In the previous episode, we had witnessed a very interesting anecdote from the Ramayana text, illustrating the point on how the roles and responsibilities of Kshatrya warriors are different from those of Brahmana Rishis. This anecdote is of Bhagawan Rama, Lakshmana and Mother Sita entering Sage Sutheekshana’s Ashramam in the forest during their exile period. Here, Bhagawan Rama clearly makes the differentiation felt, while He interprets Sage Sutheekshana’s words. While Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana were on the lookout for a good place to reside in that area, Sage Sutheekshana gives a cryptic reply, saying that this is not a good place for them to stay due to the danger caused by wild animals. If we look at the outward meaning of this answer, we might think that Sage Sutheekshana is underestimating Bhagawan Rama’s and Lakshmana’s potential to overcome any form of threat. But if we look at the in-depth meaning of his words, we can understand that when Kshatrya warriors face a threat, the immediate response from them will be to take their weapon and attack. Brahmana Rishis will not like this happening around their vicinity, as they are extremely high on “Tapo-Balam”. Killing of living beings around, will cause a lot of negative vibrations, which hinders their process of penance.
So in this context, Bhagawan Rama is clearly establishing the fact that the “Vaanaprastha Ashramam” is not suited for Kshatrya warriors. It is something to do with Brahmana Rishis, who do not take the route of violence and attacks. This is where Yudishtra is getting confused here. He wants to do something which Brahmana Rishis are experts in doing, by merely getting carried away by the natural and scenic beauty of the forest. He is not understanding the fact that if he takes this route, he will be disregarding the entire structure of our “Varnashrama Dharma”. Moreover, if an animal attacks him, he will not be able to handle that without a counter attack on that animal. This will result in harming living beings, which is against “Dharma”. So again, Yudishtra will start accumulating “Paapa Karma” and if this happens, what is the use of going to the forest?
When we mention this point, we’ve to remember one more important thing – While talking about the differences between Brahaman Rishis and Kshatryas, neither Bhagawan Rama nor Arjuna are saying that one is greater than the other. In the modern-day context, this is worth mentioning, because a lot of misconception exists in the society that Brahmanas are of a higher order as compared to the others, and only Brahmanas are eligible to strive and attain “Moksha” This is absolute rubbish and nonsense. The “Varnashrama Dharma” only talks about the duties and responsibilities of each of the four classes of people. It does not differentiate between them by saying that one class is higher and the other is lower. In fact, the Vedas clearly mentions that in Bhagawan’s eyes, all living beings are the same. Even in the Bhagawad Gita, Bhagawan Krishna mentions during the “Karma-Yoga” discussion that all of us have to strive for “Moksha” by performing our duties. Each of us, irrespective of who we are, have our duties to perform in this world. For a Brahmana Rishi, the duty is to spread the essence of the Vedas and our Shaastras, and ensure that world peace is maintained through them. For the Kshatryas, the duty is to protect the kingdom and the Brahmana Rishis, and enable them to go about their duty towards the Vedas. For the Vaishyas, their role is to do business and feed the Brahmanas and Kshatryas accordingly. Like this, we have definitive roles for definitive people. However, when it comes to attaining “Moksha” and approaching Bhagawan, there is no differentiation here. According to the “Karma Yoga” discussion, all of us have to perform our respective duties, thereby striving to attain the highest “Moksha”.
Hence, the entire attempt of demonizing the “Varnashrama Dharma” is only to undermine our Sanaatana Dharma by creating unwanted divisions in the society with all possible misconceptions. As ardent followers of our “Sanaatana Dharma”, we should ensure that we do not fall into such divisive politics. All of us together should strive towards “Moksha” in our own stipulated ways. So for today, let us understand this point very clearly, and we shall wait till the next episode to continue further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 