Author: Dr. Fazl Ahmad Ahmadi
An Overview of Hinduism (Part 6)
Dharma
“Dharma” is a Sanskrit word that encompasses meanings such as justice, duty, truth, and education. Ultimately, it signifies right action and incorporates all these meanings. Dharma represents the regular duty of a Hindu to act in a manner that ensures justice is served in any situation. It has been suggested that dharma is equivalent to the concepts of “civilization” or “national rectitude.” By presenting the law of dharma, Hinduism emphasizes a moral life and posits that the happiness and wealth of individuals are legitimate only when attained through means consistent with the law of dharma.
Caste
The Hindu caste system has generated more sentiments for and against it than any other aspect of Hinduism. The caste divisions as they exist today are opposed to the fundamental Hindu theory of the oneness of the all-pervading Brahman and Atman. It seems that the caste system evolved from the multiracial nature of society, which arose from the gathering of different peoples, religious beliefs, and perspectives on life. Theoretically, there are four main castes:
1. Brahmins (Brahmanas, religious leaders)
2. Kshatriyas (princes, warriors, and rulers)
3. Vaishyas (traders, merchants, and professionals)
4. Shudras (farmers, laborers, and servants)
According to the proposed relationship between caste and skin color, it has been suggested that the origin of caste is rooted in race. In explaining the nature of the castes, Birgar tells Bardwaja that Brahmins are white, Kshatriyas are red, Vaishyas are yellow, and Shudras are black. Bardwaja responded that “if different colors represent different castes, then all castes are mixed together.” In addition to the racial factor, the caste structure also had an economic dimension, indicating a system of division of labor and classification. In fact, it is rare to recognize castes solely by color, even in the oldest literary writings. As Bardwaja pointed out, mixed complexions can be observed in every caste.
It is important to note that the professional skills associated with certain branches of Indian work have been maintained through the hereditary structure of the caste system, as skills could be passed down from father to son.
The term “caste” is derived from a Portuguese word meaning race. Caste refers to a hereditary and endogamous Hindu social group, composed of individuals with the same social and economic status, which is distinct from other social groups and exhibits minimal social mobility. In the traditional social system of India, there are four castes or classes:
1. Brahmins (class of religious clergy)
2. Kshatriyas (warriors)
3. Vaishyas(merchants)
4. Shudras (those engaged in manual labor)
Additionally, there is another group known as “Dalits” (formerly referred to as “Untouchables”) who are marginalized in the Hindu caste system. The upper castes often attempt to prevent inter-caste marriage and inhibit the advancement of lower castes. The Sanskrit word “varna,” meaning color, is also used equivalently to caste. It seems that initially, class distinctions in Hinduism were based on skin color since the Aryans had lighter skin while the indigenous people of India had darker skin. Understanding why this classification has become a focal point of protest and revolution in India requires a critical and analytical examination of its components and characteristics.
Ashrama
“Ashrama” refers to a stage of life and denotes an ideal four-stage life in Hinduism. This doctrine, which dates back to 500 BC, applies solely to male members of the first three castes of the four Hindu social classes, who, according to Hindu belief, are “twice born.” Therefore, this framework does not include the fourth class, which is considered impure.
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