India - a country of unique culture, a deep philosophical thought and extreme social contrasts.The tradition of dividing the indigenous caste has developed in ancient times.And it is still strong and has a place in modern society.Although, of course, it is no longer respected so categorically as before.
definition
"What caste?"- You ask.Firstly, in this case, the word has no relation to the Russian rappers from Rostov-on-Don, whose group has a similar name.Secondly, let us, as always in such cases, the most competent sources - Dictionary.They say that the word is of foreign origin.So what is a caste?According to the dictionary, in Russian - is the origin of the breed, estate.So in India called social groups, which is divided into all its population.
Occurrence
class hierarchy There was a long time ago, about the period from 1500 to 1200 BC.First Nations, settled in India were 4 Varna (another explanation of what caste), later recognized major: the first - the priests, the second - the soldiers, the third - the merchants and ranchers with farmers.Fourth, it is the lowest, included servants and laborers.A special feature of Varna is a class of their almost complete impermeability.That is, representatives of the lower social strata have never been able to penetrate the higher.And what is cast in more recent times?The same rigid fixation a certain social status.The difference lies in the fact that inside the groups were divided into smaller ones, to have their own internal borders, more stringent and demanding.And what would be the political and ideological changes take place in the country, to shake the system, they could not.So what caste in India?This is the fundamental basis for the organization of the whole society.
caste and karma
Hindus believe in the immutability of the law of karma.And the fact that people live several lives, in obedience to the law of reincarnation.Just because it can change for the better the destiny.If a Hindu strictly observe the laws and requirements of their caste, in the next life, it goes to the next level.If these laws were violated, in a further embodiment, instead of the man of the family of priests was born into a peasant.And dragging heavy existence, bathed sins of past lives.Remember Vysotsky's songs on this topic!The essence of the teachings set forth in it very clearly.And especially scary to be among the untouchables.
Interesting facts
What is caste - definition - we found.But probably few know about some nuances here.The higher the level of the social ladder, occupied by a person, the stricter selection criteria for its environment.For example, if the representative of the high-caste street became ill, commoners have no right to help him.After all, touching, they are dirty, defile of his touch.There are cases where the representatives of noble families were killed just because a number has not turned out none of them equal by birth.If the marriages between people of different castes, it comes at the expense of lowering the status of a high rank lower, and never vice versa.More interested in such detail.In every region of the country has its own caste system, and not always in the neighboring geographic areas chosen equivalents.Only Brahmins everywhere the same.If we talk about metaphysics, on the spiritual plane, the caste system prevalent in the philosophies and is considered one of the stages of enlightenment.And here is a seamless transition from the lower to the higher levels, which are carried out under the guidance of experienced mentors.By the way, typical of ancient times was in the first place is the understanding of caste division.
