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[[Varna System (वर्ण व्यवस्था)|Varna Vyavastha]] (वर्णव्यवस्था) is a vision presented by dharma traditions wherein diversity is not only recognized as a fundamental reality of the human society, but is also made the foundation stone of human welfare. Dharma means “that which upholds” and hence, a social order based on the dharma should be such that it leads each individual to well-being and fulfillment, all the while establishing justice and harmony in the society, a notion well summarized in the popular saying <blockquote>लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु । lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu ।</blockquote>Meaning : let all beings in the world attain happiness.<ref name=":2" />

[[Varna System (वर्ण व्यवस्था)|Varna Vyavastha]] (वर्णव्यवस्था) is a vision presented by dharma traditions wherein diversity is not only recognized as a fundamental reality of the human society, but is also made the foundation stone of human welfare. Dharma means “that which upholds” and hence, a social order based on the dharma should be such that it leads each individual to well-being and fulfillment, all the while establishing justice and harmony in the society, a notion well summarized in the popular saying <blockquote>लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु । lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu ।</blockquote>Meaning : let all beings in the world attain happiness.<ref name=":2" />

Quoting Dr. Nagaraj Paturi here from the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad on this topic<ref>Dr. Nagaraj Paturi in [https://groups.google.com/d/msg/bvparishat/KobQl_OIHzM/0MOgWZkHBQAJ Judging Varna based on Guna or Birth (janma)]</ref><blockquote>''Varna system and caste system are two different systems altogether. Our scriptures talked about four Varnas not four castes. "In actuality in our Country there are hundreds of castes if not thousands." itself shows that these two are different concepts.''</blockquote>Traditionally the Varna system is used to refer to the social order of the people and used as a representative word for this concept. However, it is to be noted that the concept of Varna is not restricted to representation to social order of human beings alone but extends to different animate and inanimate entities like plants, devatas, shilas, serpents, gems, musical ragas, Vedas and even Vedas svaras. Thus the varna system is applicable to many entities across the spectrum of creation.

Quoting Dr. Nagaraj Paturi here from the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad on this topic<ref>Dr. Nagaraj Paturi in [https://groups.google.com/d/msg/bvparishat/KobQl_OIHzM/0MOgWZkHBQAJ Judging Varna based on Guna or Birth (janma)]</ref><blockquote>''Varna system and caste system are two different systems altogether. Our scriptures talked about four Varnas not four castes. "In actuality in our Country there are hundreds of castes if not thousands." itself shows that these two are different concepts.''</blockquote>Traditionally the Varna system is used to refer to the social order of the people and used as a representative word for this concept. However, it is to be noted that Varna is not restricted to representation of social order of human beings alone but extends to different animate and inanimate entities like plants, devatas, shilas, serpents, gems, musical ragas, Vedas and even Vedas svaras. Thus the varna system is applicable to many beings across the spectrum of creation.

== चातुर्वर्ण्यव्यवस्थायाः विस्तृतिः ॥ Universality of Chaturvarnyas ==

== चातुर्वर्ण्यव्यवस्थायाः विस्तृतिः ॥ Universality of Chaturvarnyas ==

Social order and rank is known to exist in nature, in species other than the humans, such as ants, wasps, bees, termites and even monkeys. Thus varna vyavastha is not unnatural or man-made.<ref name=":9">Various Scholars in Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad (Topic : [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/bvparishat/UJxyuIB1JgU Varna system in different species])</ref>   

Social order and rank is known to exist in nature, in species other than the humans, such as ants, wasps, bees, termites and even monkeys. Thus varna vyavastha is not unnatural or man-made.<ref name=":9">Various Scholars in Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad (Topic : [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/bvparishat/UJxyuIB1JgU Varna system in different species])</ref>   

'''Plants:''' Palasha is brahmana and durva is Kshatriya<blockquote>...तद्यद्दूर्वा भवत्योषधीनामेवास्मिंस्त-त्क्षत्रं दधात्यथो प्रतिष्ठामेतानि ह वै... (Aita. Brah. 8.37.4)<ref>Aitareya Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%90%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%9E%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A5%AE_(%E0%A4%85%E0 Panchika 8])</ref></blockquote>Other places dealing with Vrkshashastra mention that (Rajanighantu) the plants belonging to different varnas should not be crossed with each other.  

'''Plants:''' Palasha tree is brahmana and durva (a kind of grass used in rituals) is Kshatriya<blockquote>...तद्यद्दूर्वा भवत्योषधीनामेवास्मिंस्त-त्क्षत्रं दधात्यथो प्रतिष्ठामेतानि ह वै... (Aita. Brah. 8.37.4)<ref>Aitareya Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%90%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%9E%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A5%AE_(%E0%A4%85%E0 Panchika 8])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>...tadyaddūrvā bhavatyoṣadhīnāmevāsmiṁsta-tkṣatraṁ dadhātyatho pratiṣṭhāmetāni ha vai... (Aita. Brah. 8.37.4)</blockquote>

Other literature (Rajanighantu) dealing with Vrkshashastra mention that the plants belonging to different varnas should not be crossed with each other.  

'''Vedas:''' In the Vedas, the Riks have been associated with Brahmanas, Yajus with Kshatriyas and Saman with Vaishyas according to some scholars. The Taitrriya Brahmana says that Brahman created the three varnas from the three Vedas - Vaishyas from Rigveda, Kshatriyas from Yajurveda, and Brahmanas from Samaveda.<ref name=":9" /><blockquote>ऋग्भ्यो जातं वैश्यं वर्णमाहुः । यजुर्वेदं क्षत्रियस्याहुर्योनिम् । सामवेदो ब्राह्मणानां प्रसूतिः । (Tait. Brah. 3.12.9.2)<ref>Taittriya Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4 Kanda 3 Prapathaka 12])</ref></blockquote>'''Vaidika Devatas:''' Shatapatha Brahmana reveals that Agni and Brhaspati were Brahmanas; Indra, Varuna, Soma, Rudra, Parjanya, and Yama were Kshatriyas; Vasu, Rudra, Aditya, Vaisvedevas and Maruts were Vaishyas (also called Vish) and Pusha was Shudra.<ref name=":10">Acharya. Shiva, (2000) Ph. D. Thesis: ''Nation and Nationalism in the Vedic Literature : A Study.'' Gauhati: University of Gauhati ([https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/67734 Chapter 5 Social Aspects : Varna and Ashrama Vyavastha])</ref><ref name=":9" /><blockquote>ब्रह्म वा इदमग्र आसीत्। एकमेव तदेकं सन्न व्यभवत्तच्छ्रेयो रूपमत्यसृजत क्षत्रं यान्येतानि देवत्रा क्षत्राणीन्द्रो वरुणः सोमो रुद्रः पर्जन्यो यमो मृत्युरीशान इति.. ।(Shat. Brah. 14.4.2.23)</blockquote><blockquote>स विशमसृजत यान्येतानि देवजातानि गणश आख्यायन्ते वसवो रुद्रा आदित्या विश्वे देवा मरुत इति । (Shat. Brah. 14.4.2.24)</blockquote><blockquote>स शौद्रं वर्णमसृजत पूषणमियं वै पूषेयं हीदं सर्वं पुष्यति यदिदं किं च। (Shat. Brah. 14.4.2.25)<ref>Shatapatha Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA/%E0%A4%85%E0%A Kanda 14 Adhyaya 4])</ref></blockquote>'''Vaidika Svaras:''' Udaatta, Anudaatta, Svarita svaras of the vaidika mantra pronunciation are classified into varnas and rshis as per Yajnavalkya Shiksha shastra.<ref name=":9" /><blockquote>उदात्तं ब्राह्मणं विद्यान्नीचं क्षत्रियमेव च। ३ वैश्यं तु स्वरितं विद्याद् भारद्वाजमुदात्तकम् । नीचं गौतममित्याहुर्गार्ग्यं च स्वरितं विदुः ।४ (Yajn. Shik. 3-4)<ref>Pt. Ramprasad Tripathi (1989) ''Shiksha Samgraha of Yajnavalkya and others.'' Varanasi: Sampurnanda Samskrit Vishvavidyalaya (Page 1)</ref></blockquote>Know that the udaatta svara is brahmana, and anudatta (neecha) is kshatriya. Vaishya is in svarita. Know that Bharadvaja is (said to be the rshi) for udaatta, Gautama for neecha and Gargya for svarita svaras. 

'''Vedas:''' In the Vedas, the Riks have been associated with Brahmanas, Yajus with Kshatriyas and Saman with Vaishyas according to some scholars. The Taitrriya Brahmana says that Brahman created the three varnas from the three Vedas - Vaishyas from Rigveda, Kshatriyas from Yajurveda, and Brahmanas from Samaveda.<ref name=":9" /><blockquote>ऋग्भ्यो जातं वैश्यं वर्णमाहुः । यजुर्वेदं क्षत्रियस्याहुर्योनिम् । सामवेदो ब्राह्मणानां प्रसूतिः । (Tait. Brah. 3.12.9.2)<ref>Taittriya Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4 Kanda 3 Prapathaka 12])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>r̥gbhyo jātaṁ vaiśyaṁ varṇamāhuḥ । yajurvedaṁ kṣatriyasyāhuryonim । sāmavedo brāhmaṇānāṁ prasūtiḥ । (Tait. Brah. 3.12.9.2)</blockquote>

'''Vaidika Devatas:''' Shatapatha Brahmana reveals that Agni and Brhaspati were Brahmanas; Indra, Varuna, Soma, Rudra, Parjanya, and Yama were Kshatriyas; Vasu, Rudra, Aditya, Vaisvedevas and Maruts were Vaishyas (also called Vish) and Pusha was Shudra.<ref name=":10">Acharya. Shiva, (2000) Ph. D. Thesis: ''Nation and Nationalism in the Vedic Literature : A Study.'' Gauhati: University of Gauhati ([https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/67734 Chapter 5 Social Aspects : Varna and Ashrama Vyavastha])</ref><ref name=":9" /><blockquote>ब्रह्म वा इदमग्र आसीत्। एकमेव तदेकं सन्न व्यभवत्तच्छ्रेयो रूपमत्यसृजत क्षत्रं यान्येतानि देवत्रा क्षत्राणीन्द्रो वरुणः सोमो रुद्रः पर्जन्यो यमो मृत्युरीशान इति.. ।(Shat. Brah. 14.4.2.23)</blockquote><blockquote>brahma vā idamagra āsīt। ekameva tadekaṁ sanna vyabhavattacchreyo rūpamatyasr̥jata kṣatraṁ yānyetāni devatrā kṣatrāṇīndro varuṇaḥ somo rudraḥ parjanyo yamo mr̥tyurīśāna iti.. ।(Shat. Brah. 14.4.2.23)</blockquote><blockquote>स विशमसृजत यान्येतानि देवजातानि गणश आख्यायन्ते वसवो रुद्रा आदित्या विश्वे देवा मरुत इति । (Shat. Brah. 14.4.2.24)</blockquote><blockquote>sa viśamasr̥jata yānyetāni devajātāni gaṇaśa ākhyāyante vasavo rudrā ādityā viśve devā maruta iti । (Shat. Brah. 14.4.2.24)</blockquote><blockquote>स शौद्रं वर्णमसृजत पूषणमियं वै पूषेयं हीदं सर्वं पुष्यति यदिदं किं च। (Shat. Brah. 14.4.2.25)<ref>Shatapatha Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA/%E0%A4%85%E0%A Kanda 14 Adhyaya 4])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>sa śaudraṁ varṇamasr̥jata pūṣaṇamiyaṁ vai pūṣeyaṁ hīdaṁ sarvaṁ puṣyati yadidaṁ kiṁ ca। (Shat. Brah. 14.4.2.25)</blockquote>

'''Varnakshara mala:''' Even the alphabets have been classified under the varna vyavastha. Svara varnas are to be known as brahmana, of the five vargas (Kavarga and other) consonant groups the first four (alpapranas and mahapranas) of each group are to be known as belonging to Kshatriya varna, the panchama akshara of each group along with the Antasta are said to belong to the Vaishya group. Ushmana and Hakara group are said to be of the Shudra varna.<ref name=":9" />  <blockquote>स्वरास्तु ब्राह्मणा ज्ञेया वर्गाणां प्रथमाश्च ये द्वितीयाश्च तृतीयाश्च चतुर्थाश्चापि भूमिपाः २</blockquote><blockquote>वर्गाणां पञ्चमा वैश्या अन्तस्थाश्च तथैव च ऊष्माणश्च हकारश्च शूद्रा एव प्रकीर्तिताः ३</blockquote>'''Animals:''' Animals have been classified into groups; for example, goat has been supposed to be in the Brahmana varna Shatapatha Brahmana (SB 6.4.4.22), horse is kshatriya (SB 6.4.4.12), donkey is a vaishya and shudra (SB 6.4.4.12) as well.<ref name=":10" />

'''Vaidika Svaras:''' Udaatta, Anudaatta, Svarita svaras of the vaidika mantra pronunciation are classified into varnas and rshis as per Yajnavalkya Shiksha shastra.<ref name=":9" /><blockquote>उदात्तं ब्राह्मणं विद्यान्नीचं क्षत्रियमेव च। ३ वैश्यं तु स्वरितं विद्याद् भारद्वाजमुदात्तकम् । नीचं गौतममित्याहुर्गार्ग्यं च स्वरितं विदुः ।४ (Yajn. Shik. 3-4)<ref>Pt. Ramprasad Tripathi (1989) ''Shiksha Samgraha of Yajnavalkya and others.'' Varanasi: Sampurnanda Samskrit Vishvavidyalaya (Page 1)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>udāttaṁ brāhmaṇaṁ vidyānnīcaṁ kṣatriyameva ca। 3 vaiśyaṁ tu svaritaṁ vidyād bhāradvājamudāttakam । nīcaṁ gautamamityāhurgārgyaṁ ca svaritaṁ viduḥ ।4 (Yajn. Shik. 3-4)</blockquote>

'''Varnaksharamala:''' Even the alphabets have been classified under the varna vyavastha. Svara varnas are to be known as brahmana, of the five vargas (Kavarga and other) consonant groups the first four (alpapranas and mahapranas) of each group are to be known as belonging to Kshatriya varna, the panchama akshara of each group along with the Antasta are said to belong to the Vaishya group. Ushmana and Hakara group are said to be of the Shudra varna.<ref name=":9" />  <blockquote>स्वरास्तु ब्राह्मणा ज्ञेया वर्गाणां प्रथमाश्च ये द्वितीयाश्च तृतीयाश्च चतुर्थाश्चापि भूमिपाः २</blockquote><blockquote>svarāstu brāhmaṇā jñeyā vargāṇāṁ prathamāśca ye dvitīyāśca tr̥tīyāśca caturthāścāpi bhūmipāḥ 2</blockquote><blockquote>वर्गाणां पञ्चमा वैश्या अन्तस्थाश्च तथैव च ऊष्माणश्च हकारश्च शूद्रा एव प्रकीर्तिताः ३</blockquote><blockquote>vargāṇāṁ pañcamā vaiśyā antasthāśca tathaiva ca ūṣmāṇaśca hakāraśca śūdrā eva prakīrtitāḥ 3</blockquote>'''Animals:''' Animals have been classified into groups; for example, goat has been supposed to be in the Brahmana varna Shatapatha Brahmana (SB 6.4.4.22), horse is kshatriya (SB 6.4.4.12), donkey is a vaishya and shudra (SB 6.4.4.12) as well.<ref name=":10" />

The criteria to establish the Varna vyavastha in humans has been debated by intellectuals over centuries, volumes have been brought out, interpretations have been churned out but without any consensus or concrete results. The schools of thoughts or their combination over the organization of the varna vyavastha may be broadly based on the following aspects

The criteria to establish the Varna vyavastha in humans has been debated by intellectuals over centuries, volumes have been brought out, interpretations have been churned out but without any consensus or concrete results. The schools of thoughts or their combination over the organization of the varna vyavastha may be broadly based on the following aspects

# Geneological or the birth of the person (sons of rshis performed activities of purohita, Kshatriya sons administered states, vaishyas cultivated lands accordingly)

# Geneological or the birth of the person (sons of rshis performed activities of purohita, Kshatriya sons administered states, vaishyas cultivated lands accordingly)

# Performance irrespective of birth or family profession (examples being Brahmarshi Vishvamitra who was born kshatriya but became Brahmarshi, Satyakama was the son of a fallen woman who studied the Vedas)

# Performance irrespective of birth or family profession (examples being Brahmarshi Vishvamitra who was born kshatriya but became Brahmarshi, Satyakama was the son of a fallen woman who studied the Vedas)

Each of the above thoughts have their arguments from various texts in support of and against them. There are various versions about the origin and number of the varnas. The primary introduction of the concept of Varna comes in the grandiose of Purusha Sukta in the Rigveda, where all Varnas are part of divine Supreme, a part of Vishvaroopa. Bhagavadgita's famous shloka declares Shrikrishna as the creator of the Varnas. <blockquote>चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः। तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम्।। (Bhag. Gita. 4.13) </blockquote>Chandogya Upanishad (5.10.7) declares the deeds of the previous birth (Karma siddhanta) to be the cause of certain births. However, in the present day, more than the origin, the perspective of equal contribution of peoples of all varnas cannot be more emphasized for the conduct and smooth running of the society and nation as well.<ref name=":10" />

Each of the above thoughts have their arguments from various texts in support of and against them. There are various versions about the origin and number of the varnas. The primary introduction of the concept of Varna comes in the grandiose of Purusha Sukta in the Rigveda, where all Varnas are part of divine Supreme, a part of Vishvaroopa. Bhagavadgita's famous shloka declares Shrikrishna as the creator of the Varnas. <blockquote>चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः। तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम्।। (Bhag. Gita. 4.13) </blockquote><blockquote>cāturvarṇyaṁ mayā sr̥ṣṭaṁ guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ। tasya kartāramapi māṁ viddhyakartāramavyayam।।</blockquote>Chandogya Upanishad (5.10.7) declares the deeds of the previous birth (Karma siddhanta) to be the cause of certain births. However, in the present day, more than the origin, the perspective of equal contribution of peoples of all varnas   is the need of the hour for the conduct and smooth running of the society and nation as well.<ref name=":10" />

== वर्णविचारः ॥ The Concept of Varna ==

== वर्णविचारः ॥ The Concept of Varna ==

The Rshis and the authors of [[Dharma Shastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि)|dharmashastra]] conceived of a social order wherein the uniqueness in temperaments and capabilities of every individual was not only recognized, but was made the central piece of the entire conceptual social structure and called this conceptual framework Varna Vyavastha. Thus, it is important to identify the designation and structuring of varna as a conceptual framework and not a social stratification.

The Rshis and the authors of [[Dharma Shastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि)|dharmashastra]] conceived of a social order wherein the uniqueness in temperaments and capabilities of every individual was not only recognized, but was made the central piece of the entire conceptual social structure and called this conceptual framework Varna Vyavastha. Thus, it is important to identify the designation and structuring of varna as a conceptual framework and not a social stratification.

=== वेदे वर्णः ॥ Varna in the Veda ===

=== वेदे वर्णः ॥ Varna in the Veda ===

Though, varna system has often been understood as a reference to “caste system” or “class system” representing a social grouping, the primary usage of the term in the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|veda]] and dharmashastras has been that of a “conceptual framework". [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]] Purushasukta (mantra 12) provides an earliest reference to the conceptual framework of varna. It uses the metaphor of human body to represent the universe as a cosmic [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]] with his limbs denoting various aspects and functions of the universe.<ref name=":2">Nithin Sridhar, [http://indiafacts.org/varna-vyavastha-as-a-conceptual-social-order-that-facilitates-self-actualization/ Varṇa vyavastha as a conceptual social order that facilitates self-actualization], indiafacts.org</ref><blockquote>ब्राह्मणोऽस्य मुखमासीद्बाहू राजन्यः कृतः । ऊरू तदस्य यद्वैश्यः पद्भ्यां शूद्रो अजायत ॥१२॥ (Rig.10.90.12)<ref>Rigveda, Mandala 10, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%AF%E0%A5%A6 Sukta 90], Verse 12.</ref></blockquote><blockquote>brāhmaṇo'sya mukhamāsīdbāhū rājanyaḥ kr̥taḥ । ūrū tadasya yadvaiśyaḥ padbhyāṁ śūdro ajāyata ॥12॥ (Rig.10.90.12)</blockquote>Meaning: The Brahmana (representing spiritual wisdom and splendour) was His mouth; the Kshatriya (constituting administrative and military prowess) became His arms. His thighs were the Vaishya (who formed commercial and business enterprise); of His feet the Shudra (repository of the productive and sustaining force) was born.<ref>Swami Krishnananda, [https://www.swami-krishnananda.org/invoc/Daily_Invocations.pdf Daily Invocations], Rishikesh: The Divine Life Society, Pg.no.63</ref>

Though, varna system has often been understood as a reference to “caste system” or “class system” representing a social grouping, the primary usage of the term in the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|veda]] and dharmashastras has been that of a “conceptual framework". [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]] Purushasukta (mantra 12) provides an earliest reference to the conceptual framework of varna. It uses the metaphor of human body to represent the universe as a cosmic [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]] with his limbs denoting various aspects and functions of the universe.<ref name=":2">Nithin Sridhar, [http://indiafacts.org/varna-vyavastha-as-a-conceptual-social-order-that-facilitates-self-actualization/ Varṇa vyavastha as a conceptual social order that facilitates self-actualization], indiafacts.org</ref><blockquote>ब्राह्मणोऽस्य मुखमासीद्बाहू राजन्यः कृतः । ऊरू तदस्य यद्वैश्यः पद्भ्यां शूद्रो अजायत ॥१२॥ (Rig.10.90.12)<ref>Rigveda, Mandala 10, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%AF%E0%A5%A6 Sukta 90], Verse 12.</ref></blockquote><blockquote>brāhmaṇo'sya mukhamāsīdbāhū rājanyaḥ kr̥taḥ । ūrū tadasya yadvaiśyaḥ padbhyāṁ śūdro ajāyata ॥12॥ (Rig.10.90.12)</blockquote>Meaning: The Brahmana (representing adhyatmik wisdom and splendour) was His mouth; the Kshatriya (constituting administrative and military prowess) became His arms. His thighs were the Vaishya (who formed commercial and business enterprise); of His feet the Shudra (repository of the productive and sustaining force) was born.<ref>Swami Krishnananda, [https://www.swami-krishnananda.org/invoc/Daily_Invocations.pdf Daily Invocations], Rishikesh: The Divine Life Society, Pg.no.63</ref>

The sukta mentions how brahmaṇa, kshatriya, vaishya and Shudra manifested out of Cosmic Puruṣa’s head, hands, thighs and feet, respectively. It is to be understood here that the different limbs of a body, though being inseparable part of the body, are distinct from each other in their nature and function. For example, the quality of the head is intelligence and accordingly its function is thinking and decision making. Distinct from this are the feet, which have the quality of movement and hence a function of carrying the body to different places. The same is the case with other organs.<ref name=":2" />

The sukta mentions how brahmaṇa, kshatriya, vaishya and Shudra manifested out of Cosmic Puruṣa’s head, hands, thighs and feet, respectively. It is to be understood here that the different limbs of a body, though being inseparable part of the body, are distinct from each other in their nature and function. For example, the quality of the head is intelligence and accordingly its function is thinking and decision making. Distinct from this are the feet, which have the quality of movement and hence a function of carrying the body to different places. The same is the case with other organs.<ref name=":2" />

=== सूत्रचरणग्रन्थेषु वर्णः ॥ Varna in Sutracharanas ===

=== सूत्रचरणग्रन्थेषु वर्णः ॥ Varna in Sutracharanas ===

[[Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि)|Grhyasutras]] and [[Dharmasutras (धर्मसूत्राणि)|Dharmasutras]] are the primary texts that describe the [[Varnashrama Dharma (वर्णाश्रमधर्मः)|Varnashrama dharmas]] explicitly and are considered as ancient primary texts that deal with this matter in great detail. While the Vedas mention them in particular context such as marriage, Varnaashrama dharmas form the principal subject matter of these Vedanga texts. They laid strict rules regarding the occupations to be followed largely in a hereditary manner. All Grhyasutras and Dharmasutras such as those of Baudhayana, Apastamba, Gautama, and Vashishta discuss the Varnadharmas with few differences, or with some peculiarity, omission or addition of principles.  Here the Baudhayana Dharmasutras are quoted as an example for the Varnadharmas for the people of four varnas.  

[[Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि)|Grhyasutras]] and [[Dharmasutras (धर्मसूत्राणि)|Dharmasutras]] are the primary texts that describe the [[Varnashrama Dharma (वर्णाश्रमधर्मः)|Varnashrama dharmas]] explicitly and are considered as ancient primary Kalpa texts that deal with this matter in great detail. While the Vedas mention them in particular context (such as upanayana and marriage), Varnaashrama dharmas form the principal subject matter of these Vedanga texts. They laid strict rules regarding the occupations to be followed which was largely in a hereditary manner. Grhyasutras and Dharmasutras such as those of Baudhayana, Apastamba, Gautama, and Vashishta discuss the Varnadharmas with few differences, or with some peculiarity, omission or addition of principles.  Here the Baudhayana Dharmasutras<ref>Baudhayana Dharmasutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%A7%E0%A Full Text])</ref> are mentioned as an example of the Varnadharmas along with the importance of svadharma of the people in the commentary. <blockquote>ब्रह्म वै स्वं महिमानं ब्राह्मणेष्वदधाद् अध्ययन-अध्यापन-यजन-याजन-दान-प्रतिग्रह-संयुक्तं वेदानां गुप्त्यै ॥ (Baud. Dhar. Sutr. 1.1.10.2)</blockquote><blockquote>brahma vai svaṁ mahimānaṁ brāhmaṇeṣvadadhād adhyayana-adhyāpana-yajana-yājana-dāna-pratigraha-saṁyuktaṁ vedānāṁ guptyai ॥ (Baud. Dhar. Sutr. 1.1.10.2)</blockquote>Associated with the Brahmanas are six [[Brahmana Dharma (ब्राह्मणधर्मः)|Brahmana Dharmas]] which include adhyayana (अध्ययन । studying the Vedas), adhyapana (अध्यापन । teaching), performing yajnas (यजन), officiating yajnas (याजन) giving danas (दान) and receiving (प्रतिग्रह) danas - all for the sake of protection of Vedas.<ref name=":11">Pt. Srinivasacharya, L. (1907) ''The Bodhayana Dharmasutra with the commentary of Govindasvamin.'' Mysore: Government Branch Press (Pages 120 - 121)</ref> <blockquote>क्षत्रे बलम् अध्ययन-यजन-दान-शस्त्र-कोश-भूत-रक्षण-संयुक्तं क्षत्रस्य वृद्ध्यै ॥ (Baud. Dhar. Sutr. 1.1.10.3)</blockquote><blockquote>kṣatre balam adhyayana-yajana-dāna-śastra-kośa-bhūta-rakṣaṇa-saṁyuktaṁ kṣatrasya vr̥ddhyai ॥ (Baud. Dhar. Sutr. 1.1.10.3)</blockquote>Strength is associated with Kshatriyas and ruling over the subjects according to the prescribed methods in shastras is their svadharma.  Their [[Kshatriya Dharma (क्षत्रियधर्मः)|Kshatriya Dharmas]] comprise primarily of protection of people of all varnas and include adhyayana (अध्ययन । studying the Vedas), performing yajnas (यजन), giving (दान), weilding weapons (शस्त्र), maintaining treasury (कोश) and overall protection of all creatures (भूतरक्षण) for the sake of strenght.<ref name=":11" /> <blockquote>विट्स्व् अध्ययन-यजन-दान-कृषि-वाणिज्य-पशुपालन-संयुक्तं कर्मणां वृद्ध्यै ॥ (Baud. Dhar. Sutr. 1.10.4)</blockquote><blockquote>viṭsv adhyayana-yajana-dāna-kr̥ṣi-vāṇijya-paśupālana-saṁyuktaṁ karmaṇāṁ vr̥ddhyai ॥ (Baud. Dhar. Sutr. 1.10.4)</blockquote>[[Vaishya Dharma (वैश्यधर्मः)|Vaishya Dharmas]] include adhyayana (अध्ययन । studying the Vedas), performing yajnas (यजन), giving (दान), agriculture (कृषि), trade (वाणिज्य), cattle breeding (पशुपालन) for the sake of karma.<ref name=":11" /> <blockquote>शूद्रेषु पूर्वेषां परिचर्याम् ॥ śūdreṣu pūrveṣāṁ paricaryām ॥ (Baud. Dhar. Sutr. 1.1.10.5)</blockquote>[[Shudra Dharma (शूद्रधर्मः)|Shudra Dharmas]] included sushrusha (selfless service) to the persons of other varnas. 

[[Brahmana Dharma (ब्राह्मणधर्मः)|Brahmana Dharmas]] include six occupations namely svadhyaya (studying the Vedas), teaching, conducting yajnas, officiating yajnas (rtviks) giving and receiving danas.

Thus the discussion about various dharmas is extensively conducted in the Sutragranthas.

 

 

 

[[Shudra Dharma (शूद्रधर्मः)|Shudra Dharmas]] included handicrafts and service (in general and to the other varna people)21

=== स्मृत्यां वर्णः ॥ Varna in Smrti ===

=== स्मृत्यां वर्णः ॥ Varna in Smrti ===

=== वर्गीकरणम् ॥ Classification ===

=== वर्गीकरणम् ॥ Classification ===

With guṇa and svabhava as the identifying factor, [[Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara (भारतीयसांस्कृतिकपरम्परा)|Sanatana dharma texts]] have created four conceptual categories: brahmana, kshatriya, vaishya and shudra. [[Adi Shankaracharya (आदिशङ्कराचार्यः)|Adi Shankaracharya]], while commenting on Bhagavad Gita (4.13 & 18.41) says that brahmaṇa is a designation given to one in whom there is a predominance of sattva; kshatriya is one in whom there is both sattva and rajas, but rajas predominates; in vaishya, both rajas and tamas exist, but rajas predominates; and shudra is one in whom both rajas and tamas exist, but tamas predominates. These gunas are revealed by the natural temperaments and behavior exhibited by the person.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>गुणकर्मविभागशः गुणविभागशः कर्मविभागशश्च। गुणाः सत्त्वरजस्तमांसि। तत्र सात्त्विकस्य सत्त्वप्रधानस्य ब्राह्मणस्य शमो दमस्तपः इत्यादीनि कर्माणि सत्त्वोपसर्जनरजः प्रधानस्य क्षत्रियस्य शौर्यतेजः प्रभृतीनि कर्माणि तमउपसर्जनरजः प्रधानस्य वैश्यस्य कृष्यादीनि कर्माणि रजउपसर्जनतमः प्रधानस्य शूद्रस्य शुश्रूषैव कर्म इत्येवं गुणकर्मविभागशः चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टम् इत्यर्थः। (भ.गी.४.१३-शाङ्करभाष्यम्)<ref name=":5" /></blockquote><blockquote>''guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ guṇavibhāgaśaḥ karmavibhāgaśaśca। guṇāḥ sattvarajastamāṁsi। tatra sāttvikasya sattvapradhānasya brāhmaṇasya śamo damastapaḥ ityādīni karmāṇi sattvopasarjanarajaḥ pradhānasya kṣatriyasya śauryatejaḥ prabhr̥tīni karmāṇi tamaupasarjanarajaḥ pradhānasya vaiśyasya kr̥ṣyādīni karmāṇi rajaupasarjanatamaḥ pradhānasya śūdrasya śuśrūṣaiva karma ityevaṁ guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ cāturvarṇyaṁ mayā sr̥ṣṭam ityarthaḥ।'' </blockquote><blockquote>अथवा ब्राह्मणस्वभावस्य सत्त्वगुणः प्रभवः कारणम्, तथा क्षत्रियस्वभावस्य सत्त्वोपसर्जनं रजः प्रभवः, वैश्यस्वभावस्य तमउपसर्जनं रजः प्रभवः, शूद्रस्वभावस्य रजौपसर्जनं तमः प्रभवः, प्रशान्त्यैश्वर्येहामूढतास्वभावदर्शनात् चतुर्णाम् । (भ.गी.१८.४१-शाङ्करभाष्यम्) <ref>The Works of Sri Sankaracharya (Volume 12), The Bhagavad-Gita Bhashya ([https://archive.org/stream/BhagavadGitaBhashyaAdiSankara2/Bhagavad%20Gita%20Bhashya%20Adi%20Sankara%202#page/n245/mode/2up Volume 2]), Srirangam: Sri Vani Vilas Press.</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''athavā brāhmaṇasvabhāvasya sattvaguṇaḥ prabhavaḥ kāraṇam, tathā kṣatriyasvabhāvasya sattvopasarjanaṁ rajaḥ prabhavaḥ, vaiśyasvabhāvasya tamaupasarjanaṁ rajaḥ prabhavaḥ, śūdrasvabhāvasya rajaupasarjanaṁ tamaḥ prabhavaḥ, praśāntyaiśvaryehāmūḍhatāsvabhāvadarśanāt caturṇām ।''</blockquote>Elaborating on this, Bhagavata Purana (11.17.16-19), lists what temperaments and behavior indicates what varna designation is to be assigned to a person. It says: the control of mind and senses, austerity, cleanliness, satisfaction, tolerance, simple straightforwardness, devotion to the divine, mercy, and truthfulness are the natural qualities of the brahmanas; dynamic power, bodily strength, determination, heroism, forbearance, generosity, great endeavor, steadiness, devotion to the brahmanas and leadership are the natural qualities of the kshatriyas; belief in the divine and Vedas, dedication to charity, freedom from hypocrisy, service to the brahmanas and perpetually desiring to accumulate more money are the natural qualities of the vaishyas, service without duplicity to others, cows and deities and complete satisfaction with whatever income is obtained in such service, are the natural qualities of shudras.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>शमो दमस्तपः शौचं संतोषः क्षांतिरार्जवम् । मद्‍भक्तिश्च दया सत्यं ब्रह्मप्रकृतयस्त्विमाः ॥ १६ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>तेजो बलं धृतिः शौर्यं तितिक्षौदार्यमुद्यमः । स्थैर्यं ब्रह्मण्यतैश्वर्यं क्षत्र प्रकृतयस्त्विमाः ॥ १७ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>आस्तिक्यं दाननिष्ठा च अदंभो ब्रह्मसेवनम् । अतुष्टिः अर्थोपचयैः वैश्य प्रकृतयस्त्विमाः ॥ १८ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>शुश्रूषणं द्विजगवां देवानां चापि अमायया । तत्र लब्धेन संतोषः शूद्र प्रकृतयस्त्विमाः ॥ १९ ॥<ref name=":6" /></blockquote><blockquote>''śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṁ saṁtoṣaḥ kṣāṁtirārjavam । mad‍bhaktiśca dayā satyaṁ brahmaprakr̥tayastvimāḥ ॥ 16 ॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''tejo balaṁ dhr̥tiḥ śauryaṁ titikṣaudāryamudyamaḥ । sthairyaṁ brahmaṇyataiśvaryaṁ kṣatra prakr̥tayastvimāḥ ॥ 17 ॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''āstikyaṁ dānaniṣṭhā ca adaṁbho brahmasevanam । atuṣṭiḥ arthopacayaiḥ vaiśya prakr̥tayastvimāḥ ॥ 18 ॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''śuśrūṣaṇaṁ dvijagavāṁ devānāṁ cāpi amāyayā । tatra labdhena saṁtoṣaḥ śūdra prakr̥tayastvimāḥ ॥ 19 ॥''</blockquote>Therefore, dharmic texts clearly give a wide framework by which people can be designated and classified according to their inherent temperaments. But, this four-fold classification is essentially a conceptual classification based on four ideal svabhava conditions (i.e. having a clear cut svabhava). For example, Manusmrti notes that there are only four varṇa and there is no fifth one.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>ब्राह्मणः क्षत्रियो वैश्यस्त्रयो वर्णा द्विजातयः । चतुर्थ एकजातिस्तु शूद्रो नास्ति तु पञ्चमः । । १०.४ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 10].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''brāhmaṇaḥ kṣatriyo vaiśyastrayo varṇā dvijātayaḥ । caturtha ekajātistu śūdro nāsti tu pañcamaḥ । । 10.4 । ।''</blockquote>Yet, it does note a number of sankara jatis with mixed svabhavas, which at a later stage became consolidated under “Pancama”. The point to note here is that these are not classifications intended to stratify the society at social level, but only an attempt at understanding different guna – svabhava of people. Thus, while the four-fold classification represents four ideal cases of clearly defined svabhavas based on interplay of gunas, people on the ground may have a svabhava which would be a combination of these four-primary svabhavas. Such combinations can be enormously huge, which would be impossible to either identify or classify, hence the Manu’s statement that there are only four varṇa-s. Therefore, the classification of varna may not always reflect a ground situation, especially in kaliyuga in general and at current times in particular, as society is stratified along caste, profession, etc. and the concept of guṇa and svadharma no longer drives the society.

With guṇa and svabhava as the identifying factor, [[Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara (धार्मिकसांस्कृतिकपरम्परा)|Sanatana dharma texts]] have created four conceptual categories: brahmana, kshatriya, vaishya and shudra. [[Adi Shankaracharya (आदिशङ्कराचार्यः)|Adi Shankaracharya]], while commenting on Bhagavad Gita (4.13 & 18.41) says that brahmaṇa is a designation given to one in whom there is a predominance of sattva; kshatriya is one in whom there is both sattva and rajas, but rajas predominates; in vaishya, both rajas and tamas exist, but rajas predominates; and shudra is one in whom both rajas and tamas exist, but tamas predominates. These gunas are revealed by the natural temperaments and behavior exhibited by the person.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>गुणकर्मविभागशः गुणविभागशः कर्मविभागशश्च। गुणाः सत्त्वरजस्तमांसि। तत्र सात्त्विकस्य सत्त्वप्रधानस्य ब्राह्मणस्य शमो दमस्तपः इत्यादीनि कर्माणि सत्त्वोपसर्जनरजः प्रधानस्य क्षत्रियस्य शौर्यतेजः प्रभृतीनि कर्माणि तमउपसर्जनरजः प्रधानस्य वैश्यस्य कृष्यादीनि कर्माणि रजउपसर्जनतमः प्रधानस्य शूद्रस्य शुश्रूषैव कर्म इत्येवं गुणकर्मविभागशः चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टम् इत्यर्थः। (भ.गी.४.१३-शाङ्करभाष्यम्)<ref name=":5" /></blockquote><blockquote>''guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ guṇavibhāgaśaḥ karmavibhāgaśaśca। guṇāḥ sattvarajastamāṁsi। tatra sāttvikasya sattvapradhānasya brāhmaṇasya śamo damastapaḥ ityādīni karmāṇi sattvopasarjanarajaḥ pradhānasya kṣatriyasya śauryatejaḥ prabhr̥tīni karmāṇi tamaupasarjanarajaḥ pradhānasya vaiśyasya kr̥ṣyādīni karmāṇi rajaupasarjanatamaḥ pradhānasya śūdrasya śuśrūṣaiva karma ityevaṁ guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ cāturvarṇyaṁ mayā sr̥ṣṭam ityarthaḥ।'' </blockquote><blockquote>अथवा ब्राह्मणस्वभावस्य सत्त्वगुणः प्रभवः कारणम्, तथा क्षत्रियस्वभावस्य सत्त्वोपसर्जनं रजः प्रभवः, वैश्यस्वभावस्य तमउपसर्जनं रजः प्रभवः, शूद्रस्वभावस्य रजौपसर्जनं तमः प्रभवः, प्रशान्त्यैश्वर्येहामूढतास्वभावदर्शनात् चतुर्णाम् । (भ.गी.१८.४१-शाङ्करभाष्यम्) <ref>The Works of Sri Sankaracharya (Volume 12), The Bhagavad-Gita Bhashya ([https://archive.org/stream/BhagavadGitaBhashyaAdiSankara2/Bhagavad%20Gita%20Bhashya%20Adi%20Sankara%202#page/n245/mode/2up Volume 2]), Srirangam: Sri Vani Vilas Press.</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''athavā brāhmaṇasvabhāvasya sattvaguṇaḥ prabhavaḥ kāraṇam, tathā kṣatriyasvabhāvasya sattvopasarjanaṁ rajaḥ prabhavaḥ, vaiśyasvabhāvasya tamaupasarjanaṁ rajaḥ prabhavaḥ, śūdrasvabhāvasya rajaupasarjanaṁ tamaḥ prabhavaḥ, praśāntyaiśvaryehāmūḍhatāsvabhāvadarśanāt caturṇām ।''</blockquote>Elaborating on this, Bhagavata Purana (11.17.16-19), lists what temperaments and behavior indicates what varna designation is to be assigned to a person. It says: the control of mind and senses, austerity, cleanliness, satisfaction, tolerance, simple straightforwardness, devotion to the divine, mercy, and truthfulness are the natural qualities of the brahmanas; dynamic power, bodily strength, determination, heroism, forbearance, generosity, great endeavor, steadiness, devotion to the brahmanas and leadership are the natural qualities of the kshatriyas; belief in the divine and Vedas, dedication to charity, freedom from hypocrisy, seva (सेवा | selfless service) to the brahmanas and perpetually desiring to accumulate more money are the natural qualities of the vaishyas, seva (सेवा | selfless service) without duplicity to others, cows and deities and complete satisfaction with whatever income is obtained in such seva, are the natural qualities of shudras.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>शमो दमस्तपः शौचं संतोषः क्षांतिरार्जवम् । मद्‍भक्तिश्च दया सत्यं ब्रह्मप्रकृतयस्त्विमाः ॥ १६ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>तेजो बलं धृतिः शौर्यं तितिक्षौदार्यमुद्यमः । स्थैर्यं ब्रह्मण्यतैश्वर्यं क्षत्र प्रकृतयस्त्विमाः ॥ १७ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>आस्तिक्यं दाननिष्ठा च अदंभो ब्रह्मसेवनम् । अतुष्टिः अर्थोपचयैः वैश्य प्रकृतयस्त्विमाः ॥ १८ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>शुश्रूषणं द्विजगवां देवानां चापि अमायया । तत्र लब्धेन संतोषः शूद्र प्रकृतयस्त्विमाः ॥ १९ ॥<ref name=":6" /></blockquote><blockquote>''śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṁ saṁtoṣaḥ kṣāṁtirārjavam । mad‍bhaktiśca dayā satyaṁ brahmaprakr̥tayastvimāḥ ॥ 16 ॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''tejo balaṁ dhr̥tiḥ śauryaṁ titikṣaudāryamudyamaḥ । sthairyaṁ brahmaṇyataiśvaryaṁ kṣatra prakr̥tayastvimāḥ ॥ 17 ॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''āstikyaṁ dānaniṣṭhā ca adaṁbho brahmasevanam । atuṣṭiḥ arthopacayaiḥ vaiśya prakr̥tayastvimāḥ ॥ 18 ॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''śuśrūṣaṇaṁ dvijagavāṁ devānāṁ cāpi amāyayā । tatra labdhena saṁtoṣaḥ śūdra prakr̥tayastvimāḥ ॥ 19 ॥''</blockquote>Therefore, dharmic texts clearly give a wide framework by which people can be designated and classified according to their inherent temperaments. But, this four-fold classification is essentially a conceptual classification based on four ideal svabhava conditions (i.e. having a clear cut svabhava). For example, Manusmrti notes that there are only four varṇa and there is no fifth one.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>ब्राह्मणः क्षत्रियो वैश्यस्त्रयो वर्णा द्विजातयः । चतुर्थ एकजातिस्तु शूद्रो नास्ति तु पञ्चमः । । १०.४ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 10].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''brāhmaṇaḥ kṣatriyo vaiśyastrayo varṇā dvijātayaḥ । caturtha ekajātistu śūdro nāsti tu pañcamaḥ । । 10.4 । ।''</blockquote>Yet, it does note a number of sankara jatis with mixed svabhavas, which at a later stage became consolidated under “Pancama”. The point to note here is that these are not classifications intended to stratify the society at social level, but only an attempt at understanding different guna – svabhava of people. Thus, while the four-fold classification represents four ideal cases of clearly defined svabhavas based on interplay of gunas, people on the ground may have a svabhava which would be a combination of these four-primary svabhavas. Such combinations can be enormously huge, which would be impossible to either identify or classify, hence the Manu’s statement that there are only four varṇa-s. Therefore, the classification of varna may not always reflect a ground situation, especially in kaliyuga in general and at current times in particular, as society is stratified along caste, profession, etc. and the concept of guṇa and svadharma no longer drives the society.

Nonetheless, this four-fold guṇa based varna and the assignment of ideal duties that a person with a particular svabhava must practice, will act as general guideline, which would not only help societies to evolve their own practical models according to their own unique social conditions, it will also help each individual to examine one’s own temperaments and inner leanings and compare and evaluate with respect to four-fold conceptual model and understand where he/she stands in life, such that people may choose their svadharma accordingly to attain material and spiritual success.<ref name=":2" />

Nonetheless, this four-fold guṇa based varna and the assignment of ideal duties that a person with a particular svabhava must practice, will act as general guideline, which would not only help societies to evolve their own practical models according to their own unique social conditions, it will also help each individual to examine one’s own temperaments and inner leanings and compare and evaluate with respect to four-fold conceptual model and understand where he/she stands in life, such that people may choose their svadharma accordingly to attain material and adhyatmik success.<ref name=":2" />

=== धर्मनियोजनम् ॥ Assignment ===

=== धर्मनियोजनम् ॥ Assignment ===

# kshatriyas are assigned: heroism, boldness, fortitude, capability, and also not retreating from battle, generosity and lordliness.

# kshatriyas are assigned: heroism, boldness, fortitude, capability, and also not retreating from battle, generosity and lordliness.

# vaishyas are assigned: agriculture, cattle-rearing and trade.

# vaishyas are assigned: agriculture, cattle-rearing and trade.

# shudras are assigned service as their duty.<ref name=":2" />

# shudras are assigned seva (सेवा | selfless service) as their duty.<ref name=":2" />

<blockquote>शमो दमस्तपः शौचं क्षान्तिरार्जवमेव च । ज्ञानं विज्ञानमास्तिक्यं ब्रह्मकर्म स्वभावजम् ॥१८- ४२॥</blockquote><blockquote>शौर्यं तेजो धृतिर्दाक्ष्यं युद्धे चाप्यपलायनम् । दानमीश्वरभावश्च क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभावजम् ॥१८- ४३॥</blockquote><blockquote>कृषिगौरक्ष्यवाणिज्यं वैश्यकर्म स्वभावजम् । परिचर्यात्मकं कर्म शूद्रस्यापि स्वभावजम् ॥१८- ४४॥<ref name=":7" /></blockquote><blockquote>''śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṁ kṣāntirārjavameva ca । jñānaṁ vijñānamāstikyaṁ brahmakarma svabhāvajam ॥18- 42॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''śauryaṁ tejo dhr̥tirdākṣyaṁ yuddhe cāpyapalāyanam । dānamīśvarabhāvaśca kṣātraṁ karma svabhāvajam ॥18- 43॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''kr̥ṣigaurakṣyavāṇijyaṁ vaiśyakarma svabhāvajam । paricaryātmakaṁ karma śūdrasyāpi svabhāvajam ॥18- 44॥''</blockquote>Manusmṛti (1.88-91) has further elaborated the duties for people having the four varna gunas thus.

<blockquote>शमो दमस्तपः शौचं क्षान्तिरार्जवमेव च । ज्ञानं विज्ञानमास्तिक्यं ब्रह्मकर्म स्वभावजम् ॥१८- ४२॥</blockquote><blockquote>शौर्यं तेजो धृतिर्दाक्ष्यं युद्धे चाप्यपलायनम् । दानमीश्वरभावश्च क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभावजम् ॥१८- ४३॥</blockquote><blockquote>कृषिगौरक्ष्यवाणिज्यं वैश्यकर्म स्वभावजम् । परिचर्यात्मकं कर्म शूद्रस्यापि स्वभावजम् ॥१८- ४४॥<ref name=":7" /></blockquote><blockquote>''śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṁ kṣāntirārjavameva ca । jñānaṁ vijñānamāstikyaṁ brahmakarma svabhāvajam ॥18- 42॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''śauryaṁ tejo dhr̥tirdākṣyaṁ yuddhe cāpyapalāyanam । dānamīśvarabhāvaśca kṣātraṁ karma svabhāvajam ॥18- 43॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''kr̥ṣigaurakṣyavāṇijyaṁ vaiśyakarma svabhāvajam । paricaryātmakaṁ karma śūdrasyāpi svabhāvajam ॥18- 44॥''</blockquote>Manusmṛti (1.88-91) has further elaborated the duties for people having the four varna gunas thus.

* Teaching and studying, sacrificing for their own benefit and for others, giving and accepting (of alms) as duties of brahmanas;  

* Teaching and studying, sacrificing for their own benefit and for others, giving and accepting (of alms) as duties of brahmanas;  

# duties further seek to reinforce and strengthen the already present inner talents and temperaments  

# duties further seek to reinforce and strengthen the already present inner talents and temperaments  

# through performance of these duties, though different for different persons, all will attain complete success and overall welfare. (Bhag.Gita.18.45)<ref name=":2" />

# through performance of these duties, though different for different persons, all will attain complete success and overall welfare. (Bhag.Gita.18.45)<ref name=":2" />

<blockquote>स्वे स्वे कर्मण्यभिरतः संसिद्धिं लभते नरः । स्वकर्मनिरतः सिद्धिं यथा विन्दति तच्छृणु ॥१८- ४५॥<ref name=":7" /></blockquote><blockquote>''sve sve karmaṇyabhirataḥ saṁsiddhiṁ labhate naraḥ । svakarmanirataḥ siddhiṁ yathā vindati tacchr̥ṇu ॥18- 45॥''</blockquote>It is also clear that, contrary to popular understanding, varna does not refer to any particular vocation. Instead it provides guidelines of a general nature regarding suitable duties for people with different temperaments, which they can in-turn implement through choosing any of the vocations, which are in sync with their svadharma. A brahmaṇa varṇa person, for example, may be a teacher teaching wide range of subjects, or a priest at a temple, or a [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|Rtvik]], etc. who performs yajna, or a scholar in any of the vidyas. Similarly, a Shudra may well have been a painter, wood carver, architect, sculpture, labor, artisans, or in any other profession in the service industry. In other words, varna grouping is clearly a conceptual classification and has no direct connection to kulas or clan groupings based on trade and skills. Similarly, varna grouping is not related to ethno-cultural jati groupings or the colonial formulation of castes.

<blockquote>स्वे स्वे कर्मण्यभिरतः संसिद्धिं लभते नरः । स्वकर्मनिरतः सिद्धिं यथा विन्दति तच्छृणु ॥१८- ४५॥<ref name=":7" /></blockquote><blockquote>''sve sve karmaṇyabhirataḥ saṁsiddhiṁ labhate naraḥ । svakarmanirataḥ siddhiṁ yathā vindati tacchr̥ṇu ॥18- 45॥''</blockquote>It is also clear that, contrary to popular understanding, varna does not refer to any particular vocation. Instead it provides guidelines of a general nature regarding suitable duties for people with different temperaments, which they can in-turn implement through choosing any of the vocations, which are in sync with their svadharma. A brahmaṇa varṇa person, for example, may be a teacher teaching wide range of subjects, or a priest at a temple, or a [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|Rtvik]], etc. who performs yajna, or a scholar in any of the vidyas. Similarly, a Shudra may well have been a painter, wood carver, architect, sculptor, labor, artisans, or in any other profession in the service industry. In other words, varna grouping is clearly a conceptual classification and has no direct connection to kulas or clan groupings based on trade and skills. Similarly, varna grouping is not related to ethno-cultural jati groupings or the colonial formulation of castes.

It is important here, to distinguish between  

It is important here, to distinguish between  

Sanatana dharma conceives a four-fold goal of human life called “purusharthas”: dharma, artha, kama and [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|moksha]]. This framework of life wherein each human being has an obligation to pursue the four-fold goals in his or her life is a unique and very important contribution of Sanatana Dharma. Since, human life is considered very unique due to them having free-will and the ability to make choices, the dharma traditions have conceived four purusharthas to provide a guidance for the exertion of this free-will in a righteous and meritorious way.

Sanatana dharma conceives a four-fold goal of human life called “purusharthas”: dharma, artha, kama and [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|moksha]]. This framework of life wherein each human being has an obligation to pursue the four-fold goals in his or her life is a unique and very important contribution of Sanatana Dharma. Since, human life is considered very unique due to them having free-will and the ability to make choices, the dharma traditions have conceived four purusharthas to provide a guidance for the exertion of this free-will in a righteous and meritorious way.

While artha and Kama refer to pursuing worldly pleasures and prosperity, respectively, moksha refers to pursuing spiritual emancipation in the form of ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Dharma, on the other hand, is the connecting principle, which on the one hand facilitates an individual to attain artha and kama, all the while taking one closer and closer to moksha as well. Because, “Achieving moksha becomes possible only when a life pursuing desires (kama) and wealth (artha) has been led consistently within the framework of dharma. Dharma thus plays a very crucial role in not only ensuring a  good life here and now, but also in enabling one to attain the state of supreme good or liberation, from which there is no lapsing back to karma and rebirth.”

While artha and Kama refer to pursuing worldly pleasures and prosperity, respectively, moksha refers to pursuing adhyatmik emancipation in the form of ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Dharma, on the other hand, is the connecting principle, which on the one hand facilitates an individual to attain artha and kama, all the while taking one closer and closer to moksha as well. Because, “Achieving moksha becomes possible only when a life pursuing desires (kama) and wealth (artha) has been led consistently within the framework of dharma. Dharma thus plays a very crucial role in not only ensuring a  good life here and now, but also in enabling one to attain the state of supreme good or liberation, from which there is no lapsing back to karma and rebirth.”

Purusharthas are very vital for people to lead their lives to the fullest. An individual will only find self-fulfillment and contentment, when he is able to understand his inner potential and work towards realizing them on the ground, all the while also fulfilling his other basic needs, on the one hand and slowly moving towards spiritual emancipation, on the other. Thus, performance of svadharma or righteous duties constitute the key to attaining overall wellbeing by an individual.

Purusharthas are very vital for people to lead their lives to the fullest. An individual will only find self-fulfillment and contentment, when he is able to understand his inner potential and work towards realizing them on the ground, all the while also fulfilling his other basic needs, on the one hand and slowly moving towards adhyatmik emancipation, on the other. Thus, performance of svadharma or righteous duties constitute the key to attaining overall wellbeing by an individual.

Dharma traditions enunciate these righteous duties as having two aspects.   

Dharma traditions enunciate these righteous duties as having two aspects.   

# सामान्यधर्मः ॥ Samanyadharma : This deals with the ethical principles like truth, non-injury, non-stealing, etc., which are common duties of all beings.  

# सामान्यधर्मः ॥ Samanyadharma : This deals with the ethical principles like truth, non-injury, non-stealing, etc., which are common duties of all beings.  

# विशेषधर्मः ॥ Vishesha dharma : These are special duties, which are unique to every individual depending on the kala (time), desha (place), varna and ashrama. Among these different elements of vishesha dharma, it is the varṇa dharma along with [[Ashrama Dharma (आश्रमधर्मः)|ashrama dharma]] that caters to different stages in a person’s life, which can be considered as the most defining principles of svadharma or righteous duties with respect to an individual, since they alone cater to the unique temperaments, potential competencies, and inner calling of an individual.

# विशेषधर्मः ॥ Vishesha dharma : These are special duties, which are unique to every individual depending on the kala (time), desha (place), varna and ashrama. Among these different elements of vishesha dharma, it is the varṇa dharma along with [[Ashrama Dharma (आश्रमधर्मः)|ashrama dharma]] that caters to different stages in a person’s life, which can be considered as the most defining principles of svadharma or righteous duties with respect to an individual, since they alone cater to the unique temperaments, potential competencies, and inner calling of an individual.

Notably, the varṇa model places knowledge, particularly spiritual knowledge (adhyatma vidya) and transcendent knowledge (atma vidya) at the top, like the head of a human being and a whole conceptual framework has been conceived such that all other mundane activities be it politics, commerce, or labor, are perceived as actions that facilitate individuals to eventually reach the ultimate goal of jnana and moksha. In fact, a clear correlation between [[Varnashrama Dharma (वर्णाश्रमधर्मः)|varna–ashrama]], on the one hand, and purusharthas on the other hand can be established. Though, the four purusharthas are equally applicable to all human beings irrespective of their varna, there is also a clear correlation between the svabhava of a person and the purushartha he is most likely to consider as central to his life.

Notably, the varṇa model places knowledge, particularly adhyatmik knowledge (adhyatma vidya) and transcendent knowledge (atma vidya) at the top, like the head of a human being and a whole conceptual framework has been conceived such that all other mundane activities be it politics, commerce, or labor, are perceived as actions that facilitate individuals to eventually reach the ultimate goal of jnana and moksha. In fact, a clear correlation between [[Varnashrama Dharma (वर्णाश्रमधर्मः)|varna–ashrama]], on the one hand, and purusharthas on the other hand can be established. Though, the four purusharthas are equally applicable to all human beings irrespective of their varna, there is also a clear correlation between the svabhava of a person and the purushartha he is most likely to consider as central to his life.

For.example,  

For.example,  

* Similarly, vaishya varṇa is associated with the purushartha of ‘artha’ (gathering of wealth), because their svabhava drives them to pursue wealth and prosperity.

* Similarly, vaishya varṇa is associated with the purushartha of ‘artha’ (gathering of wealth), because their svabhava drives them to pursue wealth and prosperity.

* kshatriya is associated with dharma, because their foremost duty is the protection of dharma and the welfare of citizens, and not pursuance of personal desires or wealth

* kshatriya is associated with dharma, because their foremost duty is the protection of dharma and the welfare of citizens, and not pursuance of personal desires or wealth

* brahmanas are associated with moksha, because it is the ultimate calling of the brahmana and they are by svabhava spiritual in outlook.  

* brahmanas are associated with moksha, because it is the ultimate calling of the brahmana and they are by svabhava adhyatmik in outlook.  

In fact, Vajrasuchika Upaniṣad (Verse 10) says, a true brahmana is one who has established himself in Brahman i.e. Attained moksha.<ref name=":2" /> <blockquote>यः कश्चिदात्मानमद्वितीयं जातिगुणक्रियाहीनं षडूर्मिषड्भावेत्यादिसर्वदोषरहितं सत्यज्ञानानन्दानन्तस्वरूपं स्वयं निर्विकल्पमशेषकल्पाधारशेषभूतान्तर्यामित्वेन वर्तमानमन्तर्यहिश्चाकाशवदनुस्यूतमखण्डानन्द-स्वभावमप्रमेयमनुभवैकवेद्यमपरोक्षतया भासमानं करतलमलकवत्साक्षादपरोक्षीकृत्य कृतार्थतया कामरागादिदोषरहितः शमदमादिसम्पन्नो भावमात्सर्यतृष्णाशामोहादिरहितो दम्भाहङ्कारदिभिरसंस्पृष्टचेता वर्तत एवमुक्तलक्षणो यः स एव ब्राह्मणेति श्रुतिस्मृतीतिहास-पुराणानामभिप्रायः । अन्यथा हि ब्राह्मणत्वसिद्धिर्नास्त्येव ।<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D Vajrasuchika Upanishad]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ kaścidātmānamadvitīyaṁ jātiguṇakriyāhīnaṁ ṣaḍūrmiṣaḍbhāvetyādisarvadoṣarahitaṁ satyajñānānandānantasvarūpaṁ svayaṁ nirvikalpamaśeṣakalpādhāraśeṣabhūtāntaryāmitvena vartamānamantaryahiścākāśavadanusyūtamakhaṇḍānanda-svabhāvamaprameyamanubhavaikavedyamaparokṣatayā bhāsamānaṁ karatalamalakavatsākṣādaparokṣīkr̥tya kr̥tārthatayā kāmarāgādidoṣarahitaḥ śamadamādisampanno bhāvamātsaryatr̥ṣṇāśāmohādirahito dambhāhaṅkāradibhirasaṁspr̥ṣṭacetā vartata evamuktalakṣaṇo yaḥ sa eva brāhmaṇeti śrutismr̥tītihāsa-purāṇānāmabhiprāyaḥ । anyathā hi brāhmaṇatvasiddhirnāstyeva ।</blockquote>Meaning: Whoever he may be, he who has directly realised his Atma and who is directly cognizant, like the myrobalan in his palm, of his Atma that is without a second, that is devoid of class and actions, that is free from the faults of the six stains and the six changes, that is of the nature of truth, knowledge, bliss, and eternity, that is without any change in itself, that is the substratum of all the kalpas, that exists penetrating all things that pervades everything within and without as akasha , that is of nature of undivided bliss, that cannot be reasoned about and that is known only by direct cognition. He who by the reason of having obtained his wishes is devoid of the faults of thirst after worldly objects and passions, who is the possessor of the qualifications beginning with shama, who is free from emotion, malice, thirst after worldly objects, desire, delusion, etc., whose mind is untouched by pride, egoism, etc., who possesses all these qualities and means he only is the brahmana. Such is the opinion of the vedas, the [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|smrtis]], the [[Itihasa (इतिहासः)|itihasa]] and the [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|puranas]]. Otherwise one cannot obtain the status of a brahmana.<ref>K.Narayanasvami Aiyar (1914), [https://archive.org/details/thirtyminorupani00xxxxuoft/page/n127 Thirty Minor Upanishads], Madras. </ref>

In fact, Vajrasuchika Upaniṣad (Verse 10) says, a true brahmana is one who has established himself in Brahman i.e. Attained moksha.<ref name=":2" /> <blockquote>यः कश्चिदात्मानमद्वितीयं जातिगुणक्रियाहीनं षडूर्मिषड्भावेत्यादिसर्वदोषरहितं सत्यज्ञानानन्दानन्तस्वरूपं स्वयं निर्विकल्पमशेषकल्पाधारशेषभूतान्तर्यामित्वेन वर्तमानमन्तर्यहिश्चाकाशवदनुस्यूतमखण्डानन्द-स्वभावमप्रमेयमनुभवैकवेद्यमपरोक्षतया भासमानं करतलमलकवत्साक्षादपरोक्षीकृत्य कृतार्थतया कामरागादिदोषरहितः शमदमादिसम्पन्नो भावमात्सर्यतृष्णाशामोहादिरहितो दम्भाहङ्कारदिभिरसंस्पृष्टचेता वर्तत एवमुक्तलक्षणो यः स एव ब्राह्मणेति श्रुतिस्मृतीतिहास-पुराणानामभिप्रायः । अन्यथा हि ब्राह्मणत्वसिद्धिर्नास्त्येव ।<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D Vajrasuchika Upanishad]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ kaścidātmānamadvitīyaṁ jātiguṇakriyāhīnaṁ ṣaḍūrmiṣaḍbhāvetyādisarvadoṣarahitaṁ satyajñānānandānantasvarūpaṁ svayaṁ nirvikalpamaśeṣakalpādhāraśeṣabhūtāntaryāmitvena vartamānamantaryahiścākāśavadanusyūtamakhaṇḍānanda-svabhāvamaprameyamanubhavaikavedyamaparokṣatayā bhāsamānaṁ karatalamalakavatsākṣādaparokṣīkr̥tya kr̥tārthatayā kāmarāgādidoṣarahitaḥ śamadamādisampanno bhāvamātsaryatr̥ṣṇāśāmohādirahito dambhāhaṅkāradibhirasaṁspr̥ṣṭacetā vartata evamuktalakṣaṇo yaḥ sa eva brāhmaṇeti śrutismr̥tītihāsa-purāṇānāmabhiprāyaḥ । anyathā hi brāhmaṇatvasiddhirnāstyeva ।</blockquote>Meaning: Whoever he may be, he who has directly realised his Atma and who is directly cognizant, like the myrobalan in his palm, of his Atma that is without a second, that is devoid of class and actions, that is free from the faults of the six stains and the six changes, that is of the nature of truth, knowledge, bliss, and eternity, that is without any change in itself, that is the substratum of all the kalpas, that exists penetrating all things that pervades everything within and without as akasha , that is of nature of undivided bliss, that cannot be reasoned about and that is known only by direct cognition. He who by the reason of having obtained his wishes is devoid of the faults of thirst after worldly objects and passions, who is the possessor of the qualifications beginning with shama, who is free from emotion, malice, thirst after worldly objects, desire, delusion, etc., whose mind is untouched by pride, egoism, etc., who possesses all these qualities and means he only is the brahmana. Such is the opinion of the vedas, the [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|smrtis]], the [[Itihasa (इतिहासः)|itihasa]] and the [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|puranas]]. Otherwise one cannot obtain the status of a brahmana.<ref>K.Narayanasvami Aiyar (1914), [https://archive.org/details/thirtyminorupani00xxxxuoft/page/n127 Thirty Minor Upanishads], Madras. </ref>

== संहृतिः ॥ Synopsis ==

== संहृतिः ॥ Synopsis ==

The varna framework recognizes each individual as a unique person with unique temperaments, capabilities and inner-callings, fulfilling which alone will bring happiness, contentment and spiritual emancipation to that individual. This making of self-actualization, the interplay between svabhava and svadharma as the linchpin of the dharmic vision for a harmonious social order that upholds merit and preserves diversity is perhaps the most important contribution of Sanatana dharma traditions to the world.<ref name=":2" />

The varna framework recognizes each individual as a unique person with unique temperaments, capabilities and inner-callings, fulfilling which alone will bring happiness, contentment and adhyatmik emancipation to that individual. This making of self-actualization, the interplay between svabhava and svadharma as the linchpin of the dharmic vision for a harmonious social order that upholds merit and preserves diversity is perhaps the most important contribution of Sanatana dharma traditions to the world.<ref name=":2" />

== References ==

== References ==