Question about caste, please help!

[Guest guest]

Hi, I have a question about caste, I was hoping someone could offer some help.

 

I know that the four main castes are Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra. My family is in a subcaste called Kamma...can anyone tell me which main caste Kammas are included in? I'm thinking it's either Vaishya or Sudra, but I'm not sure.

 

Just FYI...I think the caste system is stupid, but I just wanted to know which one I am in for the heck of it.

 

Thanks to anyone who replies with an answer!

[Guest guest]

One of the old story I was been told that it derived its orgin by mixture of Bramhin and Sudra to aquire great knowledge in one of the sect of Sudras.

 

Hindu Savior

[naciketa]

Neo-Humanism is a new mindset that we are to love not only our family members, our neighbors, our fellow countrymen, we are to love all the people of this world. Neo-Humanism goes one step further and says, we are to love even the animals and the plants on this earth, and care for and protect them from harm in the best way possible. How are we to reach this neo-humanist stance? Neo-Humanism is not a set of concepts. It is a state of being. Neo-humanism is based on the expansion of human consciousness found in mystical practice and the intensification of the human heart found in mystical love. This mysticism is innate within all cultural traditions. It is this mystical realization which we all share that is the basis for the dynamism of Neo-humanism. Based on this expanded consciousness, Neo-humanism examines and attempts to heal the pathologies of narrow sentiments that distort the human spirit, putting human beings into little boxes of race, class, caste, nation, ethnicity and religion. In addition, Neo-humanism provides a means for genuine mental liberation from psycho-economic exploitation. Finally, Neo-humanism provides a means of regenerating the various sub-cultures of the one culture that is called humanity. Articles in this section will explain the Neo-humanistic stance in greater detail. It is a mindset that we urgently need because it will help to unite the common people around the world - first to stop the exploitation of those oppressing the common people and then to build a new world based on this universal culture of Neo-humanism.

 

Neo-Humanism is a world-view characterized by love for the Supreme. Love for the Supreme ultimately overflows onto all objects created by the Supreme. In turn, adoption of the Neohumanistic outlook safeguards and enhances the development of one's world-view, and the more expansive the world0view, the more one finds the ecstasy and peace of devotion. In His discourse, The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar has laid the foundations of this philosophy.

 

 

 

Neo-Humanism, by Gary Coyle. Neo-humanism derives from the deepest recesses of the human personality, that vast reservoir of untapped spiritual inspiration. However, most human beings have limited mindsets based on geo-sentiment (geo-patriotism, geo-economics and geo-religion), socio-sentiment (allegiance to one community) or human sentiment, which is mainly confined to the realm ofa ideas. Neo-humanism, says Coyle, is the realm of action. Neo-humanism means elevating humanism to universalism, having love for all created beings of this universe.

 

Prout and Neo-humanism . Ending exploitation and implementing Prout economic principles must be adjusted with present conditions. Prout is a universally applicable model, leading to universal fulfillment, serenity and satisfaction, freedom and realization. Human beings need to move forward while protecting the earth's resources such as water, plants and animals. Neo-humanism expands the intellect and inculcates deep love for all created beings. With neo-humanism as a base, a rational philosophy can be evolved to overcome all collective problems.

 

Neo-Humanistic Approach to Economics , by Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. While the spiritual order is infinite, the physical realm is finite. Due to the innate longings of human beings, they will never be satisfied with material acquisitions. Satisfaction will come only when approaching the spiritual realm. Prout will meet material needs, Neo-humanist mindset will remove physical and mental disparities amongst people and move them towards contemplation of the Supreme Entity.

 

Universalism, by Shrii Prabhat R. Sarkar. The author says that the more expanded a mind becomes, the more it rises above feelings of tribalism, fundamentalism, provincialism, etc. He then points out 'nationalism' is a similarly restricted word - a narrow concept, and that our magnanimity should rise above this word also, this box, and move towards the mindset of universalism. Universalism means, all created beings are included in one's periphery, and one loves all created beings. No one is outside our periphery of caring.

 

Capitalism, Marxism and Neo-humanist Economics, by Jayanta Kumar. The link between neo-humanism and economics is that neo-humanism provides the ethical framework and value system such that all economic activity relates to human welfare. Existing schools of economics (Marxism, capitalism, Keynesianism) are based on materialist values and vested interest. We need to move from materialist economics to neo-humanist economics, wherein the welfare of the common people is paramount!

 

"The greatest social welfare for the human race will be accomplished if those who aspire to establish the world government (the universal family) engage themselves only in constructive activities and selfless service... They will have to go on rendering social service with steadfast commitment, without any ulterior motive in their minds."

 

Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar

 

 

The Liberation of Intellect , by Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. In our 21st century we see increasingly people define themselves in the degrading terms of religion, ethnicity and nationality. Mere physical combat against extremists can be of no avail. Similarly, simply to intellectually criticize fundamentalists and nationalists will have little impact on those infected by these diseases. What is required is the total liberation of intellect. This article in a nutshell describes what this means and what we must do to achieve this.

 

Liberation from Staticity , by Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. Generally traditional western concept of liberation deals with the liberation from physical oppression and the repression of free flow of ideas. By contrast, the traditional eastern concept of liberation deals with the liberation from inner bondages and lower states of consciousness. In this article, the author briefly unites these concepts into a seed of universal liberation that has great potential for our global culture.

 

"To build a healthy human race we should have given the people proper guidance in philosophy, in science, in all branches of human knowledge - which we did not do. We have utilized science more for destructive purposes than for benevolent aims. We have distorted the thought process of human beings. We have deliberately misguided the people instead of leading them along the proper path ... The only remedy is Neohumanism."

 

Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar

 

 

 

 

 

[maadhav]

varnasrama is not a stupid idea

because krishna had made it.

 

its malprctice is sin, and the Hindus did that sin for a long time. still, even now, all hindus are not malpracticeners of varnasrama.

 

no society is free from divisions of one form or another.

 

[Guest guest]

where in india are you from? what does you family do occupation wise? i mean historically. if u know your family's hisotry and what they did, then you could figure what where they stood on the social ladder...

 

but besides that, i DO agree that the caste system as its practiced is attrocious and should be complteltly revitalized

[Guest guest]

We're farmers, even now we own land in Andhra Pradesh and my relatives over there still have jurisdiction over it...I'm guessing then that we are in the Sudra caste because that's the one including farmers? However, I was under the impression that Sudras in general just work the land, and don't get the chance to own it. Also, I thought that the lower castes have not yet gotten the chance for much mobility within the system...meaning that most of them are born poor and stay poor, etc. This isn't the case with my family--I live in America in a pretty nice area, my whole family (both in the US and India) has had a good education and everyone has stable and high-paying jobs. We also know many other Kamma families in the US that are doing very well. I'm just wondering how my family, among many other Kamma families, got the chance to be so successful if we are in the lowest caste.

 

Another reply had said that maybe Kammas were a mix of Sudras and Brahmins..maybe that could explain how we got the chance to go to school, develop our potential, etc, more so than other subcastes of Sudra? Not sure, just a thought..

 

Any thoughts on this? Thanks for the replies so far, it is really interesting to hear about what other people think...I'm only 18 and have spent my whole life in the US so I don't know much about all of this..anything would be helpful. Thanks again.

[Guest guest]

“it is really interesting to hear about what other people think”

 

Since U have mentioned that you were pretty much brought up over here (US), I just want to share some of the great points and issues about this Caste system as an outsider and observer. My intention here is for information about a particular sub caste and not to praise/support or any other.

 

I was born and brought up in AP Capitol. It was so amazing that though I was been exposed to many of them in my day to day life, I came to know about Kamma caste only when I have been to Andhra side (Eluru).

 

 

1. Many of the people whom I met were been focused (Meaning they are very much focused and dedicated in what they do (Politics/Business/ Profession/Agriculture/ Education,).

 

2. As you rightly said many of them are rich by birth. I would say blessed by Goddess Lakshmi by birth. Their caste acronym is K (K for Kamma also K for money). That is the reason, they have big presence every where there is big K. (Movies, Press, Colleges, Temples, Medical etc).

 

 

3. Majority of them follow Vaishnava Sampradayam (Great devotees of Lord Venkateswara (Balaji)). Also many of the Temples been maintained by them in US.

 

4. Majority of their names came from Vishnusahasra Namavali (this only my experience after chanting Vishnusahasra Namavali, I came across many of their names whom I interacted on daily basis).

 

 

5. Very much united within their caste system, Outsiders are not easily welcome into their caste (marriages/friendship).

 

6. Give more preference to the neatness.

 

7. Predominantly female dominated (within house) and male dominated external world.

 

8. Entire family members work for common cause (K).

9. Big fan of Prestige/name/

 

 

Some issues (Please excuse me for this)

 

1. They will never easily loose single penny.

2. Due to the fact they are rich, and supreme in many facets, they will degrade other castes/ especially Bramhins, Naidus, and low class people.

3. Though they were once part of Sudras, Sudras are not welcome in to their community caste (marriages, friendship etc).

4. Very much practical people when it comes to money. (They do not mind loosing the relationship for the sake of K).

5. Measures others only in K.

 

hope this would help u to understand how an outsider would think. I would like you to post your comments on the Issues

 

God bless you

 

Hindu Savior

 

[Guest guest]

if you guys were farmers who owned your own land, you would probably have been considered as vaishyas back then, right?

 

anyway, that doesnt matter, your doing good now. vishnu has definately helped your family walk the path towards lakshmi

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your comments. I didn't know that a lot of people had this view of Kammas, i.e. that the caste is obsessed with money. It's very eye-opening and very depressing to say the least, because I'm sure there are so many Kammas out there that are not like this. I do thank you for posting that though because I definitely knew nothing about it.

 

Anyways, in regards to your comments...

this is another thing I don't like about caste, people tend to have stereotypes of each caste/subcaste, and then pigeonhole all people from that caste into a certain personality with certain characteristics: whether it be money-hungry/greedy, or something else. I mean, many of the Kammas you may have met growing up may have been greedy but there are so many other Kammas out there that you haven't met, you know? I don't know, it just seems unfair. When it comes down to it, it would be so much more fair for people to be judged on their individual qualities than on the stereotypes assigned to their caste. I really can't understand why so many people, even today, have faith in the caste system. Of course I understand that many people think it is an integral part of Hinduism, and they think they should follow it or they're not being a good Hindu...but why would God want us to be in stuck in such a stratified society? I know I sound like a little kid when I say this, but I just don't understand why God would stick people in castes and tell them that they have to "do their duty" and stay there, and never try to reach a higher potential.

 

I love being a Hindu because it is such an accepting religion, in terms of the fact that Hindus almost never try to convert others, and believe that a person can reach God through any path/religion, if they have done good deeds, etc. Almost no other major religion is this accepting. But the caste system seems like such a huge taint on the religion...it's sad. Why should people suffer because of the family they were born into? It doesn't make sense to me.

 

Anyways, I have completely gone off-track from the whole Kamma thing, but I just had to say all that. Thanks for your thoughts, but just remember to judge people individually and not make prior judgments on them based on things like caste...because every person is different, no matter what class they come from /images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

Thanks again, please post any more thoughts!

 

-BC

[Guest guest]

your caste is dependant on your personal behaviour and your inclination to perform any of the four different yoga's to their various depths. you are not entirely born a 'brahmin' or a 'sudra'. you become one by personal effort. your placement in one of those families means that in your previous life, you were a little less 'god-developed'.

[jayan008]

"your placement in one of those families means that in your previous life, you were a little less 'god-developed'"

 

- So does that mean if one is born in brahmin family he was fully god-developed in his last birth, and if so, being fully god-developed in this new birth would he now be devoted to God, or be pure in mind and action ???? Any guarantee ???

 

What about a child born out of a wedlock of a Sudra father and a Brahmin mother ???? What would have been his past karma? did he do half good and half bad things ?????

 

Caste has nothing to do with Karma.....it was only made to distinguish people on the basis of their professions......A man pure in mind and action is a brahmin....because Karma is higher and related to the Divine Lord while Caste is a mere tool made by human beings......

 

[Guest guest]

For some reason though you claim yourself as kid, I am sensing more of maturity in your thoughts. Keep it up.

 

One thing I learned is learn as much as you can about Hinduism. Understand well about a caste system. This has helped me to practice Respect others and treat them equal.

 

I want to share one of my practical experiences which I have been practicing and was successful very much.

 

This is only my way of handling, may not be true with every one.

 

When I was in India, I used to visit Tirupathi(Balaji) every year, which I am still doing in US by visiting Pittsburg (some kind of satisfaction).

 

When I go there many of people whom I came across, were more concerned about facilities than on Swamy's darshan. They are more concerned about accommodation, making arrangements for speed darshan, fighting with vendors/cab drivers, cursing others for cheating.............

 

By the time they reach inside Temple, they were hardly able to concentrate on God because of other tensions.

 

What I started doing is, I will try to keep silent myself, and keep less focus on facilities/arrangements, more focus on God presence/prayer. Most of the time I climb the 7 hills. I pray GOD, and keep doing same all the time through out my stay on Tirumala Hills. Amazingly, most of the time I got I wanted. I was so happy with great Darshan of Lord every time.

 

Similarly, I started practicing the same in my real life, less focus on caste/creed, more focus on learning and understanding of other caste, religions etc. (This really a powerful tool). This is really working fine for me. Today I have so many friends at work/home whom I always feel free to talk and vice versa. (There are still some exceptions, not every one open like me. I have seen many people are more attached to the religion/caste than GOD. But I am OK with that).

 

You cannot come out from your caste/religion and start criticizing whether you like it or not also other religions. Remember these are been followed for centuries difficult to repair now. Rather start learning as much as you can (the way you did it now), start practicing (one of my examples above), that way you will be more matured in your thoughts. This will lead to less stress, more focus on GOD.

 

God bless you always

 

Hindu Savior.

 

 

[jayan008]

it was a good example to follow.

[Guest guest]

caste was based on occupation at the begining. To belong to a particular caste you need to be having certain occupation. Suppose you are borne to a brahmin and you dont perform brahmin duties... u r no longer a brahmin. similarly if you are borne to a farmer but if your occupation is soldier you are a kshatriya. That was how it was at the begining. The caste was not heriditory. But it slowly became heriditory.