Author: Dr. M.S. Nataraja
Publication: Indiainfo.com
Date: November 10 2005
URL: http://news.indiainfo.com/2005/11/10/1011oh-brahmin-1.html
Among all the different cultural associations
in America, there are some, which cater to the needs of a particular caste
or religion. There are several associations, which are formed by particular
sects of Brahmins. But, there is one association, the US Brahmins Association
that encompasses all the different sects of Brahmins.
Last year, the US Brahmins Association had
organized a program and pertains to the above-mentioned young woman's challenge
to the assembled Brahmins.
She created some tension among the elders
with her challenge, "I am not a Brahmin, neither are you". According
to her essay, the main question posed was, "is a person considered a
Brahmin by birth (being born to Brahmin parents) or can anybody become a Brahmin
through knowledge and practice"?
The seriousness of the challenge...
In this age when Brahminism is disappearing
in a country, which offered the concept of Brahmanism to the world, the question
by a second-generation youth in America about Brahmins, should be considered
serious. Any talk about religion and caste cannot be considered lightly, especially
since caste system has an important role in today's India.
Social conversations in India generally tend
to be about different castes. The whole political scene in India is dependent
on caste system. The economical situation and caste system go hand in hand.
The British used (abused) the caste system prevalent in India for their benefit.
To date, non-Hindus are still using the caste system for their selfishness.
In light of the above, the question raised by the youth has to be considered
as significant.
The essence of the question...
There were a couple of important points in
her essay. From studying the Indian historical epics, Vedas and Upanishads,
it can be concluded that Brahmins are people who are extraordinary and truth
seeking. They are people who understand divinity without blindly following
the preaching of elders.
Some of them were not Brahmins by birth, but
became Rishis. For example, before Vaalmiki became a Maharshi, he was a hunter
by occupation. In Katopanishath, Nachiketa challenges his father and argues
with Yama (God of Death) and tries to find the meaning of life and death.
Likewise, Shankaracharya, Ramanujachaarya, Madhwachaarya, and others, questioned
the prevalent interpretations of philosophical texts that were not acceptable
to them.
In this background, the young woman asks,
"How many of you are capable of questioning your elders or Swamis from
Muttas? Vishwamitra, a born Kshatriya, earned his Brahminism, was praised
by Rishi Vasishta, earned the title of 'Brahmarshi' and was the advocate of
'Gaayathri Mantra'. Is anyone of you capable of such greatness? Why the pride,
if you are a Brahmin just by birth and not by virtue? Just following age-old
festivals and rituals does not make any of you Brahmins'.
This was her argument and that caused some
anger among the elders in the association. Her argument that independent thinking
is an essential quality in Brahmins was construed as being disrespectful and
challenging your elders is what made a Brahmin. Although many were opposed
to her thoughts, many also agreed that she had her freedom of speech and thought.
Brahmin and Brahmin-by-birth...
There is a word in Sanskrit 'Jaatibrahmana'
meaning a Brahmin by birth alone and not by virtues or knowledge. The word
'jaata' means birth (eg Jaataka means the documentation of the moment of a
baby's birth). Therefore, the argument that, to be a Brahmin, one has to be
born to Brahmin parents holds good only to Jaatibrahmanas.
There are certain privileges acquired by birth,
for example, a millionaire's son will be born wealthy. This signifies only
his good luck, but not his virtue. He either can die a poor man by wasting
his wealth or can leave a bigger legacy to his kin by utilizing his wealth
in a profitable way.
Therefore, what one receives by birth should
be combined with what he earns with his own effort. Otherwise it will not
be considered as 'self-made'. Likewise, a person may start his life as 'Jaati
brahmana' at birth. He will receive the knowledge of 'Gayathri Mantra' and
the Brahmachari way of life from his father and then his spiritual life begins.
After learning from his Guru, studying the
'Shastraas and Vedas', analyzing the lessons he learned and comparing it with
what the epics and elders have written, acquiring knowledge through his own
experiences in life, and growing mentally, spiritually and philosophically
throughout his life, such a person may perhaps become a 'Brahma jnaani'.
Such a person deserves to be a Brahmin. Otherwise,
he will remain a Jaati brahmana. According to Hindu belief, all this depends
on 'Karma' (good or bad deeds) and 'Samskaara' (culture of higher or nobler
thoughts) acquired from previous lives.