Caste system: ideology and practise?: Difference between revisions
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The [[caste system]] is the name given to a system of discrimination that has been practised in [[India]] for 1000s of years. It is similar to any other system of discrimination in that it involves giving different rights to people of different background. In this case, it involves the social stratification and social restrictions of different tribes and sects within the Indian subcontinent, in which social classes are defined by thousands of endogamous hereditary groups, often termed as "jĝtis" or "castes". It is a form of systematic discrimination just like racism: which is | The [[caste system]] is the name given to a system of discrimination that has been practised in [[India]] for 1000s of years. It is similar to any other system of discrimination in that it involves giving different rights to people of different background. In this case, it involves the social stratification and social restrictions of different tribes and sects within the Indian subcontinent, in which social classes are defined by thousands of endogamous hereditary groups, often termed as "jĝtis" or "castes". It is a form of systematic discrimination just like racism: which is discrimination based on the persons race or ethnicity. In the West, before the 19th century, the evil of racism led to the organised trade in slaves and resulted in the huge amount of misery to the peoples of Africa. | ||
Although the caste system is generally identified with [[Hinduism]], it was also observed among followers of other religions in the Indian subcontinent, including some groups of [[Muslim]]s and [[Christian]]s. The Indian Constitution has outlawed caste-based discrimination, in keeping with the socialist, secular, democratic principles that founded the nation. Caste barriers have mostly broken down in large cities, though they persist in rural areas of the country. Nevertheless, the caste system, in various forms, continues to survive in modern [[India]] strengthened by a combination of social perceptions and divisive politics. | Although the caste system is generally identified with [[Hinduism]], it was also observed among followers of other religions in the Indian subcontinent, including some groups of [[Muslim]]s and [[Christian]]s. The Indian Constitution has outlawed caste-based discrimination, in keeping with the socialist, secular, democratic principles that founded the nation. Caste barriers have mostly broken down in large cities, though they persist in rural areas of the country. Nevertheless, the caste system, in various forms, continues to survive in modern [[India]] strengthened by a combination of social perceptions and divisive politics. | ||
The situation in the West is not a lot better either! The iniquity of racism in the West resulted in many evils in this society. The end | The situation in the West is not a lot better either! The iniquity of racism in the West resulted in many evils in this society. The end of the slave trade did not bring an end to this horrible practise. Apartheid and the segregation of different races continued well into the 20th century. Black and brown races were not allowed to openly share in the society's resources until the 1950s. Unfortunately, forms of discrimination in modern society have continued well into the present. | ||
==The Guru's way== | ==The Guru's way== | ||
It is well known that the [[Sikh Gurus]] first preached the message of non-discrimination and equality many 100s of years ago. Since about 1499, when [[Guru Nanak]] first began his five [[world tours]] to spread the message of peace and | It is well known that the [[Sikh Gurus]] first preached the message of non-discrimination and equality many 100s of years ago. Since about 1499, when [[Guru Nanak]] first began his five [[world tours]] to spread the message of peace and compassion, there have been a very clear voice against caste and race discrimination. From 1500, the world has known that to discriminate based on the person's caste or race is wrong; this knowledge has been around for all of the world to embrace. The [[Guru Granth Sahib]] records the actual words of [[Guru Nanak]] in [[Raag Asa]] as: | ||
{{tuk|349|15985|ਜਾਣਹ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥<br> | {{tuk|349|15985|ਜਾਣਹ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥<br> | ||
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|Recognize the Lord's Light in all, don't ask their caste or race; <br>there are no class or caste in the world hereafter. (1)(Pause)}} | |Recognize the Lord's Light in all, don't ask their caste or race; <br>there are no class or caste in the world hereafter. (1)(Pause)}} | ||
For a [[Sikh]] the | For a [[Sikh]], the Guru word and [[hukam]] (or edict) are very clear. To discriminate against any person and to favour someone indiscriminately is not acceptable. Although, the message of non-discrimination has been spelt very clearly, we continue to live in ignorance. The results of our ignorance and the evidence of our discrimination can be seen everywhere around us. | ||
==What the Guru taught the world== | |||
During the time of the tenth Guru, [[Guru Gobind Singh]], there were the [[panj pyara]] who were the leaders of the [[sangat]] (congregation) and in 1699 became the first members of the [[Khalsa]] fraternity. The '''Panj Piare''' (literally the '''five beloved ones'''), were named: [[Bhai Daya Singh]], [[Bhai Dharam Singh]], [[Bhai Himmat Singh]], [[Bhai Mukham Singh]] and [[Bhai Sahib Singh]], If we look at the caste of each of them, it was different; they were all from 5 different and varying castes. From this it can be seen that the there was no discrimination within the [[sangat]] during the time of the tenth Guru; all castes were allowed to take part in all the events; the sangat was homogeneous and a cross section of the wider society. All were able to take part in this most holy of rituals that were organised. | |||
Further, if we look back during the reign of the previous 9 Gurus, you see the important role played by various different castes and sects. [[Guru Nanak's]] companion, [[Bhai Mardana]] was regarded by the [[Hindu]] society as a lower caste [[Muslim]]. The person who discovered the ninth Guru [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] was [[Bhai Makhan Shah]] who was a [[Labana]]. [[Baba Buddha]], who lived to the ripe age of 125 years and had the good fortune of the [[darshan]] of 6 Gurus, was a [[Jatt]] by caste. So all castes played equal roles in [[Sikhism]] during the times of the Gurus. | |||
==How are we behaving?== | |||
Now, if we look at the important Sikh organisation of today, it is clear that the same non-discriminatory policy does not appear to apply. Although, the Sikhs continue to assert that there is no discrimination based on caste, creed or race, it is clear that this position is not tenable. If we look at the top five officials of the [[SGPC]] over the last 25 years, it becomes clear that even the "top brass" in the Sikh institution do not practise what was preached by our Gurus. | |||
Now look at the local [[Gurdwara]] management committees, I have found that the top five officials within these groups are not from different castes or sects but predominately from one or two sects. | |||
==More Gurbani== | |||
{{tuk|1128|48237|ਚਾਰੇ ਵਰਨ ਆਖੈ ਸਭ ਕੋਈ ॥ ਬਰਹਮ ਬਿੰਦ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਓਪਤਿ ਹੋਈ ॥੨॥<br> | |||
ਮਾਟੀ ਝਕ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਸਾਰਾ ॥ ਬਹ ਬਿਧਿ ਭਾਂਡੇ ਘੜੈ ਕਮਹਹਾਰਾ ॥੩॥ | |||
|Cẖĝre varan ĝkẖai sabẖ ko▫ī. Barahm binḝ ṯe sabẖ opaṯ ho▫ī.(2) Mĝtī ek sagal sansĝrĝ. Baho biḝẖ bẖĝʼnde gẖaṛai kumĥĝrĝ.(3) | |||
|Everyone says that there are four castes, four social classes. They all emanate from the drop of God's Seed. (2)<br> | |||
The entire universe is made of the same clay. The Potter has shaped it into all sorts of vessels. (3)}} | |||
{{tuk|1128|48256|ਚਹ ਵਰਨਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਾਗੈ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਜਮੈ ਕਾਲੈ ਤੇ ਛੂਟੈ ਸੋਇ ॥੫॥ | |||
|Cẖahu varnĝ vicẖ jĝgai ko▫e. Jamai kĝlai ṯe cẖẖūtai so▫e. (5) | |||
|Of the four castes, whoever remains awake and aware is released from birth and death. (5)}} | |||
{{tuk|747|32166|ਖਤਰੀ ਬਰਾਹਮਣ ਸੂਦ ਵੈਸ ਉਪਦੇਸ ਚਹ ਵਰਨਾ ਕਉ ਸਾਝਾ ॥ | |||
ਗਰਮਖਿ ਨਾਮ ਜਪੈ ਉਧਰੈ ਸੋ ਕਲਿ ਮਹਿ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਝਾ ॥੪॥੩॥੫੦॥ | |||
|Kẖaṯrī barĝhmaṇ sūḝ vais upḝes cẖahu varnĝ ka▫o sĝjẖĝ. | |||
Gurmukẖ nĝm japai uḝẖrai so kal mėh gẖat gẖat Nĝnak mĝjẖĝ.(4)(3)(50) | |||
|The four castes - the Kh'shaatriyas, Brahmins, Soodras and Vaishyas - are equal in respect to the teachings. <br> | |||
One who, as Gurmukh, chants the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is saved. <br>In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, O Nanak, God is permeating the hearts of each and every being. (4)(3)(50)}} | |||
==See also== | |||
* [[Caste system]] | |||
* [[Primary Beliefs and Principles]] | |||
* [[Guru Har Gobind]] | |||
* [[Guru Gobind Singh]] | |||
==External links== | |||
* [http://www.uwire.com/Article.aspx?id=4030410 U. Virginia students hold rally against bias] | |||
{{Belief}} | |||
Revision as of 18:58, 28 May 2009
The caste system is the name given to a system of discrimination that has been practised in India for 1000s of years. It is similar to any other system of discrimination in that it involves giving different rights to people of different background. In this case, it involves the social stratification and social restrictions of different tribes and sects within the Indian subcontinent, in which social classes are defined by thousands of endogamous hereditary groups, often termed as "jĝtis" or "castes". It is a form of systematic discrimination just like racism: which is discrimination based on the persons race or ethnicity. In the West, before the 19th century, the evil of racism led to the organised trade in slaves and resulted in the huge amount of misery to the peoples of Africa.
Although the caste system is generally identified with Hinduism, it was also observed among followers of other religions in the Indian subcontinent, including some groups of Muslims and Christians. The Indian Constitution has outlawed caste-based discrimination, in keeping with the socialist, secular, democratic principles that founded the nation. Caste barriers have mostly broken down in large cities, though they persist in rural areas of the country. Nevertheless, the caste system, in various forms, continues to survive in modern India strengthened by a combination of social perceptions and divisive politics.
The situation in the West is not a lot better either! The iniquity of racism in the West resulted in many evils in this society. The end of the slave trade did not bring an end to this horrible practise. Apartheid and the segregation of different races continued well into the 20th century. Black and brown races were not allowed to openly share in the society's resources until the 1950s. Unfortunately, forms of discrimination in modern society have continued well into the present.
The Guru's way
It is well known that the Sikh Gurus first preached the message of non-discrimination and equality many 100s of years ago. Since about 1499, when Guru Nanak first began his five world tours to spread the message of peace and compassion, there have been a very clear voice against caste and race discrimination. From 1500, the world has known that to discriminate based on the person's caste or race is wrong; this knowledge has been around for all of the world to embrace. The Guru Granth Sahib records the actual words of Guru Nanak in Raag Asa as:
| ਜਾਣਹ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ जाणहढ़ जोति न पूछहढ़ जाती आगै जाति न हे ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥ |
| Jĝṇhu joṯ na pūcẖẖahu jĝṯī ĝgai jĝṯ na he. (1)rahĝ▫o. |
| Recognize the Lord's Light in all, don't ask their caste or race; there are no class or caste in the world hereafter. (1)(Pause) |
For a Sikh, the Guru word and hukam (or edict) are very clear. To discriminate against any person and to favour someone indiscriminately is not acceptable. Although, the message of non-discrimination has been spelt very clearly, we continue to live in ignorance. The results of our ignorance and the evidence of our discrimination can be seen everywhere around us.
What the Guru taught the world
During the time of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, there were the panj pyara who were the leaders of the sangat (congregation) and in 1699 became the first members of the Khalsa fraternity. The Panj Piare (literally the five beloved ones), were named: Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mukham Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh, If we look at the caste of each of them, it was different; they were all from 5 different and varying castes. From this it can be seen that the there was no discrimination within the sangat during the time of the tenth Guru; all castes were allowed to take part in all the events; the sangat was homogeneous and a cross section of the wider society. All were able to take part in this most holy of rituals that were organised.
Further, if we look back during the reign of the previous 9 Gurus, you see the important role played by various different castes and sects. Guru Nanak's companion, Bhai Mardana was regarded by the Hindu society as a lower caste Muslim. The person who discovered the ninth Guru Guru Tegh Bahadur was Bhai Makhan Shah who was a Labana. Baba Buddha, who lived to the ripe age of 125 years and had the good fortune of the darshan of 6 Gurus, was a Jatt by caste. So all castes played equal roles in Sikhism during the times of the Gurus.
How are we behaving?
Now, if we look at the important Sikh organisation of today, it is clear that the same non-discriminatory policy does not appear to apply. Although, the Sikhs continue to assert that there is no discrimination based on caste, creed or race, it is clear that this position is not tenable. If we look at the top five officials of the SGPC over the last 25 years, it becomes clear that even the "top brass" in the Sikh institution do not practise what was preached by our Gurus.
Now look at the local Gurdwara management committees, I have found that the top five officials within these groups are not from different castes or sects but predominately from one or two sects.
More Gurbani
| ਚਾਰੇ ਵਰਨ ਆਖੈ ਸਭ ਕੋਈ ॥ ਬਰਹਮ ਬਿੰਦ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਓਪਤਿ ਹੋਈ ॥੨॥ ਮਾਟੀ ਝਕ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਸਾਰਾ ॥ ਬਹ ਬਿਧਿ ਭਾਂਡੇ ਘੜੈ ਕਮਹਹਾਰਾ ॥੩॥ |
| Cẖĝre varan ĝkẖai sabẖ ko▫ī. Barahm binḝ ṯe sabẖ opaṯ ho▫ī.(2) Mĝtī ek sagal sansĝrĝ. Baho biḝẖ bẖĝʼnde gẖaṛai kumĥĝrĝ.(3) |
| Everyone says that there are four castes, four social classes. They all emanate from the drop of God's Seed. (2) The entire universe is made of the same clay. The Potter has shaped it into all sorts of vessels. (3) |
| ਚਹ ਵਰਨਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਾਗੈ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਜਮੈ ਕਾਲੈ ਤੇ ਛੂਟੈ ਸੋਇ ॥੫॥ |
| Cẖahu varnĝ vicẖ jĝgai ko▫e. Jamai kĝlai ṯe cẖẖūtai so▫e. (5) |
| Of the four castes, whoever remains awake and aware is released from birth and death. (5) |
| ਖਤਰੀ ਬਰਾਹਮਣ ਸੂਦ ਵੈਸ ਉਪਦੇਸ ਚਹ ਵਰਨਾ ਕਉ ਸਾਝਾ ॥
ਗਰਮਖਿ ਨਾਮ ਜਪੈ ਉਧਰੈ ਸੋ ਕਲਿ ਮਹਿ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਝਾ ॥੪॥੩॥੫੦॥ |
| Kẖaṯrī barĝhmaṇ sūḝ vais upḝes cẖahu varnĝ ka▫o sĝjẖĝ.
Gurmukẖ nĝm japai uḝẖrai so kal mėh gẖat gẖat Nĝnak mĝjẖĝ.(4)(3)(50) |
| The four castes - the Kh'shaatriyas, Brahmins, Soodras and Vaishyas - are equal in respect to the teachings. One who, as Gurmukh, chants the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is saved. |
See also
External links
