The Tenability of the Varna By Birth Concept

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavatas,

 

I am writing in regards an important issue that was brought up during

the Question and Answer segment following Sri. S.M.S. Chari's

telephone lecture.

 

Some thoughts:

 

Not only is the notion of Varna abstract, it also completely

transcends the realm of sensual objects. Varna is determined by

properties of matter, which are not within the realm of the senses;

as such, it is not possible to study the varna by birth concept by

observing or manipulating these properties. In other words, it is

not possible to adopt an empirical approach to either support or

contest the notion. In matters beyond the realm of senses,

perception is useless and logic cannot provide conclusive results, as

it is qualified by premises; thus, either S'Astra or conscience takes

precedence.

 

Therefore, if one is unable to relate to the notion he or she should

forget it and move on. Trying to convince oneself or others that the

varna by birth concept is untenable is futile since the concept is

not refutable (by empirical or logical methods.)

 

Please note:

 

This post only tries to address the issue of tenability of the notion

of caste by birth. Discussion of the implications of cast in a

comprehensive manner is beyond my scope. (All I know is, according to

the Vedic Paradigm, there is a probabilistic (as opposed to

deterministic) relationship between cast and predisposition towards

spirituality.)

 

ramanuja dasan,

Venkat