Ishwa helper Reged: 03/03/02 Posts: 553

Re: Caste System and Hinduism [Re: mashar] #20652 - 09/19/02 04:31 AM Edit Reply Quote

The description of the Varnas gives the functions within that system: Brahmin and mouth: Brahmin were active with/specialised in Brahman, which also implied Nada-Brahman. Brahman is also sound of a verse. So Brahmanas were listening to the Nada-Brahman, and translating that for people. That translation was done through the mouth, which produces sounds. Kshatriyas and arms: Kshatra means power. The power of Brahman in the world can be expressed through the arms (gestures). This is the spiritual meaning. The political meaning is the order maintaned through the arms. Vaishya or thighs: The Brahman expressen through the thigh = (re)production. Brahman is expressed through multiplying drops of Brahman, offspring. Spiritually it means the multiplication of ideas/emotions of Brahman. In society it means the multiplication of resources. Shudra and feet: Brahman as expressed through this limb means holding up and bring into motion. Spirituality has not only to be expressed, but also to move on, to develop, to evolve, besides having to be upheld. The feet are also symbolic for protection, for respect (charan-sparsha). In society it has the same function of upholding and bringing in motion/execution.