The Modest Brahmin

This article will not elicit any controversy though a few might find the title offensive as it sounds casteist. I am not going to address that in this article as it would need a separate article(s), even books or even deep research to break the myths surrounding it. But that is another battle altogether.

The title talks about 2 things. Firstly lets see who the Brahmin is in the scheme of things:

Who is a Brahmin?

• A Brahmin is one who is trying to get to or understand Parabrahman aka God
• And according to the Hindu Dharma while it is easy to get to God, it takes time (Janmas) and takes effort (Sadhana)
• Conquering the senses and thereby getting hold of the mind is the way (Yoga)
• While everyone can do this, it is imperative for a Brahmin to follow it

So the Brahmin has to have a lifestyle which allows him to get to Moksha (the ultimate joy). Everything else in front of Moksha is so small that it is like comparing the interstellar space with your bedroom. What all does it entail:

• Study (Aadyaya)
• Teach (Pravachana)
• Vows and Rituals (Vrata)
• Fasts (Upavasa)
• Way of life(Sadachara)

A yogic life and not the yoga of the popular fitness program is the key to all of this. This is how a Brahmin should live with every action, thought etc. is given to God (Bhagavat Samaparna) getting rid of ego in the process. All this brings a very constrained lifestyle.

The first question that comes is, is this archaic? Is this irrelevant in the modern context? Is it is scientific? Rational? Is it superstitious? Is it manipulation? Is it a way to establish control, a scheme by some big powerful agents?

Hence are these responsibilities or duties not to be followed?

While I am not here to answer these questions, I would ask a few counter questions which might not be direct but aims at a slightly bigger question.

Why are we here? Why aren't we happy all the time? Why aren't we not in total control of everything? Who are we in the scheme of things? These are questions the Hindu Dharma or any in general religion tries to answer and guide people towards Moksha or salvation (western religions).

But this needs a greater amount of treatment, I will leave it to you to explore, read and find out why it is important to follow one's Dharma. Dharma remains the central tenet of the Hindu Dharma, without which human life would almost be meaningless.

Modesty or something more?

Why did I qualify a Brahmin as modest?

From an economic sense, a Brahmin has to be modest. But I am not talking about that today, it will clear itself, hopefully, by the time you finish reading the article.

When I say modest, I am mean lack of pride in who you are and hence what your duties are.

A typical present day Brahmin has embraced a modern society in full effect. He studies the secular subjects hard, works hard to create wealth and times finds time to put some effort into 'godly things', driven by fear or material want rather than a more noble feeling (Bhakti).

I am going to talk about a few more things which drives a Brahmin to behave like this.

Lack of Pride: I am talk about vanity, but feeling good about one's heritage, joy in executing responsibilities etc. Why?

Ignorance: The family traditions have taken a hit and people went behind just material wealth and could not find a locus on which they could be aware, whereas secular knowledge is everywhere

Fear of missing out: Materially the society has never been more rich. Intellect is rewarded and why should an average Brahmin miss out?

Trying to fit in: Wanting to do things which everyone is doing. Why should a Brahmin miss out?

Inferiority: British education has demonised our history and has ensured that people feel bad about way they dress, talk, eat etc.

It just gets in the way: It does not allow one to function in the modern society for some people

Enjoyment vs Joy: The short term view or myopia has taken precedence over grander and longer term goals

Rebellion: The teenage attitude to rebel in modern societies lasts a lot longer in nuclear and richer societies.

Escape, because one can: While the Brahmin has lost his way a long time back, one can run away from things as they the tools and raw material to do it

Irrelevant, archaic, even evil: While I will not attempt to answer these question, my request is, do not judge by what you heard.

While the list of motivators for decisions made to give up step motherly treatment to centuries old culture and embrace the modern is not exhaustive, I have tried to abstract a few things, please ask yourself a few concrete questions and why you are moving to a marketing manipulated mind, constantly seeking material or seeking pleasures just fleeting happiness.

Why do you want to lose focus from long term goals to just fit in into the modern society?

There is no balance between the modern thinking, each is powerful in its own way to consume you. Do not take my word for it, but the only way for an individual, society at large and human beings in general is take the path of Dharma.

The Brahmins are supposed to be torchbearers of Dharma. But now the torch is pretty much extinguished, as it lays abandoned. Our parampara is at risk and we have embraced Ajanana as our guidance. While at one level one can panic, one needs to do individual sadhana. Hope that in this Kaliyuga we can keep Dharma alive in pockets!

Wake up! It is not too late. But value the responsibility and execute, do not take the easy way out. There is immense joy in Karma, the same joy you might enjoy in secular jobs, but this is astronomically more satisfying. There is also joy in Jnana as well, the same joy you might enjoy getting knowledge from secular subjects, but Bhagavat Jnana is eternal and joyous. At one level, these cannot even be compared.

Stop the false modesty! Take pride in our rich culture and knowledge!

Let us create Rama Rajya here and bring God into our hearts to guide us and give us eternal happiness!