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śramaņa, Vol 58, No. 2-3/April-September 2007
or unwanted ones. Right Smrti involves being keenly aware of the processes involved in one's daily existence, those of the body, the sensations, the mind and the experiencing of thoughts and ideas. Right concentration refers to the progressive stages of dhyāna. In this discipline, the mind is gradually cleared of passionate desires, then thoughts, then finally even feelings of joy, until only pure awareness remains, in a state of perfect calm and equanimity. Social Equality
The Hindu social organizations have divided society into four classes (Varņas) Brāhmaṇa, Kșatriya, Vaiśya and Śūdra. In the social ranking - Brāhmaṇa is on the top and the Sūdra is on the bottom. This theory is based on birth. So a Brāhmaṇa is considered as worthy to be honoured during his whole life, though he lives an immoral life. Tulsidas has asserted in his famous work Rāmacaritamānasa
“püjahu bipra śilaguna hīnā” That a Brāhmaṇa should be worshiped even if he is characterless. On the other hand a Sudra is neglected during his whole life even if he leads virtuous life. This way of social consideration makes the society weak and divided.
The Śramanic systems - Jainism and Buddhism have negated the birth theory of social organization. According to these systems the social status must be decided on the basis of deeds (karmas) done by a person. Uttarādhyayana Sūtra, while laying stress upon karma-theory maintains:
kammuņā bambhaņo hoi, kammuņā hoi khattio / vaisso Kammunã hoi, suddo hoi kammuna //2
That, one becomes a Brāhmaṇa or a Ksatriya or a Vaiśya or a Śūdra according to his deeds. The same principle has been accepted by Buddhism also.
na Jaccă vasalo hoti, na jaccă hoti brahmano / kammaņā vasalo hoti kammaņā hoti Brahmaņo //
The distinction between Sudra and Brāhmaṇa should be made on the basis of deeds (Karma) not on birth.
