Hinduism: The Basics
Reincarnation & Castes
Hindus believe nothing that once existed is ever completely destroyed, it merely undergoes a change in its form. Reincarnation is the rebirth of the soul after death into the body of another. This belief in reincarnation has resulted in a caste system. The castes divide the people into lifelong social positions. They are born into a caste. It is felt that the way one has lived in a previous life dictates into which caste you are born. If you have been a good person you are awarded by being born into a higher caste. The person who has been evil is punished by having to live his life as part of a lower caste. The original castes or orders were based on the different parts of the body of a god, Purusa.
- Mouth - priests and teachers called Brahmans
- Arms - warriors and rulers, the Ksatriyas
- Thigh - farmers and traders, Vaisyas
- Feet - menial laborers, the Sudras
Today these four original divisions have been divided into thousands of different castes. For each caste there are definite rules and regulations that dictate with whom they could marry, with whom they could socialize, and what they could eat.
Those that did not belong to any caste were thought to be created from darkness that Brahma discarded when he was creating the universe. These are known as outcasts or untouchables. The government has tried to outlaw the caste system, especially untouchables, but it has been difficult in the small villages.
Brahmans are the privileged or highest caste. Originally they were not permitted to engage in any type of work other than study and religious teachings. Now they can become lawyers, doctors, businessmen, government employees or university professors. Being a member of this caste still retains an esteemed social position. Originally, those from other castes were expected to support and sustain the Brahmins with gifts of food or money. The gifts provided the donator great benefits or merit. Brahmins are expected to be lacto-vegetarians.
Ksatriyas as the warriors and rulers were originally obligated to protect the community. They had to be willing to give their lives to protect the Brahmins and the sacred animals. Since they were warriors they were permitted to kill animals, other than the sacred cow, to eat.
The Vaisyas as farmers and traders were supposed to make money to improve the economic conditions of the country. They were encouraged to give gifts to the Brahmins and money to build Temples.
The Sudras serve the three higher classes with diligence and humbleness. Some of the subdivisions created out of this class are the weavers and the carpenters.
The outcasts or untouchables are not allowed to enter the villages and towns except to do the most menial labor. They are not allowed to own land or to build houses. They live in wretched conditions.