In the timeless wisdom of the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita, society is beautifully organized under a divine system known as Varna — a framework not of inequality, but of harmony, balance, and dharma. The International Council of Hinduism (ICH) emphasizes the importance of returning to this original, virtue-based order, where every soul is seen as Brahmarūpa — an eternal spark of the Divine.
1. Every Soul is Brahmarūpa
The Varaha Upanishad teaches that every being carries the essence of Brahman, the Supreme:
“That man who knows his ātman as the nature of Brahman (Brahmarūpa) transcends all limitations, seeing the Self in all beings.”
(Varaha Upanishad 2.7–2.9)
This means that every person is divine by nature, and their role in society should be based on their virtues (guna) and actions (karma) — not their birth or family line.
2. The Divine Basis of Varna
In the Bhagavad Gita (4.13), Bhagavan Shri Krishna Himself declares:
“Chatur-varnyam maya srishtam guna-karma-vibhagashah.”
(Bhagavad Gita 4.13)
“The four divisions of society were created by Me according to qualities and work (guna and karma).”
Here, guna (innate qualities) and karma (actions, profession, and service) are the real determinants of one’s Varna.
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Brahmins were those dedicated to knowledge, teaching, and spiritual guidance.
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Kshatriyas were protectors and leaders, upholding justice and bravery.
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Vaishyas engaged in commerce, agriculture, and resource management.
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Shudras were skilled workers and service providers, forming the strong foundation of the community.
This structure was meant to create balance and unity, not division or discrimination.
3. Vedic References to Equality and Dharma
The Rig Veda (10.90.12) — the Purusha Sukta — explains that all four Varnas arose from the cosmic being (Purusha):
“Brahmanasya mukham āsīt, bāhū rājanyaḥ kṛtaḥ, ūrū tadasya yad vaiśyaḥ, padbhyāṁ śūdro ajāyata.”
“From His mouth came the Brahmins, from His arms the Kshatriyas, from His thighs the Vaishyas, and from His feet the Shudras.”
This poetic imagery shows that all Varnas are parts of the same cosmic body, interdependent and equally sacred.
4. The Soul Beyond Social Labels
The Mundaka Upanishad (2.1) beautifully explains that all beings emerge from Brahman like sparks from a sacred fire:
“Yathorṇanābhiḥ sṛjate gṛhṇate ca, yathā pṛthivyām oṣadhayaḥ sambhavanti... tatha kṣarāt sambhavati haritaḥ.”
“As sparks fly from a fire, so all beings arise from the eternal Brahman.”
This reminds us that the eternal soul is above temporary social constructs, yet our actions and virtues guide our societal role.
5. Returning to the Original Vision
The International Council of Hinduism (ICH) calls for a return to the pure, dharmic understanding of Varna — where every individual is respected, and roles are based on:
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Character (sattva, rajas, tamas)
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Actions and responsibilities
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Service to society and dharma
This understanding dissolves confusion and promotes unity, just as envisioned by the ancient rishis.
6. Key Shlokas on Virtue and Action
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Bhagavad Gita (18.41):
“The duties of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras are distributed according to their nature and qualities, O Arjuna.” -
Bhagavad Gita (6.29):
“The self-realized soul sees the same soul in all beings, whether friend or foe, noble or humble.” -
Chandogya Upanishad (6.8.7):
“Tat tvam asi — Thou art That.”
Conclusion
The caste system in its original form was not a hierarchy but a divine arrangement, recognizing the natural diversity of talents and qualities within humanity. By reviving this virtue-based understanding of Varna, society can restore balance, harmony, and respect for every soul — true Sanatana Dharma as envisioned in the sacred scriptures.
