In the previous episode, we had witnessed the extension of the discussion on Yudishtra’s important point on the “Varnaashrama Dharma”. Yudishtra explains how all the four “Varnaashrama Dharmas” are equal without any distinction of high or low, and how it is important for all people to follow their respective aspects of “Dharma” as stipulated by our “Shaastras”. But the real question today is, are we following the “Dharma” that is stipulated to us, no matter whichever “Varnaashrama Dharma” we belong to! For instance, if we say that we are Brahmins, do we perform the basic duties of performing the “Sandhyavandanam” thrice a day? Many of us fail in this itself! If such is the case, as per Yudishtra’s words, how can we call ourselves Brahmins? Hence, the requirement here is very simple – If we’ve to call ourselves to be part of a particular “Varnaashrama Dharma”, we should atleast follow the basics of what is required, if not the higher order requirements. Of course, I’m not saying that we should stop going for jobs, and all people belonging to the “Kshatrya” class should go and join the army. Of course, if we are interested, we should definitely do that, however, given today’s everyday demands, it might not be possible to follow 100% of what is required. We should atleast take the bare minimal effort to fulfil our “Dharma”, is what my point here is.
Moving on further thus, Snake Nahusha asks the next question. This is also quite similar to the previous question he had asked. Snake Nahusha asks thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve mentioned just now that all the four “Varnaashrama Dharmas” are equal and are on the same plane. However, is the knowledge “Gnyaana” the same for all of them or is it different for different people?” For this, Yudishtra gives an even more beautiful answer here – “Oh Nahusha! You’ve asked an important question here. Now let me tell you – “Gnyaanam” is the same for everyone from all the four “Varnaashrama Dharmas”. Just as I had explained that all the four classes are equal, people from all the four classes of “Dharma” are equally accessible to the supreme knowledge or truth about Bhagawan. Moreover, let me tell you one thing – Even if the supreme knowledge rests with the fourth class (Shudra) person, a Brahmin should worship him and obtain the knowledge from him! Thus, especially when it comes to the knowledge part, I reiterate the point – All the “Varnaashrama Dharmas” are equal and have equal access to Bhagawan. There is no change in this at all! Even if the other class people have the knowledge, a Brahmin should bow down to them, sit beside them and obtain the knowledge from them. Thus, a Brahmin is no superior than anybody else in the society! This misconception from the society is to be removed!”
We can see how clear Yudishtra is with this point. We should underline this and understand – If the knowledge of the supreme is known to anybody, there is no question of arguing that he / she is ineligible to know it! We have no business to say that they do not deserve to know about Bhagawan. This is utter nonsense! Anybody in this world is eligible totally to know about Bhagawan and try to attain Moksha. If we do not know it, it is better we learn it from them, rather than talking about “rules and regulations” about who should know what! This has been in practice in our Sanaatana Dharma right from early days. If we look at all the “Alwars” and the “Naayanmars”, they were all extremely devoted to Bhagawan Vishnu and Shiva respectively. In these sets of people (12 Alwars and 63 Nayanmars), how many of them were Brahmins? Very few of them! For instance, Thirumangai-Alwar was a thief, and many of us might be knowing his past background! However, it was Bhagawan Vishnu who had given him a new lease of life and with that, he became a great poet – A great contributor to the “Naalayira-Divya Prabhandham” text. Similarly, Arunagirinaathar, who is the author of the famous “Thiruppugazh” on Bhagawan Muruga has the same story – He was born in a very poor family with a poor background. With the divine “Anugraha” of Bhagawan Muruga, Arunagirinathar became a great poet and sung thousands of songs in praise of Bhagawan Muruga, isn’t it?
Thus, the point here is very simple – Never ever underestimate anybody with regards to the knowledge acumen. If someone irrespective of the caste, has the supreme knowledge, we’ve to bow down to them by shunning all the differences, and learn from them! The point is as simple as that! So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and we shall wait till the next episode to witness this further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 