Vedic Priests as Arbiters of Reality

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the cosmogonic myth of 'Purusa' upon which the traditional caste system in India is based. The paper explains that this system places the Brahmin (the most pure) at the top, the Ksatriya below them, the Vaisya below the Ksatriya, and, at the bottom, the Sudra, and that this placement is supposed to be symbiotic rather than oppressive. The paper then puts forth the argument that purity was not intended as selective attribute, but is an idea that arose from the Vedic Brahmins, those who thought themselves as the most esteemed piece of Puru a; therefore, purity is a man-made conception - one that should have no bearing on one's capabilities or aspirations in this life or in one's pursuit to reach m k a.

From the Paper:

"Yet Hinduism is more than an amalgamation of a purity-centric caste institution developed under the steady hands of Vedic Brahmins. Especially in the past century, much has been done to raise "social awareness about the evils of institutionalized discrimination, especially against untouchables and women" (Lipner 123). As India develops further and becomes increasingly inter-connected with the rest of the world, the socially positive and aspiring aspects of Hinduism ought to take more precedent over the out-dated traditions of caste restriction and oppression. The cosmogonic Puru a myth is not a divinely ordained blank check to the highest caste or those who hold the most esteemed positions, as the Vedic Brahmins happily promulgated, but rather it is a myth that espouses the interconnectedness of all things in one body or universe; so that if one part is damaged, all parts are affected adversely. This is the message of the Puru a myth. From this egalitarian message it can be said that it is through action not birth that one's cosmic endeavor is furthered."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Figueira, Dorothy M. Aryans, Jews, Brahmins: Theorizing Authority through Myths of Identity. New York: State University of New York Press, 2002.
• Fowler, Jeaneane. Hinduism: Beliefs and Practices. Sussex: Sussex Academic Press, 1997.
• Morgan, Kenneth. The Religion of the Hindus. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited, 1953.

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