Re: [Assam] Wrong interpretation

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 16:19:49 -0700

Here is one from the website - written by an IITian from Bihar - now engaged in popularising the Geeta in the West.
 
He too has a grouse against caste system - since many so-called Brahmin priests in US had  asked him why he was engaged in his act of faith - while he was not a Brahmin by birth (but certainly is by his actions). I had interacted with him briefly by email while I was in India. He had then sent me a copy of the Geeta translated in english by him - from US to India free of cost. He is funded by sponsors since he was penniless when he arrived in US 35 years ago.
 
This is a literal translation- if interested can check up the original in Sanskrit in Romanized script--which is in very simple language: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/gita/agsgita.htm 
 

DIVISION OF LABOR IS BASED

ON ONE’S ABILITY

The division of human labor is also based on the qualities inherent in peoples’ nature or their make up. (See also 4.13) (18.41)

Those who have serenity, self control, austerity, purity, patience, honesty, transcendental knowledge, transcendental experience, and belief in God are labeled as intellectuals (Braahmans). (18.42)

Those having the qualities of heroism, vigor, firmness, dexterity, not fleeing from battle, charity, and administrative skills are called leaders or protectors (Kshatriyas). (18.43)

Those who are good in cultivation, cattle rearing, business, trade, finance, and industry are known as business men (Vaishyas). Those who are very good in service and labor type work only are classed as workers (Shudras). (18.44)

 

 

In Sanskrit: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/bgs/bgs18.htm

 

brāhmaṇakṣatriyaviśāṃ śūdrāṇāṃ ca paraṃtapa
karmāṇi pravibhaktāni svabhāvaprabhavair guṇaiḥ
18.41

śamo damas tapaḥ śaucaṃ kṣāntir ārjavam eva ca
jñānaṃ vijñānam āstikyaṃ brahmakarma svabhāvajam
18.42

śauryaṃ tejo dhṛtir dākṣyaṃ yuddhe cāpy apalāyanam
dānam īśvarabhāvaś ca kṣātraṃ karma svabhāvajam
18.43

kṛṣigaurakṣyavāṇijyaṃ vaiśyakarma svabhāvajam
paricaryātmakaṃ karma śūdrasyāpi svabhāvajam
18.44

 

 

Umesh
 
(A non-Brahmin Hindu)

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Bidyut
 
You have obviously become uncharitable to Umesh. Umesh stated in this very net that his father was engaged in fighting  against casteism in India on the basis of support from religious text. He then mentioned the verse and chapter from the Geeta. I checked and found it wrong.  I wrote back, he admitted that it was a mistake and gave me the correct reference. 
 
Now, I am not in a position to argue whether varna means the same thing as caste. You may feel free to begin an academic argument.  I take your point. But would not this amount to an unfruitful pursuit?
 
Bhuban
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