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Śramana, Vol. 60, No. 1 January March 2009
Religious Exclusion : a threat to Social Equality in Jain perspective
Dr. Vijaya Kumar*
Social equality is one of the basic features though he follows social and moral conduct. of democracy, which is running in India. So we Therefore, the theory of Birth does not support Indian people should be very conscious and careful to the social equality. about its stability and strength. Indian society Theory of Karma consists mainly of two traditions- Vedic and Lord Sri Krsna while instructing Arjuna Śramaņa. The Vedic or Hindu social organization in the Kuruksetra, the battle field of Mahābhārata, has propounded two theories concerning social says that I have created four varņas or classes establishment-i. Theory of Birth and ii. Theory according to the ability (Guņa) possessed and the of Karma, which may be discussed in the deeds (karmas) done. Thus the theory of karma following way
supports the social equality. Theory of Birth
But in the common Hindu life the theory The Purușasūkta of the Rgvedal, mentions of birth is prominent. Even at present, in the that the Vedic society consists of four classes Hindu way of living a Brāhmaṇa is honoured by (Varnas)- Brähmaņa, Kșatriya, Vaiśya and Sūdra, the persons belonging to other varnas and the Sūdra which have originated from the head, arms, thighs is on the lowest level of society and he is neglected and legs of the Parama-Puruşa respectively. Their by others. Exceptionally some Sūdras may be seen social duties have been prescribed as below: on the high positions of society and government, 1. Brāhmaṇa- Studying, teaching, taking and but the mass is below poverty line.
giving Charity, conducting and directing The Sramana tradition, neither accepts the sacrifice.
existence of Parama-Puruşa (God), nor the theory 2. Kșatriya-Torule over country and protect it. of birth for social organization. Both systems of 3. Vaisya- Agriculture and Business.
the Sramana tradition- Jainism and Buddhism 4. Śūdra-Service to society
accept the theory of Karma for the estability and So far as the social status is concerned enhancement of equality of society. Brāhmaṇa is on its top while the Sūdra is on its Uttarādhyayanasūtra, one of the well-known bottom. Ksatriya and Vaiśya are in between these scriptures of the Jaina tradition strongly advocates two. According to the social rule prescribed to this theory:: the Brāhmaṇa remains superior to all during hisi. It is karma, which makes a person Brāhmaṇa. whole life though he does many things unsocial ii. It is karma, which makes a person Ksatriya. and unethical. Just opposite to it, a Sūdra iii. It is karma, which makes a person Vaiśya. remains always on the lowest stage of society iv. It is karma, which makes a person Sūdra. * Lecturer, Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, I.T.I. Road, Varanasi
