Varna in ancient India. Functions of color in varnas

What is varna, how to define it?

Soul, past circle incarnation in the animal world - is born in the human world, receives human body, appearing in one of the four varnas. Varna is a social and professional group of the Aryan society, which is formed according to the inner vocation, the image of personal happiness and the spiritual qualities of a person. There are three varnas and a social layer of the ignorant.

First, each of us manifests as an unseen (smerd), who, from life to life, earning righteousness and listening to Mother Karna, is born in the varna of masters (vesey), then knights and finally sorcerers.

The ignorant are the performers of the simplest social and industrial actions. They are specialists in a narrow and little responsible industry. At any, even at their lowest level, they seek to avoid responsibility and duty. Smerdy is the worst, lowest form of manifestation of an ignorant person. Those who do not know the level of smerd are interested in simple bodily pleasures - to eat, sleep and satisfy sexual needs. Such people need constant and tireless supervision from the villages and knights, otherwise their ignorance, combined with a thirst for pleasure, can destroy the treasure trove (system) of the clan.

In bright times, the ignorant humbly and joyfully fulfill their destiny, working in the households of villages, serving the knights and helping those who know to clean in temples, temples and sanctuaries. By devotional service to the varnas of the twice-born, the unseen improve their karna and accelerate the Colorod.

Vesi is the first of the varnas of the twice-born, born workers, for whom the well-being, prosperity and prosperity of their family and clan is an urgent need. Real weighing, always and everywhere strives to arrange the production of products, their sale or exchange. The entire structure of the state rests on the scales, its multiplication is the vital aspirations of this noble varna. As twice-born, the Vesi understand that their peaceful work is possible only in a state protected from external threats, in a state capable of organizing profitable trade relations with other countries, protecting their trade and protecting incomes. Therefore, the fulfillment of tithing is the first sign of a righteous vesi, who cares about the common good through the good of his kind.

Varna is heterogeneous and consists of several classes: farmers, cattle breeders, merchants (merchants), entrepreneurs and other modern crafts associated with obtaining legitimate profits.

Vesi was originally respected and respected in society as a varna, one has only to recall the numerous carols, where the Most High Rod itself is identified with the Great Gospodar, because indeed, he is a perfect vesi, from which the righteous owners draw their skills and inspiration.

Knights (Cossacks) - twice-born, called to build a state, protect it and ensure life. Souls born in this varna are endowed with the ability to manage society, to structure it according to the goals of the state. The goodness and strength of the state is for the knights-Cossacks the highest life value, for which they are able to sacrifice income, family and personal interests. Honor, conscience and courage are the main signs of Slavic warriors, which they do not exchange for any wealth of this world. The knight cannot, by his nature, betray the society to which he belongs. He does not do this, under no circumstances, for any "high" ideas and values, for it is brotherhood (community) that is for him highest value, which is designed to make his family strong, free and rich.

It is an honor for a knight to serve his spirit guide in devotional service, everything he does is open to society and cannot be done behind the guide's back. Otherwise, the knight covers himself and his family with a lifetime of shame. Conscience for a knight in deeds for the sake of the good of his kind-people and the unity of Skupa Slavyanskaya. For a knight to defend the clan, harming the unity of the Race is madness, to defend the unity of the Race, destroying the identity of which of the clans - shame and disgrace. Courage for a Cossack is self-sacrifice in the name of the people and the state, readiness always and everywhere, by their actions in Yavi, to protect the language, culture, faith and customs of the Fatherland.

The varna of knights includes professional military, civil servants, law enforcement officers and other professional groups who have the right to bear arms and, to one degree or another, build or defend the state.

Magi (knowledgeable) are souls born to carry wisdom and knowledge in the White Light, they come to Reality in order to know the laws of the universe and convey them to their compatriots and humanity as a whole. The virtue and honor of those who know is to be true to their own spiritual teacher and chosen path. IN social activities these are scientists, artists, spiritual culture and priests.

According to Vedic customs, there are five stages of manifestation of consciousness on the way to its perfect state, enlightenment, which differ in the sources of happiness and pleasure for the soul. These five levels of consciousness are:

1. Happiness, the source of which is guaranteed food, shelter and protection from external dangers (ignorant).

2. Happiness in activities aimed at economic development for the sake of personal and social prosperity (vesi).

3. Happiness in obtaining knowledge about the laws of the universe and in the implementation of these laws (knights).

4. Happiness in realizing the eternal and spiritual nature of one's "I" (Magi).

5. Happiness in serving God and other living beings (enlightened)

Following the path of development and self-knowledge, souls rise from one level to another, performing a joint task. In one life they may be engaged in business, in further boards, politics and public administration, and in some - to support and develop education, science and some religious tradition. So they go through the successive stages of the development of souls, participating in the development of humanity on the planet.

On the way of each person, various opportunities and situations may meet, but as the custom says, it is better to do your own work badly than someone else's well. Our work is the work that corresponds to our inner nature, is done easily and naturally, and most importantly, brings happiness.

Therefore, it is very important to find exactly your level, your spiritual nature, which is manifested in varna. Often people, striving for something more prestigious and desirable, choose work and activities that do not correspond to them, as a result of which the souls themselves and the people around them suffer, a negative karna is accumulated.

Why are the goodness and sanity of the Rodnovers not manifested by good fruits in their lives?

Because goodness and sanity are ostentatious, if 16 grains of truth were nurtured in a person, his life would change. This is a state of spiritual decline in which the whole society is, and native faith is no exception here. But, despite the fact that the Rodnovers have not reached the ideal embodiment of their worldview, we are one of the few spiritual organizations that clearly and clearly represent what is happening to the world. It is the wise men who today give a clear understanding that even now it is necessary to change nothing more than the worldview. It is this that lies at the heart of the troubles that confronted humanity. It is possible to prevent a technocratic catastrophe only by reassessing spiritual values ​​and changing the way of thinking. If this is fully done by the Rodnovers, and they have already begun to do this, our country, and possibly the Earth, will come out of the test retaining their cultural achievements.

What can the Native Faith give to the owner (weight, merchant), why should he be a Rodnover?

Native Faith gives all varnas an opportunity, and most importantly, an understanding of the path of their destiny. In contrast to the currently existing foreign belief, which has tried in every possible way for centuries to humiliate and trample on the desire of people to accumulate wealth, Rodna Vera welcomes a person's desire to be rich.

The obvious, carnal world is such a part of God, like other components of the Trimirya, to know it, to know one of the facets of God. From ancient times in Rus', merchants and villages in general were in the highest honor and respect. It was thanks to them, their ability to obtain benefits, that a strong and happy state was built.

Native Faith teaches all how to properly interact with the world, so that the riches obtained in this world become spiritual riches. It is the worldview of Rodosvet that explains to the Slavs that the flow of love makes a direct impact on a person’s ability to master the material sphere. Interrupted channels of love (with relatives, loved ones, Motherland, Gods) directly affect the well-being of a person, which he will sooner or later lose.

The native Orthodox Faith teaches that spiritual wealth is associated with manifest wealth. If people have been vegetating in poverty for many years, you need to change your worldview and find where love is lost, in what respects. To be rich is good, but to be beneficent is a hundred times better for the whole universe, for God. Adhering to the tithe horse, Slavic merchants and villages became the most respected and wealthy in ancient world, it was they who were very often not inspected at customs, believing in the word, understanding the meaning of the merchant's word. Native Faith, through the awareness of the 9 laws of the family, explains to modern villages how to regain this state, how to change the surrounding Reality.

What methods of preaching do Rodnovers lead?

The Tribal Fire of the Native Orthodox Faith has created 3 spiritual educational institutions through which the direct and direct preaching of the Native Faith passes. Firstly, this is the Vedic Children's Academy (VEDA), where children under 14 years old study. Secondly, this is the Slavic School of Rodnovery (SURYA), where they receive a secondary spiritual education. Thirdly, this is the Orthodox Native Faith Academy of Faith (PRAV), where they receive higher spiritual education.

Each community of the RO RPV has a weekly School of the Slavic Vedic Tradition, which openly teaches the basics of religion and Slavic custom. Every Sunday, at 10.00 am, the communities hold the Glorification of the Native Gods, at which our compatriots can also freely come.

The Ancestral Fire of the RPV conducts a constant publishing work, tens of thousands of copies of books dedicated to the Slavic Faith and culture have been published. Two subscription publications have been created: "Vera Predkov" (international Russian-language newspaper) and "Triglav" (All-Ukrainian Ukrainian-language newspaper).

Two video films about the Native Faith were given and filmed, the first is dedicated to age-related dedications, the second is the foundations of Rodnoverie. Films are shot interestingly and professionally. There are about ten sites on the Internet dedicated to the Native Orthodox Faith which are conducted both by the Spiritual Center and our communities.

Why are you against the introduction of a second state language- Russian?

Because the Russian language in Ukraine is absolutely not threatened by anything, it is an integral part of the culture of Ukraine. In Ukraine in the field of funds mass media Russian language occupies leading value, in book publishing the whole picture is the same. The introduction of a second state language will bring confusion to the life of the country: two national anthems(?!), oath in two languages ​​(?!). But the most important thing is that the introduction of Russian as a second state will reduce Ukrainian language to the marginal level. Bilingualism in Ukraine is not the right of the Russian language, it operates freely in our country, in fact, it is the right of officials not to know and not respect the Ukrainian language. The Russian language is protected by such a great and powerful country as Russia, it will never disappear anywhere, especially in Ukraine. But speaking of the Ukrainian language, it is not in demand anywhere like in Ukraine, therefore it needs special attention from the state. Knowledge of two languages ​​provides a unique opportunity for citizens of Ukraine to learn more deeply Slavic culture. And there is no such possibility in Russia, for example. In Ukraine, the Russian language is studied in all schools. And we should not talk about the second state, but about more professional teaching of the Russian language, because it is not a stranger in Ukraine.

Who are the Jews, why are they often called racists?

Jews are a Semitic people language group, confessors of a unique religion in which God signed a contract with his followers, that is, the Jews. Unable to maintain their statehood, the Jews settled all over the world. This was facilitated by the way the economy of these people - usury and trade. Jews settled in major cities, in many countries of the world and tried to take control of trade. Very often, the behavior and greed of Jewish merchants led to uprisings among the local population. So it was in Persia, in Khorezm, in Khazar Khaganate, including in Rus' (1097, the congress of princes in Lyubich approved the decision to expel and no longer let the Jews into Rus').

The main reason that Jews are often called racists is the Old Testament, which details the mass genocide of Jews against many peoples. The book “Shulchan Aruch”, compiled in the 16th century by Yosef Karo, added to the fire, where it was prescribed to treat non-Jews rather harshly.

To what extent can nationalism be combined with the Native Faith?

Nationalism can be completely different, both creative and destructive, depending on the specific historical and political conditions for the existence of peoples.

The emergence of nationalism in Western Europe was accelerated by the religious Reformation. That is, the formation of Christian churches according to the national principle, such as the Lutheran one in Germany, the Calvinist one in Switzerland, the Anglican one in England, Great Cathedral 34 bishops in France (in 1682), Hussite movement in Bohemia.

One can clearly distinguish two types of nationalism that have settled in Vienna (Europe). These two types are aptly named nationalism created by the state and nationalism born of the intelligentsia. In another way, they are also called “political” and “ethnic” nationalisms.

Age of Enlightenment and influence French Revolution laid the foundation for the revival of folk culture and the growth of its significance as opposed to the culture of the nobility and church. The ideological inspirers of popular movements, who were mainly oriented towards peasant culture, developed unified standard written languages on the model of classical ones, which contributed to the merging of small ethnic groups with large ones.

In the XIX-XX centuries. ridge era, the largest cultural populist movements turn into national political ones, which put forward the demands of their own nation state. They consider ethnic nation real "owner" of the nation-state. Beginning of the XX century. was marked by a surge in the struggle for spheres of influence in the world. Nationalism becomes the mover of the interests of European states, it embraces, in its various forms, political doctrines big states Europe. Here is how he writes in 1927 about nationalism in France French philosopher and historian Julien Benda: “Becoming popular, national feeling very quickly turned into national pride, into national resentment.”

Changes in the content of nationalist ideas also led to a change in organizational formations. There are a number of nationalist organizations: "Great Britain", "Italian Nationalist Association", "Axen Francaise", "Pan-German Union" and others. It was these organizations that showed the movement national idea towards the original tradition. Racism and social Darwinism are becoming widespread.

The deepening of the ethnicization of nationalism, its acquisition of the features of racism, was not stopped, but even strengthened by the Treaty of Versailles, concluded after the First World War. National movements got everything greater influence. The search and deepening of one's own identity naturally led the nationalist ideology to the issue of national faith, because the fact that Christianity was an international creed was understandable for the ideologists of nationalism. These trends have acquired concrete manifestations of the revival of the pre-Christian faith in Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Poland and Ukraine.

Consequently, the nationalism that penetrated Christianity split it, provided it with a national coloring and, ultimately, led to the birth in the minds of the national elite of the idea of ​​reviving the people's faith. Unfortunately, at a certain stage, having merged with Christianity, nationalism took over from it some bad traits such as: intolerance, dividing people into friends and foes, attention to outward signs, but not internal state person. Therefore, today such nationalism is simply harmful and hinders the development, multiplication and unity of the Slavs. This type of "Christian" nationalism teaches childbirth as opposed to a more successful neighbor, its exact expression is the saying: "Whatever, the main thing is that the neighbor is worse off." The upbringing of childbirth is carried out not on the basis of age-old customs, but on the idea of ​​opposing the enemy. In such a confrontation, language, culture and ritual are impoverished.

Our nationalism is Slavic love of kindred (Native Faith), which is based on such signs as faith in Slavic gods, love and justice, respectful filial attitude to Nature, belonging to the White race, the preservation and use of the tribal (native) language, large families, the cult of the Ancestors.

Is there a tradition of dividing people of the white race according to eye color, if so, does this difference matter when creating a family?

This is natural and this division is visible to the naked eye. Indeed, only the descendants of Arya have 4 varieties of eye color: blue, green, fiery (brown), gray. studying folk performances, we see that people with different eye colors have different inclinations. For example, warriors are most often blue-eyed, in charge of having green color eye, the rulers are gray-eyed, and the workers are fiery. But, this does not mean that eye color is a diagnosis for a person, by no means. This is just a tendency noted by the people, nothing more.

It does not matter when creating a family, within the framework of the white race. It is most important to understand whether your chosen one (chosen one) is your star soul mate.

Does the Slavic Faith allow divorce, debunking and why?

Since ancient times, mankind has known an immutable con (principle): opposites attract, complement and reveal the essence and purpose of each other. Everything in the world lives, exists and is known with its opposite. Actually, our Universe is built on this, everything: phenomena, events, beings, everything has its opposite and is unknowable without it. That is why, from time immemorial, opposites have been reaching out and looking for each other, thereby generating a stream of power that gives life, or takes it away. This flow of power is called love.

Love was written and described by many teachers and mentors, prophets, sons and daughters of God. Everyone found some particle of this phenomenon, directing the flow of Force in a certain direction, making it, this direction, determining. In the Native Orthodox Faith (Slavic Faith), we understand love as a holistic acceptance by opposites of each other: fire and water, day and night, earth and air, heavenly and earthly races, man and woman. Actually, this is the love on which the world is built. It is due to the fact that we are opposites - there is a craving for each other, a desire to know, to reveal each other (in fact, revealing oneself in the other).

The concept that is called East Slavs(in particular, Ukrainians and Belarusians) a family union is a shlyub. The root of this concept is the word "love", that is, love. This means that the family union among the Slavs occurs when the couple masters the gift of love. Hence the name of the union - shlyub, that is, "for love", "with love" ("s" turned into "w").

Let's remember again that love is a combination of opposites, it is the desire of two halves of one whole to reconnect. The separation of the whole soul took place so that we could gain experience and, enriched with knowledge (knowledge), come together again. As the magicians of Radenya Svarozhye say, this separation of the original integral soul took place when the Morning of Svarogye ended and the forefather Mir gave people the knowledge of Rodolad.

Rodolad explains that there are three types of family unions in dark time Days of Svarozhy. The first is the union of two halves of a single whole. Like Svarog and Lada, like day and night. This is a relationship when our half, literally acts as your complement and opposite. Being originally created as a whole, we and our spiritual half are a single entity, divided into two souls, like two halves of one grain. After a sufficiently long period of karmic experience, the spiritual halves meet again and reunite with each other. Then we feel overwhelmed with happiness and joy for life. Spiritual couples always belong to the same race, very often to the same people, and always live within each other's reach within the same family of souls.

The second type is the union of kindred souls. This is a relationship of soul-friends, classmates of the school of life. Usually these couples have similar interests and beliefs, goals and objectives. When dealing with the same karna, soul mates learn the same lessons and often work together on the same task. In past lives, they were friends and together they went towards the same goal, so a relationship of trust arose between him, a relationship of friendship and cooperation. In many cases, they are not very interested in the physical intimacy (sex) of their relationship and may feel that they have slight disagreements on this issue. Being members of the same group of souls that went to incarnation with a specific purpose, they are united in aspirations and life values, but still, everyone has their own spiritual soul mate. Despite this, the strength of the relationship of soul mates is very powerful, they help each other to rise to new levels of consciousness and life. Often, soulmates stay in a relationship for a fairly short period of time with the sole purpose of using a powerful combination of their powers to advance at a certain stage in their development. It often happens that one person has climbed more than high level development than the other, and the underdeveloped sides of the "friend" can irritate her.

The third type is a karmic family union. Such an interaction occurs between two mutually opposite souls, on the path of development of which strong emotional experiences arose (love-hate, servant-master, victim-executioner, etc.). They meet to pay off their karmic debt to each other. Therefore, often the life of such couples associated with fairly rigid interactions and mutual rejection. They conscientiously "work out" each other as rivals in battle. But, if they can pass this test with honor, without re-creating negative karma, at a certain point in their lives this knot is untied and everyone gets the freedom to move on and pave their way to true happiness.

Unfortunately, and perhaps in order for us to gain experience and work off our karmic debts, it is the third type of family relationship that prevails in our time. Actually, we will talk to him, as well as the union of kindred souls, considering such a phenomenon as divorce and debunking.

Let's start with the fact that marriage among the Slavs has long been a generic phenomenon, that is, neither secular (state, princely, tribal) authorities, nor spiritual guides (knowing) interfered in it. All kinds of attempts to intervene family relationships met with long and stubborn resistance of the Slavs for centuries.

For example, from 6469 (988) to 7252 (1744), neither the state nor the church could force the Slavs and other peoples Russian Empire adhere to church marriage. Therefore, the synod, which was part of the tsarist government, issued an order for the forced cohabitation of the newlyweds before the public wedding, if they accepted the church wedding. That is, it says that the public, that is, tribal, wedding for our ancestors was primary and had a more sacred meaning than a church ceremony.

But, let's take a closer look at the sources and folk memory. The oldest written sources covering family relations are of foreign origin.

The family is an integral part of society, both modern and ancient. In order to understand the meaning of divorce in Slavic customs, one must have at least a glimpse of the traditional Slavic society, that is, that existed before the introduction of Christianity. Scientists, with a few exceptions, agree that the Slavs, like the rest of the Indo-Europeans (Arya), had a triune society. That is, it consisted of three social states: villages, knights and priests (in charge).

According to sources, the leaders of the society were in charge. The Arab traveler Ibn Ruste reports about the Russ: “They have healers, of which some are the rulers of the king, as if they were their Russ, the bosses ... And if the healers order, then it’s impossible not to fulfill their orders ...». Persian anonymous essay of the 9th century. (“Borders of the World”) repeats almost the same thing: “Healers are held in high esteem by them.” At Western Slavs the picture was the same, let's quote Helmold's words: "The king is in them in less, compared with the priests, respect." Knights took the second place, and villages took the third place.

etc. - Ind.) - "color", "kind", "quality" - the class division of ancient Indian society, reflected in mythology. Society was divided into four V. - brahmins (priests and scientists), kshatriyas (rulers and warriors), vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and shudras (servants and artisans). It was believed that V. originated from Brahma or from the primary person Purusha: “When Purusha was dismembered, his mouth became a brahmana, his hands became a rajanya (kshatriya), his thighs were a vaishya, a sudra was born from his legs”; "and for the sake of the prosperity of the worlds, he (Brahma) created from his mouth, hands, thighs and feet a brahmana, a kshatriya, a vaishya and a sudra."

Great Definition

Incomplete definition ↓

VARNA

(species, genus, color) - the name of four social communities, or ranks, into which the population was divided ancient india. In the aggregate, V. represented a hierarchy of statuses that did not coincide with property, class, or political status. division about-va. The eldest was V. Brahmins - scientists, priests and teachers, associated with her White color; second in rank - V. kshatriyas - warriors, rulers and nobility (red color); the third V. vaishyas - farmers, cattle breeders and merchants, common people (yellow); fourth V. Shudra - dependent persons (black color). The boys of the three upper V. underwent the Upanayana rite and were considered dvija ("twice-born"). Shudras were considered "one-born". They and even lower strata of the population were not allowed to study the Vedas and other priests. books. The division of society into V. genetically goes back to the Indo-Iranian or even Indo-European community, in which there were three social ranks (in Iran - pishtra). It is generally accepted that V. Shudra was already formed in India from the local population, included in the so-called arr. in the Aryan society. However, V. is not mentioned in the early Vedic literature, with the exception of one of the later hymns of the Rig Veda, which recounts the legend of the emergence of V. as a result of the sacrifice of the first man Purusha: the brahmins arose from the mouth, the kshatriyas from the hands, the vaishyas from the torso, the shudras - from the feet. V. were not strictly endogamous. Tradition explains further development V.'s system into a system of castes by intermarriages, children from to-rykh occupied a different social position. Until now, most Indian castes trace their origin to one of the varnas.
L. Alaev

About the Indian castes, which even today play a huge role in social structure modern India, everyone knows. But what is Varna - not everyone will answer this question.

But the fact is that the division of society into four main groups according to professional sign- this is varna. But the word "caste" came from Europe, from Portugal and meant belonging to a certain profession. Then there was some confusion in terminology, and the European term moved to India.

The origin of varnas

The very word "varna" in Sanskrit means "color, category". Initially, there were four varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. It is believed that once upon a time a giant lived on earth - the progenitor of all people. He was sacrificed, and from his body came all the people. But since people came from different parts the body of a giant, then their functions and social status were different.

Brahmins came from the lips and ears of the giant, they could talk with the gods and convey their will to people. In another way, they are also called "twice born." Priests, philosophers, teachers, priests came out of the varna of the Brahmins. These are the most respected people in society, they are revered as Gods who have come to earth to fulfill a special mission.

Kshatriyas - originated from the shoulders and arms of a giant, these are warriors - protectors and guards. And rajahs, and kings, and military leaders belonged to this class. They needed to improve in martial arts and in government and lawmaking.

Vaishyas are herders, merchants and artisans, they originated from the hips and legs of a giant. But this does not include farmers, because the art of growing bread was highly valued in India, and it was suitable for a person of any class. Bread has always been the basis of life, and any Brahmin could follow the plow without losing his dignity.

The Shudras originated from the feet of God, which were always covered in dust and dirt, so their faces are always sweaty from dirty work. Their function was to serve the representatives of all other estates.

Functions of color in varnas

concept varna in ancient Indian society was closely associated with initiation, i.e. transition of a child into adulthood. At about the age of 11-12 years, a ceremony was held, the child's belonging to the varna was determined, and his waist was tied with a lace of a certain color. The Brahmins wore a black sash, the Kshatriyas a red sash, the Vaishyas a yellow or orange sash, and the Shudras did not wear colored sashes, but were supposed to serve all people with similar colored laces.

Let us turn to the second name of the Brahmins - twice born. Why? Because their affiliation was determined at the age of 14, much later than among representatives of other classes. This is explained by the fact that the role of brahmins in society is extremely complex and responsible. They must be truly wise and responsible people who can take responsibility for others and take on the courage to solve problems that arise in society.

By the way, in ancient times belonging to Varna was not inherited, only in the Middle Ages, when Varna was transformed into a caste, the child began to receive social status from his parents. Then caste system changed for the worse, because it did not give young people the opportunity to change their social position to a higher one and become successful.

Probably everyone has heard about the theories of ancient Greek scientists about the change of civilizations: the golden age, silver Age, copper and iron, and their characteristics.

Modern scientists in accordance with this classification have revealed a curious theory.

At first, only the Brahmins ruled the world, they were not legitimate rulers, but they were respected and revered by the people, and this is the best form of power. They resolved disputes fairly and taught people to live in mercy. This was the golden age.

Then the kshatriyas came to power. Wise government ceased to satisfy the people, and there appeared strong hand, army, laws and system of punishments. This is the silver age.

In the era of capitalism, vaishyas came to power, because it was money (capital) that began to rule the world. Money began to make the law, it was they who made it possible to rule the world. It was the Bronze or Copper Age.

And finally, in our days, the Sudras have come to power. This is an iron age ruled by people with iron hearts and no souls. These are former slaves who have broken free, they rule the world and those whom they previously served meekly.

Features of the behavior of the Brahmins

Although the Brahmins are the highest caste, they have many prohibitions. For example, they do not have the right to eat the meat of animals, they cannot accept food from the hands of a person who does not belong to his caste. They have no right to engage in other activities, except for what is intended for them by the Gods.

Brahmins can accept gifts from members of other castes, but they themselves cannot give in return. A white, red or yellow mark on the forehead of a Brahmin indicates which god he worships: Shiva, Krishna or Vishnu.

Features of the behavior of kshatriyas

This class includes not only the ruling elite, but also all landlords - landowners. Neither men nor women of this caste have the right to marry a person from a different class, of course, in the 21st century, little attention is paid to this, but if a man can marry a woman of a lower birth, such a union is called hypergamy, then for a woman such actions are impossible.

Kshatriyas have the right to take food from the hands of brahmins, and they are also allowed to eat meat, except for the meat of sacred animals.

Features of Varna Vaishya

Usually people of this class are required to strictly perform all ceremonies and rituals, adhere to special restrictions in nutrition, as well as in choosing a profession. Vaishyas today are not only businessmen, but also bankers, managers, middle class people.

Features of the Shudra Varna

Of course, all castes without exception are divided into several strata within it, but the Shudras (the most numerous varna in India) are divided into two large parts: pure sudras and dirty sudras.

The pure Shudras are the inhabitants countryside engaged in agriculture. It's a respectable job commanding respect. Sudras may include meat in their diet, perform religious ceremonies less strictly, and in addition, widows and divorced women are allowed to remarry, which is strictly prohibited for women from upper castes.

The dirty or inferior sudras include artisans - potters, weavers, winemakers, barbers, etc. Their occupation is less respectable than growing bread, although, of course, it is also in demand in society. People of the same profession unite in a union, like workshops in Europe, and marry within their community.

Features of varna untouchables

In addition to the four well-known castes, there is also an untouchable class, which, according to legend, originated from the mud under the feet of God. Just touching the clothes of these people will stain a member of any other caste, and rites of purification and sacrifice will need to be performed.

The four main estates of ancient Indian society over the millennia of life have practically not changed their life rules and moral foundations, while maintaining a huge gap of alienation between the varnas: the social strata of the population. What are varnas in and what effect do they have on a person? Is knowing one's place the secret of the Indian nation? After all, it is known that India is the most peaceful country that has never attacked other nationalities.

What are varnas?

This concept in ancient India was formed back in the 2nd century BC, when the basic law of Manu, the progenitor of mankind according to Hinduism, was formulated. This code of laws contained 2685 shlokas, that is, couplets, in which the essence of social (caste law), legal and legal legislation was conveyed.

The estate of a society, accommodating a certain group of people, the social stratum of the population (Varna in Ancient India), was determined by birth, it could not be bought or donated. Marriages between different varnas were categorically forbidden, which was scrupulously pursued. Moreover, if a person violated the division according to estates and created unequal marriage, he was declared a sinner who violated the age-old foundations: his children “inherited” this sin and were persecuted by society.

There are four main varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras, but there was also an unspoken caste of untouchables. Later, the word "varna", meaning "color" (skin?), Was renamed "caste" (from the Portuguese "genus") at the suggestion of the Portuguese, who visited India for the first time in the 16th century, although, according to some sources, it is believed that Varna and caste is all the same different concepts: varna is an estate by birth, and caste is by type of activity.

If the first three estates could interact at the level of work, housekeeping or other social issues, then contacts with the Shudras were extremely undesirable. For each varna, a special charter of behavior and morality was drawn up, which was forbidden to be violated:

• The Brahmins studied the Vedas from the age of 8, and came of age at the age of 16.
• Kshatriyas studied scriptures from the age of 11, reached the age of majority at 22.
• Vaishyas studied Vedic wisdom from the age of 12, and came of age from the age of 24.
• The Shudras were forbidden to study the ancient Vedic texts.

The story of the emergence of varnas

"Vedas" - ancient Indian books of wisdom, transmitted for many centuries as the main asset of Indian culture. According to the Vedas, the supreme creator material world Brahma from his mouth gave birth to the varna of the brahmins, endowing them with holiness, the highest spiritual knowledge and the wisdom of truth, from his hands he recreated the varna of the kshatriyas, therefore they are characterized by power, strength and activity. From his hips he created vaishyas - people with a market mindset who could create wealth or at least a non-poor existence out of nothing. The last varna - the shudras - was created from the feet of Brahma, so it was destined for her kind to obey and serve all the rest of the higher ones.

Moreover, varnas are a division into classes according to the level of consciousness, motives of behavior and internal spiritual world, which determines the environment, and primarily parents. That is why, from birth, a child is jealously protected from communication with other estates, so as not to distort his one-pointedness of mind.

The essence of the idea - in one word

Some teachers have a rather simple explanation of how to designate varna in one word:

• Sudra - "I'm afraid." The lower class, living in constant base fears: hunger, cold, insecurity from people and the elements.
• Vaishya - I ask. It is easy for people from this varna to ask, they often achieve everything through "thick skin" in promoting their interest.
• Kshatriya - "I believe." People of strong faith, often not based on any solid facts.
• Brahman - I know. An estate whose life is based on true knowledge.

Highest caste: Brahmins

Priests and scholars, thinkers, spiritual mentors who thoroughly know the sacred "Vedas" and religious figures, teachers - they all belong to the varna of the Brahmins, the highest and revered among the estates that participate in the fate of the city (management, courts), are engaged in scientific activity. They are ascetic and balanced, merciful and highly spiritual.

Even if a Brahmin was engaged in activities unworthy for his lineage - agriculture or weaving, this was due to the fact that he comprehends the nature of this action, that is, he conducts philosophical observations and reflections. It was believed that the white color is exclusively for the Brahmins.

Only in particularly severe cases is a violation of the law allowed (which is extremely rare and is considered very shameful). To harm a brahmana is a very heavy karma that haunts for years the one who dared to transgress centuries-old traditions.

Average human level

They are called kshatriyas: warriors, rulers, military leaders, public and administrative figures. In ancient times, they were considered the descendants of the Aryans, aristocrats by birth and special warriors who achieved this position with their exploits: they are full of heroism and fortitude, patience and generosity.

The political power of a city or region was concentrated in their hands, quite often they possessed vast estates and lands, therefore, in fact, they had a double income: from land and a salary from the state for military operations (if any). Kshatriyas were even allowed to kill in the name of justice and protection of honor those who could not stand up for themselves - women, children. The red color is belonging to the kshatriyas.

Trader class

People who closely deal with money are merchants, farmers and artisans - vaishyas (vaishyas). Their mindset was strikingly different from the Brahmin or Dalit: the vein of the entrepreneur was in the blood, and already from early childhood representatives of this varna knew how to earn a living.

This does not mean that such a person necessarily lived in prosperity, being a speculator or usurer, no, but the vaishyu definitely owned a worthy craft that maintained a level of being sufficient for that time. With all this, the vaishya belonged to the yellow color, was considered a commoner and did not have a significant voice in society, but was not persecuted like a sudra.

Lower level: Shudras

Hired workers, servants, and in general the entire population living below the poverty line, both material and spiritual, are called sudras. Communication with them of the higher castes was considered unworthy, on the verge of lifelong shame.

Of all the varnas, it was the Shudras who suffered the most severe oppression from the state: they paid a large tax, they were judged especially severely for misconduct and were not allowed to conduct religious rites, which is considered a rather significant sign. Shudra could be bought and sold, his property could be taken away from him without fear of punishment: there was only one explanation - he was born to serve, which means he cannot grumble after the fact. The color of a sudra is naturally black.

Dalits (untouchables) or pariahs

Twenty percent of the total population of India are precisely Dalits who do not have any social and legal rights: it is forbidden to communicate with them, they are not allowed to enter the inside of the temple or the courtyard to a person from another varna or caste, and if they dare to take water from a common well, which are full in India, then they will simply be torn to pieces by an offended crowd.

Historians believe that this varna arose in ancient India from the local population conquered by the Aryans, who settled their settlements on their territory and used the natives as slaves for the most dirty and hard work. At the present time, nothing has changed: the untouchables clean the toilets, kill animals for food and dress the skin, remove dead animals and garbage from the streets, wash clothes (dhobi laundresses). Such a varna that the stigma on its kind is forever: since the attitude towards varna is inherited, Dalits have no chance to break this vicious circle, unless the government changes the ancient code of laws and abolishes the obsolete system that violates human rights, for which for a long time fought Mahatma Gandhi.

Analogues in Slavic culture

To understand what varnas are, let's turn to the tradition of the Slavic peoples, which also had its own generic differences:

• Magi, or sorcerers, are Brahmins in Hinduism, in Ancient Rus' were also the keepers of spiritual knowledge, carrying them through the centuries of generations.
• Knights - kshatriyas, warriors and defenders of the fatherland, as well as rulers: princes, kings and governors.
• Vesi - vaishyas, merchants, farmers and artisans are the main stratum of society in any country.
• Smerdas - Shudras, also exist to serve the other three estates, since they do not have a penchant for mental or philosophical activity, and also have low level spirituality. It is enough for them to eat and sleep, to copulate - their consciousness does not require more, unlike higher classes.

From this article you will learn what varnas are. How are they related to castes and do they exist in modern times?

Almost all countries of antiquity were divided into estates. In the 15-16 centuries. BC. in ancient India, this division was especially pronounced as a result of the strong organization of communities and the remnants of tribal life that were not inferior to them in stamina.

The class principle determines the essence of the varna system. Let's figure out what varna is.

Historically, Ancient India began to take shape as a slave state. With its final formation, the division of all the free into four varnas was declared the only legal one and sanctified by religion.

Closed estates

The meaning of the term "varna" is defined in Sanskrit as "color, light", "kind", "category" of people.

Two variants of what varna is are recognized.

• Varna - "color, light" - is used to refer to the Aryans. They had blue eyes and fair skin. The local tribes had black skin.
• Varnas are interpreted as closed groups that were formed as a result of the division of labor.

Varnas in Ancient India:

• brahmins (priests);
• kshatriyas (warriors);
• vaishyas (traders, farmers, herdsmen);
• sudras (servants).

The supreme varna is the Brahmins. They acted as priests. Studied sacred books, Vedic hymns. Participated in the administration of the state, developing laws and instructions.

The next most important varna is the kshatriyas. This included the professional military. The varna system determined their duties and powers. The kshatriyas were the collectors of taxes and duties. They received at their disposal war booty and captured slaves.

The third varna is the vaishyas. These are farmers, artisans, peasants and merchants. They were full members of the community.

The fourth varna is the sudras. These are ruined peasants outside the community, former slaves, strangers. They were meant to serve.

castes

What are varnas, castes, classes in Ancient India? This is still a topic of discussion among Orientalists.

Over time, each varna was stratified into rich and poor. But the strong ties of the family, the community supported the law and religion. This hindered the emergence of classes.

Despite the fact that the ancient Indian state was a slave-owning state, the laws do not oppose slaves and free people. Castes have practically supplanted classes.

Castes are ethnic groups, and communities by profession, and military clans, and religious communities.

Varnas and castes are reflected in the state constitution of India. Depending on which varna a person belongs to, his rights and obligations depend. Caste is reflected in family law.

The occupations of people did not always correspond to their castes. Therefore, the castes were divided into many podcasts.

Castes today

In official censuses, which are held every ten years, the column on caste has been removed. The last time a census containing this item was taken in 1931. Then they counted about 3000 castes. It is not necessary that all existing podcasts have been taken into account.

The constitution of India is the largest in the world. Mahatma Gandhi, during the transition of India to independence, could not abolish the system left by the ancestors.

The Constitution retained laws on caste and tribe, although caste discrimination was abolished.

Universal suffrage only strengthened the collective spirit and cohesion of the castes.

Politicians use caste interests to win the support of the electorate.