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The Four Varnas
Shudras (Artisans and Workers)- To render service to others,To take pride in their work and to be loyal,To follow general moral principles, (e.g. not to steal) and To marry (the only compulsory rite of passage).
Vaishyas (Farmers, Merchants, and Business People)- To protect animals (especially cows), and the land, to create wealth and prosperity, to maintain workers with abundant food, clothes etc, to trade ethically and to give taxes to the kshatriyas (ruling class).
Kshatriyas (Warriors, Police, and Administrators)
To protect the citizens from harm, especially women, children, cows,
brahmanas, and the elderly to ensure that the citizens perform their prescribed dutoes and advance spiritually, to be the first into battle and never to flee the battlefield, to be true to their royal word and to never refuse a challenge.
Brahmanas (Priests, Teachers, and Intellectuals)
The brahmanas provide education and spiritual leadership. They
determine the vision and values of any society. Traditionally their basic needs
were fulfilled so that they could dedicate themselves to their spiritual
tasks.
Scriptural Passages
"It is better to perform one's prescribed duties, even though faulty, than
another's duties. Destruction in the course of performing one's own duty is
better than engaging in another's duties, for to follow another's path is
dangerous."
Related Values and Issues
Duties, rights and responsibilities
Personal Reflection
Common Misunderstandings
Ethical Teachings are important in the life of the adherents as it gives them a way to live.
Shudras (Artisans and Workers)- To render service to others,To take pride in their work and to be loyal,To follow general moral principles, (e.g. not to steal) and To marry (the only compulsory rite of passage).
Vaishyas (Farmers, Merchants, and Business People)- To protect animals (especially cows), and the land, to create wealth and prosperity, to maintain workers with abundant food, clothes etc, to trade ethically and to give taxes to the kshatriyas (ruling class).
Kshatriyas (Warriors, Police, and Administrators)
To protect the citizens from harm, especially women, children, cows,
brahmanas, and the elderly to ensure that the citizens perform their prescribed dutoes and advance spiritually, to be the first into battle and never to flee the battlefield, to be true to their royal word and to never refuse a challenge.
Brahmanas (Priests, Teachers, and Intellectuals)
The brahmanas provide education and spiritual leadership. They
determine the vision and values of any society. Traditionally their basic needs
were fulfilled so that they could dedicate themselves to their spiritual
tasks.
Scriptural Passages
"It is better to perform one's prescribed duties, even though faulty, than
another's duties. Destruction in the course of performing one's own duty is
better than engaging in another's duties, for to follow another's path is
dangerous."
Related Values and Issues
Duties, rights and responsibilities
Personal Reflection
Common Misunderstandings
Ethical Teachings are important in the life of the adherents as it gives them a way to live.