Tag Kshatriya

Caste Is By Tendencies Disposition Part I

His status as Kshatriya did not affect his status as a Brahmin as Lord Rama performed Tharpana for him for Brahmahathi Dosha(the sin of slaying a Brahmin) at Rameswaram; normally Tharpana is not performed by the Victors if the slain were to be Kshatriyas unless they happen to be relatives, for example by the Pandavas for the Kauravas.-Pandavas performed the Tharpna for the slain Kauravas..

It may be noted that Birth alone does not determine the Caste, though it is also a factor.

Disposition, performance of duties, the way one is brought up determines the Caste.

An interesting fact is that while Kshatriyas can become Brahmins, Brahmins can never become Kshatriyas in its full connotation

Ravana was an exception who could balance both the functions, that of remaining a Brahmin by Wisdom and Knowledge and a Kshatriya by the performance of his duties.

As shown in the case of Aswathama, a Brahmin becomes neither, in fact without a Caste, if he vacillates between Kshatriya Dharma and Brahmana Dharma.

Therefore, the Classification of Caste is determined by , mainly Four factors.

1. Realizing Brahman, Reality

Manusmriti On Brahmin’s Duty Vedas

I am posting excerpts(some) relating to the Duties of a Brahmin and also on the Vedas.Here one finds that the Duties prescribed for the Brahmins are tough and unrelenting.

Manu offers greater respect and status to Brahmins – the educated ones. Dwijas or twice born or those who completed their education are provided heightened standing in society so far they conduct noble deeds. But when it comes to crimes, they also have to face more severe punishments. With greater potentials, come greater responsibilities and stricter punishments when one fails to fulfill those responsibilities.

One may also note that in the vent of a conflict between Vedas and Smriti(Tradition) what is to be practiced.

For more follow the Link;

The whole Veda is the (first) source of the sacred law, next the tradition and the virtuous conduct of those who know the (Veda further), also the customs of holy men, and (finally) self-satisfaction...

Whatever law has been ordained for any (person) by Manu, that has been fully declared in the Veda: for that (sage was) omniscient.

8. But a learned man after fully scrutinising all this with the eye of knowledge, should, in accordance with the authority of the revealed texts, be intent on (the performance of) his duties.