized by Industrialised Brahmins and other educated Brahmins who earn a good income and keep up our Traditions. Even in India a lot of 60 plus Brahmins do not perform sandhya vandan and other religious rites. Brahmin children do not know to speak their mother tongue let alone read and write. My suggestion is to educate middle aged and young Brahmins of the the richness of our culture and persuade them to keep up our Tradition. It can not survive as in the times of rishis but in a modified form where in people choose their Profession and donot give up their roots
I agree that once a Brahamana goes out of the country he looses his Brahmanya. During my stay abroad, Sandhyavandana was performed as though I was in India. No hotel food or eating other than home cooked food. My age of about 60 and hence Brahmacharanam was followed strictly.
In the above circumstances, after my return to India, what are the things one has to follow to start the original life. No doubt, the nearness to HIM after my return is reduced and not able to do pooja as originally.
There are some strong statements in this article and need documentation. Who wrote this article? Can you tell me exactly where in the Hindu Dharma Sastras you found that foreign travel is prohibited for the Brahmanas? Please be very specific. Thanks.
It is an eyeopener. Absolutely true..!
It is too sad to say Brahmins should not travel abroad. Never ever there is any restriction on travel or teachings in Hinduism.
TEERTH Yatra were introduced for the purpose so that people can interact and learn different traditions, food, dress , see different art in temples etc.
Brahmin is not a caste or clan etc. it means Know about Brahm..knowledgeable person . Four Varna are guna quality in every Human being.
Brahmin ( mouth / Head), Vaishya from throat to waist, Kshatriy two hands, Shudr (two feet).
If feeet are bad why we prostrate we bow down take blessings from elders and from sants touching their feet.
even Mahtma Budha (Hindu Prince Sidharath) went to teach Gyan and spread Hinduism in china, Japan,far east etc..
When you share knowledge it increase knowledge of both giver and listener. You have one mouth two ears. so Ganesh idol was introduced as perfect GOD ..qualities.
That is the reason you find more and more books in Hinduism. no other religion or place you can find such a great knowledge.
Even Bhagwan Ram traveled from Ayodhya to Sri Lanka. There is no restriction in Hinduism. Human are born free unlike animals Birds etc.
The most logical and factual reason not just the Brahmins, but anyone else should not leave their ancestral land is the threat of losing their original genetic heritage…many are unaware of the dangers mixmarriages imposing on the future generation…children of mix heritage are most likely to suffer many chronic diseases and genetic defects…mainstream science is not gonna tell you this coz the giant players of the ‘PYRAMID’ masonic corporations will lose out alot wealth wise…the United Nation is their Chartered body to spread races and displace natives from their lands…they spread the ‘universal brotherhood BS propoganda…we are taught in every religion not to hate nor judge others…if one chooses not to leave his land it does not mean he looks at others differently…the brainwashing and psychological conditioning thru educational indoctrination using the anti-racial slogan banner has been so far successful in scattering people across the globe…what a mess!!
Namastey to everyone. Thank you sir for this site; you’ve taught us so much; everything that you’ve said is so true. My parents were second generation and they never spoke Hindi with us or taught us Hindi. They only spoke Hindi with their friends and siblings.
I learned the whole Hanuman Chalisa (40 verses) but never knew the meaning until I bought a book with English translation. My parents taught us our Hindi prayers but never told us what they meant. It’s very sad that it never occur to our parents to teach us something that is so precious and valuable “our mother tongue, our own language”.
Anyone can learn any language nowadays but it’s not the same as if you were brought up speaking it from a baby. I learnt a lot from Indian movies and books with English translations so thank God for that. I’m still learning every day.
Have a good day and God bless you all.
So true. I have noticed people even the elders who are so rooted to foreign culture don’t even wash their feet after using the washroom.you can imagine the rest.
Yes, good,
we need at least one person who has pure knowledge and unbiased knowledge about out root, so that when we are in trouble we can come back to those brahmins and regain our root knowledge
The very word ‘Brahmin’ is of connotative to a privileged caste. I would prefer this word be replaced with either priests/religious teachers. Human race has moved on. We should not live with ‘stone age’ practices(e.g. only Brahmins…). Priests could be trained from all categories of hindus( rich, poor, differing coloured skin, to varying degrees of Hindu religious believers).
We are living in the 21st century. We we don’t change, then other religions will take advantage by saying that our religion is inferior for having divisions amongst the religion.It will lead to the lower caste Hindus feeling inferior, and thus moving and accepting other religions such as Christianity, Islam etc. I live in the west and have studied and seen oppression, segregation, prejudice, racism etc between communities. I am a well educated University graduate lecturer and know what I am talking about. Lets all move Hinduism forward to the 21st Century.
Absolutely correct. Also our Mantras are designed keeping in mind the geographical boundaries of Jambudweepa / Bharatavarsha / Bharata Khanda and hence wont have any effect if chanted overseas.
I will regret if my comments hurt any sentiments.
I do not have any authority ,neither I know all about Religion. However, I regret to disagree with the discourse. Please enlighten me if all Spiritual and Religion resides only in the Current India and all people staying outside are sinners. According to me the Almighty is one and one must pay the respects to Him and with the current types of leaders in India, even Him might be rethinking.One should be Maharshi Janak only.
Thats why they say “Yasmin Deshe Jadachari”