What is varna, how to define it? What are varnas? The four main classes of ancient Indian society: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras.

Over the millennia of life, the four main classes of ancient Indian society practically did not change their life rules and moral principles, maintaining a huge gap of alienation between the varnas: the social strata of the population. What are varnas and what effect do they have on a person? Is knowing one's place the secret of the Indian nation? After all, it is known that India is the most peaceful country that has never attacked other nations.

What are varnas?

This concept in Ancient India was formed in the 2nd century BC, when the basic law of Manu, the progenitor of humanity according to Hinduism, was formulated. This code of laws contained 2685 shlokas, that is, couplets that conveyed the essence of social (caste law), legal and legal legislation.

The class of society, which included a certain group of people, a social stratum of the population (varna in Ancient India), was determined by birth, it could not be bought or gifted. Marriages between different varnas were strictly prohibited and were scrupulously persecuted. Moreover, if a person violated the division by class and created unequal marriage, he was declared a sinner who violated centuries-old foundations: his children “inherited” this sin and were persecuted by society.

There are four main varnas: brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas and sudras, but there was also an unspoken caste of untouchables. Later, the word “varna”, meaning “color” (of skin?), was renamed “caste” (from the Portuguese “clan”) at the instigation of the Portuguese, who first visited India in the 16th century, although, according to some sources, it is believed that varna and caste is still different concepts: Varna is a class by birth, and caste is by type of activity.

If the first three classes could interact at the level of work, housekeeping or other social aspects, then contacts with the Shudras were extremely undesirable. For each varna, a special code of behavior and morality was drawn up, which was forbidden to be violated:

• Brahmins studied the Vedas from the age of 8, and came of age at the age of 16.
• Kshatriyas studied the scriptures from the age of 11, reaching adulthood at 22 years.
• Vaishya studied Vedic wisdom from the age of 12, and came of age from the age of 24.
• Shudras were prohibited from studying ancient Vedic texts.

The history of the emergence of varnas

The Vedas are ancient Indian books of wisdom, passed down for many centuries as the main heritage of Indian culture. According to the Vedas, the supreme creator of the material world, Brahma, gave birth to the varna of the brahmans from his mouth, endowing them with holiness, the highest spiritual knowledge and the wisdom of truth, from his hands he recreated the varna of the kshatriyas, therefore they are characterized by power, strength and activity. From his thighs he created vaishyas - people with a market mentality who could create wealth or at least a comfortable existence out of nothing. The last varna - the sudras - was created from the feet of Brahma, so she was destined to obey and serve all other superiors.

Moreover, varnas are a division into classes according to the level of consciousness, motives of behavior and the inner spiritual world, which is determined by the environment, and primarily by parents. That is why, from birth, a child is jealously protected from communication with other classes, so as not to distort his one-pointedness of mind.

The essence of the idea is in one word

Some teachers have a fairly simple explanation of how to denote varna in one word:

• Shudra - "I'm afraid." The lower class, living in constant base fears: hunger, cold, insecurity from people and the elements.
• Vaishya - “I ask.” It is easy for people from this varna to ask, they often achieve everything thanks to their “thick skin” in promoting their interest.
• Kshatriya - “I believe.” People of strong faith, often not based on any solid facts.
• Brahman - “I know.” A class whose life is based on true knowledge.

Highest caste: Brahmins

Priests and scientific thinkers, spiritual mentors who thoroughly know the sacred “Vedas” and religious figures, teachers - they all belong to the varna of brahmins, the highest and most revered among the classes that participate in the destinies of the city (government, courts), are engaged in scientific activities. They are ascetic and balanced, merciful and highly spiritual.

Even if a brahman was engaged in activities unworthy of his pedigree - farming or weaving, this was explained by the fact that he comprehends the nature of this action, that is, he conducts philosophical observations and reflections. It was believed that White color- this is exclusively for Brahmins.

Violation of the law is allowed only in especially severe cases (which is extremely rare and is considered very shameful). Causing harm to a brahmana is a very difficult karma that haunts for years the one who dares to break age-old traditions.

Average human level

They are called kshatriyas: warriors, rulers, military leaders, public and administrative figures. In ancient times, they were considered the descendants of the Aryans, aristocrats by birth and special warriors who achieved this position through their exploits: full of heroism and fortitude, patience and generosity.

In their hands was concentrated political power cities or regions, quite often they owned extensive estates and lands, so, in fact, they had a double income: from the lands and a salary from the state for military actions (if there were any). Kshatriyas were even allowed to kill in the name of justice and protecting the honor of those who could not stand up for themselves - women, children. Red color means belonging to the Kshatriyas.

Merchant class

People who deal closely with money are traders, farmers and artisans - vaishyas (vaishyas). Their mentality was strikingly different from that of a Brahmin or a Dalit: the entrepreneurial spirit was in the blood, and already with early childhood representatives of this varna knew how to earn their living.

This does not mean that such a person necessarily lived in abundance, being a speculator or moneylender, no, but the Vaishya definitely owned a worthy craft that supported a sufficient level of existence for that time. With all this, Vaishya belonged yellow, was considered a commoner and did not have a significant voice in society, but he was not persecuted like a Shudra.

Lowest level: Shudras

Hired workers, servants and in general the entire population living below the poverty line, both material and spiritual, are called Shudras. Communication with them by the upper castes was considered unworthy, on the verge of lifelong shame.

Of all the varnas, it was the Shudras who suffered the most severe oppression from the state: they paid a heavy tax, they were judged especially harshly for offenses and were not allowed to perform religious ceremonies, which is considered a rather significant sign. A Shudra could be bought and sold, his property could be taken away from him, without fear of punishment: there was only one explanation - he was born to serve, which means he cannot grumble in fact. The color of a Shudra is naturally black.

Dalits (untouchables) or pariahs

Twenty percent of the entire population of India are Dalits who do not have any social and legal rights: they are not allowed to communicate with them, they are not allowed to enter inside a temple or into the courtyard of a person from another varna or caste, and if they dare to take water from a common well , of which there are plenty in India, they will simply be torn to pieces by the offended crowd.

Historians believe that this varna arose in Ancient India from the local population conquered by the Aryans, who established their settlements on their territory and used the natives as slaves for the dirtiest and hardest work. Nowadays, nothing has changed: untouchables clean toilets, kill animals for food and tan their skins, remove dead animals and garbage from the streets, and wash clothes (dhobi washerwomen). Varna is such that it marks one’s family forever: since the attitude towards varna is inherited, Dalits have no chance of breaking this vicious circle, unless the government changes the ancient code of laws and abolishes the outdated system that violates human rights, for which for a long time Mahatma Gandhi fought.

Analogues in Slavic culture

To understand what varnas are, let’s turn to tradition Slavic peoples, which also had its own generic differences:

• Magi, or sorcerers, are brahmans in Hinduism; in Ancient Rus' they were also the keepers of spiritual knowledge, carrying it through centuries of generations.
• Knights are kshatriyas, warriors and defenders of the fatherland, as well as rulers: princes, kings and governors.
• Vesis - Vaishyas, traders, farmers and artisans are the main layer of society in any country.
• Smerds - Shudras, also exist to serve the other three classes, since they have no inclination for mental or philosophical activity, and also have a low level of spirituality. It is enough for them to eat and sleep, to copulate - their consciousness does not require more, unlike higher classes.

What is varna, how to define it?

Soul, last lap incarnation in the animal world - born in the human world, receives a human body, manifesting itself in one of the four varnas. Varna is a social and professional group of Aryan society, which is formed according to the inner calling, the image of personal happiness and the spiritual qualities of a person. There are three varnas and a social layer of the ignorant.

First, each of us appears as an invisible one (smerd), who from life to life, developing righteousness and listening to Mother Karna, receives birth in the varna of masters (vesei), then knights and finally wise men.

The ignorant are the performers of the simplest social and industrial actions. They are specialists in a narrow and low-responsibility industry. At any level, even at their lowest level, they strive to avoid responsibility and duty. Smerdas are the worst, lowest form of manifestation of an ignorant person. Those who do not know the level of stench are interested in simple bodily pleasures - eating, sleeping and satisfying sexual needs. Such people need constant and tireless supervision from the weights and knights, otherwise their ignorance, combined with a thirst for pleasure, can destroy the clan's treasure trove (system).

In bright times, the ignorant humbly and joyfully fulfill their destiny, working on village farms, serving the knights, and helping those in the know to clean temples, temples and sanctuaries. By devoted service to the varnas of the twice-born, the sightless improve their karna and accelerate the Color.

Vesi is the first of the twice-born varnas, born workers, for whom the well-being, prosperity and prosperity of their family and clan is an urgent need. A real weigher always and everywhere strives to organize the production of products, their sales or exchange. The entire structure of the state rests on the scales; its increase is the life aspiration of this noble varna. As twice-born, Vesi understand that their peaceful work is possible only in a state protected from external threats, in a state capable of organizing profitable trade relations with other countries, protecting their trade and protecting their income. Therefore, paying the tithe is the first sign of a righteous person who cares about the common good through the good of his family.

Varna village is heterogeneous and consists of several classes: farmers, cattle breeders, merchants (traders), entrepreneurs and other modern crafts associated with obtaining legal profit.

Vesi were initially respected and venerable in Varna society; one need only recall the numerous carols where the Most High Family itself is identified with the Great Lord, because indeed, he is a perfect vesey, from whom the righteous masters draw their skills and inspiration.

Knights (Cossacks) are twice-born, called to build a state, protect it and ensure livelihoods. Souls born in this varna are endowed with the ability to manage society and structure it according to the goals of the state. The goodness and strength of the state is the highest life value for the Cossack knights, for the sake of which they are able to sacrifice income, family and personal interest. Honor, conscience and courage are the main signs of Slavic warriors, which they do not exchange for any wealth of this world. The Knight cannot, by his nature, betray the society to which he belongs. He does not do this, under any circumstances, for any “high” ideas and values, because it is brotherhood (community) that is the highest value for him, which is designed to make his family strong, free and rich.

The honor for a knight is in devoted service to his spiritual guide; everything he does is open to society and cannot be done behind the back of the guide. Otherwise, the knight covers himself and his family with lifelong shame. Conscience for a knight in action for the sake of the good of his family-people and the unity of the Slavic Stingy. For a knight to defend the clan, harming the unity of the Race, is madness; to defend the unity of the Race, destroying the originality of which of the clans is shame and disgrace. Courage for a Cossack is self-sacrifice in the name of the people and the state, readiness to protect the language, culture, faith and customs of the Fatherland, always and everywhere, through their actions in reality.

The varna of knights includes professional military personnel, civil servants, law enforcement officers and other professional groups who have the right to bear arms and, to one degree or another, build or defend the state.

Magi (knowing ones) are souls born to bring wisdom and knowledge in the White Light, they come to Reality in order to learn the laws of the universe and convey them to their compatriots and humanity as a whole. The virtue and honor of those who know is to be true to their spiritual teacher and the chosen path. IN social activities These are scientists, artists, spiritual leaders and priests.

According to Vedic customs, there are five stages of manifestation of consciousness on the path to its perfect state, enlightenment, which differ in the sources of happiness and pleasure for the soul. These five levels of consciousness are:

1. Happiness, the source of which is guaranteed food, shelter and protection from external dangers (ignorant).

2. Happiness comes from activities aimed at economic development for the sake of personal and social prosperity (vesi).

3. Happiness lies in gaining knowledge about the laws of the universe and in fulfilling these laws (knights).

4. Happiness in realizing the eternal and spiritual nature of one’s self (magi).

5. Happiness in serving God and other living beings (enlightened ones)

Following the path of development and self-knowledge, souls rise from one level to another, performing a joint task. In one life they can be engaged in entrepreneurship, in further boards, politics and public administration, and in some - to support and develop education, science and some kind of religious tradition. Thus, they go through successive stages of soul development, participating in the development of humanity on the planet.

On the path of each person, various opportunities and situations may arise, but as custom says, it is better to do your job poorly than to do someone else’s job well. Our own work is the work that corresponds to our inner nature, is done easily and naturally, and most importantly brings happiness.

Therefore, it is very important to find exactly your level, your spiritual nature, which is manifested in varna. Often people, striving for something more prestigious and desirable, choose work and activities that do not suit them, as a result of which the souls themselves and the people around them suffer, and negative karna develops.

Why is the goodness and sanity of the Rodnovers not manifested by good fruits in their lives?

Because goodness and sanity are ostentatious, if 16 grains of truth were cultivated in a person, his life would change. This is the state spiritual decline, in which the entire society resides, Rodnoverie is not an exception here. But, despite the fact that the Rodnovers have not achieved the ideal embodiment of their worldview, we are one of the few spiritual organizations that clearly and clearly understands what is happening to the world. It is the Magi who today give a clear understanding of the fact that now nothing more than the worldview needs to be changed. It is precisely this that underlies the troubles that confront humanity. It is possible to prevent a technocratic catastrophe only by reassessing spiritual values ​​and changing the way of thinking. If the Rodnovers fully do this, and they have already begun to do this, our country and perhaps the Earth will emerge from the test preserving their cultural achievements.

What can the Native Faith give to the owner (ves, merchant); why should he be a Native Faith?

The Native Faith gives all varnas the opportunity, and most importantly, an understanding of the path of their destiny. In contrast to the existing foreign beliefs, which have tried in every possible way over the centuries to humiliate and trample on the desire to accumulate material wealth, Rodna Vera welcomes a person’s desire to be rich.

The obvious, carnal world is such a part of God, like other components of the Triworld, to know it means to know one of the facets of God. Since ancient times in Rus', merchants and nobles in general were held in the highest esteem and respect. It was thanks to them, their ability to obtain benefits, that a strong and happy power was built.

Native Faith teaches everyone how to interact correctly with the world, so that the wealth obtained in this world becomes spiritual wealth. It is the worldview of Rodosvet that explains to the Slavs that the flow of love has a direct impact on a person’s ability to master material sphere. Interrupted channels of love (with relatives, loved ones, Motherland, Gods) directly affect a person’s well-being, which he will sooner or later lose.

Our native Orthodox Faith teaches that spiritual wealth is associated with obvious wealth. If people have been languishing in poverty for many years, they need to change their worldview and find where love is lost, in what relationships. To be rich is good, but to be beneficent is a hundred times better for the entire Universe, for God. Adhering to the rule of tithing, Slavic merchants and weighers became the most respected and rich in the ancient world; they were very often not inspected at customs, taking their word for it, understanding the meaning of the merchant’s word. Native Vera, through awareness of the 9 laws of the family, explains to modern villagers how to regain this state, how to change the surrounding Reality.

What methods of preaching do native believers use?

The Ancestral Fire of the Native Orthodox Faith has created 3 spiritual educational institutions, through which the direct and immediate preaching of the Native Faith passes. Firstly, this is the Vedic Children's Academy (VeDA), where children up to 14 years old study. Secondly, this is the Slavic School of Rodnoverie (SURYA), where they receive secondary spiritual education. Thirdly, this is the Orthodox Rodnoverie Academy of Faith Studies (PRAV), where they receive higher spiritual education.

Each community of the RO RPV operates a weekly School of the Slavic Vedic tradition, which openly teaches the basics of religion and Slavic custom. Every Sunday, at 10.00 am, communities hold the Glorification of the Native Gods, which our compatriots can also freely come to.

The Ancestral Fire of the RPV conducts a constant publishing operation; tens of thousands of copies of books dedicated to the Slavic Faith and culture have been published. Two subscription publications have been created: “Vera Predkov” (international Russian-language newspaper) and “Triglav” (All-Ukrainian Ukrainian-language newspaper).

Two videos about the Native Faith have been launched and filmed, the first is dedicated to age-related initiations, the second is dedicated to the foundations of the Native Faith. The films were shot interestingly and professionally. There are about ten websites dedicated to Rodnaya on the Internet. Orthodox Faith, which are conducted both by the Spiritual Center and our communities.

Why are you against the introduction of a second state language– Russian?

Because the Russian language in Ukraine is not threatened at all; it is an integral part of the culture of Ukraine. In Ukraine, in the sphere of mass media, the Russian language occupies a leading role; in book publishing, the picture is entirely the same. The introduction of a second state language will bring chaos to the life of the country: two national anthem(?!), oath in two languages ​​(?!). But the most important thing is that the introduction of Russian as a second state language will reduce Ukrainian language to the marginal level. Bilingualism in Ukraine is not the right of the Russian language, it operates freely in our country, in fact, it is the right of officials not to know and not to respect the Ukrainian language. The Russian language is protected by such a great and powerful country as Russia; it will never disappear anywhere, especially in Ukraine. But speaking of the Ukrainian language, it is not in demand anywhere else than in Ukraine, and therefore needs special attention from the state. Knowledge of two languages ​​provides a unique opportunity for citizens of Ukraine to gain deeper knowledge Slavic culture. And there is no such opportunity in Russia, for example. In Ukraine, Russian is taught in all schools. And we should talk not about a second state language, but about a more professional teaching of the Russian language, because it is not a stranger in Ukraine.

Who are the Jews, why are they often called racists?

Jews are a Semitic people language group, professors of a unique religion in which God signed a contract with his followers, that is, the Jews. Unable to maintain their statehood, Jews settled throughout the world. This was facilitated by the way these people managed their economy - usury and trade. Jews settled in large cities in many countries around the world and tried to take control of trade. Very often, the behavior and greed of Jewish merchants led to uprisings among the local population. This was the case in Persia, in Khorezm, in the Khazar Kaganate, including in Rus' (1097, the congress of princes in Lyubich approved the decision to expel and no longer allow Jews into Rus').

The main reason why Jews are often called racists is because the Old Testament details the mass genocide of Jews against many nations. The book “Shulchan Aruch”, compiled in the 16th century by Yosef Karo, added to the fire, which prescribed a rather harsh attitude towards non-Jews.

To what extent can you combine nationalism with the Native Faith?

Nationalism can be completely different, both creative and destructive, depending on the specific historical and political conditions of the existence of peoples.

The emergence of nationalism in Western Europe was accelerated by the religious Reformation. That is, education Christian churches according to the national principle, such as Lutheran - in Germany, Calvinist - in Switzerland, Anglican - in England, the Great Council of 34 bishops in France (in 1682), the Hussite movement in the Czech Republic.

One can clearly distinguish two types of nationalism that have settled in Vienna (Europe). These two types are aptly called state-created nationalism and intelligentsia-born nationalism. In another way, they are also called “political” and “ethnic” nationalisms.

Age of Enlightenment and influence French Revolution marked the beginning of the revival folk culture and the growth of its importance in contrast to the culture of the nobility and church. Masterminds popular movements, which focused mainly on peasant culture, developed unified standard written languages ​​on the basis of one or several dialects, modeled on the classical ones, which contributed to the merging of small ethnic groups with large ones.

In the 19th–20th centuries. hr. era, the largest cultural-populist movements turn into national-political ones, which put forward demands for their own national state. They consider the ethnic nation to be the real "owner" of the nation-state. Beginning of the 20th century was marked by a surge in the struggle for spheres of influence in the world. Nationalism becomes the driver of the interests of European states; it embraces, in its various forms, the political doctrines of the large states of Europe. Here is how the French philosopher and historian Julien Benda wrote about nationalism in France in 1927: “Having become popular, national feeling very quickly turned into national pride, into national resentment.”

Changes in the content of nationalist ideas also led to changes in organizational formations. A number of nationalist organizations emerged: “Great Britain”, “Italian Nationalist Association”, “Axen Française”, “Pan-German Union”, etc. It was these organizations that showed the movement national idea towards the primary tradition. Racism and social Darwinism are becoming widespread.

The deepening ethnicization of nationalism and its acquisition of racist features was not stopped, but was even strengthened by the Treaty of Versailles, concluded after the First World War. National movements became increasingly influential. The search and deepening of one’s own identity naturally led nationalist ideology to the question of national faith, because the fact that Christianity was an international creed was clear to the ideologists of nationalism. These trends acquired concrete manifestations of the revival of the pre-Christian faith in Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, the Baltic states, Poland and Ukraine.

Consequently, nationalism, which penetrated into Christianity, split it, gave it a national coloring and, ultimately, led to the birth in the minds of the national elite of the idea of ​​reviving the popular faith. Unfortunately, at a certain stage, having merged with Christianity, nationalism adopted some bad traits, such as: intolerance, dividing people into friends and foes, attention to external signs rather than the internal state of a person. Therefore, today such nationalism is simply harmful and hinders the development, multiplication and unity of the Slavs. This type of “Christian” nationalism teaches people to create in opposition to a more successful neighbor; its exact expression is the saying: “Whatever you like, the main thing is that the neighbor is worse off.” The education of clans is carried out not on age-old customs, but on the idea of ​​opposition to the enemy. In such confrontation, language, culture and ritual become impoverished.

Our nationalism is Slavic Family Love (Native Faith), which is based on such features as faith in the Slavic Gods, love and justice, respectful filial attitude towards Nature, belonging to the White race, preservation and use of the tribal (native) language, large families, cult of Ancestors .

Is there a tradition of dividing people of the white race according to eye color, and if so, does this difference matter when creating a family?

This is natural and this division is visible to the naked eye. Indeed, only among the descendants of Arya there are 4 types of eye colors: blue, green, fiery (brown), gray. Studying folk ideas, we see that people with different eye colors have different inclinations. For example, warriors are most often blue-eyed, knowing green color eyes, rulers have gray eyes, and workers have fiery eyes. But, this does not mean that eye color is a diagnosis for a person, in no case. This is just a tendency noted among the people, nothing more.

This has no meaning when creating a family within the white race. The most important thing is to understand whether your chosen one (chosen one) is your star half.

Does the Slavic Faith allow divorce, debunking and why?

For a long time, humanity has known an immutable law (principle): opposites attract, complement and reveal the essence and purpose of each other. Everything in the world lives, exists and is known with its opposite. Actually, our Universe is built on this, everything: phenomena, events, creatures, everything has its opposite and is unknowable without it. That is why, from time immemorial, opposites have been reaching out and looking for each other, thereby generating a flow of force that gives life or takes it away. This flow of power is called love.

Many teachers and mentors, prophets, sons and daughters of God have written and described love. Everyone found some particle of this phenomenon, directing the flow of Power in a certain direction, making it, this direction, determining. In the Native Orthodox Faith (Slavic Faith), we understand love as the holistic acceptance of each other’s opposites: fire and water, day and night, earth and air, the heavenly and earthly races, man and woman. Actually, this is the love on which the world is built. It is precisely because we are opposites that there is a craving for each other, a desire to know, to reveal each other (in fact, revealing ourselves in the other).

The concept that is called East Slavs(in particular Ukrainians and Belarusians) a family union is a shlub. The root of this concept is the word “love”, that is, love. This means that a family union among the Slavs occurs when a couple masters the gift of love. Hence the name of the union - shlyub, that is, “for love”, “with love” (“s” turned into “sh”).

Let's remember again that love is a combination of opposites, it is the desire of two halves of one whole to unite again. The separation of the integral soul took place so that we could gain experience and, enriched with knowledge (knowledge), come together again. As the magi of Radenya Svarozhye say, this separation of the original integral soul took place when the Morning of Svarozhye ended and the forefather Mir gave people the knowledge of Rodolad.

Rodolad explains that there are three types of family unions during the dark time of the Svarog Day. The first is the union of two halves of a single whole. Like Svarog and Lada, like day and night. This is a relationship where our half literally acts as your complement and opposite. Having been originally created as a single whole, we and our spiritual half are a single entity, divided into two souls, like two halves of one grain. After receiving karmic experience for a sufficiently long time, the spiritual halves meet again and are reunited with each other. Then we feel filled with happiness and joy for life. Spiritual couples always belong to the same race, very often to the same people, and always live within reach of each other within the same soul family.

The second type is a union of kindred souls. This is the relationship of soul-friends, classmates of the school of life. Typically, such couples have similar interests and beliefs, goals and objectives. Dealing with the same karna, kindred souls learn the same lessons and often work together on the same task. In past lives they were friends and together they went towards the same goal, so a relationship of trust, friendship and cooperation arose between him. In many cases, they are not very interested in the physical intimacy (sex) of their relationship and may feel that they have slight disagreements on this issue. Being members of one group of souls that went into incarnation with a specific purpose, they are united in aspirations and life values, but still, each has their own spiritual soul mate. Despite this, the power of the relationship between soul mates manifests itself very powerfully, they help each other rise to new levels of consciousness and life. Often, soul mates maintain relationships for a fairly short period of time with the sole purpose of using a powerful combination of their powers to advance a certain stage of their development. Moreover, it often happens that one person has risen to more high level development than the other, and the underdeveloped aspects of the “friend” may irritate her.

The third type is a karmic family union. Such interaction occurs between two mutually opposite souls, on the path of development of which strong emotional experiences arose (love-hate, servant-master, victim-executioner, etc.). They meet to pay off their karmic debt to each other. Therefore, the life of such married couples is often associated with rather harsh interactions and mutual rejection. They conscientiously work each other out as rivals in battle. But, if they can pass this test with honor, without creating negative karma again, at a certain period of their life this knot is untied and everyone receives the freedom to move on and pave their own path to real happiness.

Unfortunately, but perhaps in order for us to gain experience and work out our karmic debts, in our time it is the third type of family relationships that predominates. Actually, we will talk about it, as well as the union of kindred souls, considering such a phenomenon as divorce and debunking.

Let's start with the fact that marriage among the Slavs has long been a tribal phenomenon, that is, neither secular (state, princely, tribal) authorities nor spiritual guides (vedaya) interfered with it. All kinds of attempts to interfere with family relationships met long and stubborn resistance of the Slavs for centuries.

For example, from 6469 (988) to 7252 (1744) neither the state nor the church could force the Slavs and other peoples of the Russian Empire to adhere to church marriage. Therefore, the synod, which was part of the tsarist government, issued an order to force the newlyweds to live together until the public wedding if they accepted a church wedding. That is, this says that the public, that is, ancestral, wedding for our ancestors was primary and had a more sacred meaning than a church rite.

But, let's take a closer look at the sources and folk memory. The oldest written sources covering family relationships are of foreign origin.

Family is an integral part of society, both modern and ancient. To understand the meaning of divorce in Slavic customs, you need to get at least a cursory idea of ​​traditional Slavic society, that is, what existed before the introduction of Christianity. Scientists, with a few exceptions, agree that the Slavs, like the rest of the Indo-Europeans (Arya), had a triune society. That is, it consisted of three social states: lords, knights and priests (in charge).

According to sources, the society was headed by those in charge. The Arab traveler Ibn Ruste reports about the Rus: “They have healers, some of whom are in charge of the king, as if they were their, the Rus’, bosses... And if the healers give orders, then it is impossible not to carry out their orders...”. Persian anonymous work of the 9th century. (“Borders of the World”) repeats almost the same thing: “Healers are held in high esteem by them.” U Western Slavs The picture was the same, let us quote Helmold’s words: “The king is held in less respect by them, compared to the priests.” The second place was occupied by the knights, and the third by the vesi.

About Indian castes, which still play a huge role in the social structure today modern India, everyone knows. But what is varna? Not everyone can answer this question.

But the fact is that the division of society into four main groups based on professional characteristics is varna. But the word “caste” came from Europe, from Portugal, and meant belonging to a certain profession. Then there was some confusion in terminology, and the European term was transferred to India.

The origin of varnas

The word “varna” itself translated from Sanskrit means “color, category”. Originally there were four varnas: brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas and sudras. It is believed that a giant once lived on earth - the progenitor of all people. He was sacrificed and from his body came the whole nation. But since people came from different parts of the giant’s body, their functions and social status were different.

From the mouth and ears of the giant, brahmans emerged; they could talk with the gods and convey their will to people. In another way, they are also called “twice-born.” From the varna of brahmanas came priests, philosophers, teachers, and priests. These are the most respected people in society, they are revered as Gods who came to earth to perform a special mission.

Kshatriyas - originated from the shoulders and arms of a giant, these are warriors - defenders and guards. Rajas, kings, and military leaders belonged to this class. They needed to improve in the art of war and in government and lawmaking.

Vaishyas are cattle breeders, traders and artisans, they came from the thighs and legs of a giant. But this does not include farmers, since the art of growing grain was extremely valued in India, and it was suitable for a person of any class. Bread has always been the basis of life, and any Brahman could follow the plow without losing his dignity.

The Shudras came from the feet of God, which were always covered in dust and dirt, so their faces were always sweaty from dirty work. Their function was to serve representatives of all other classes.

Functions of color in varnas

Concept varna in ancient Indian society was closely associated with initiation, i.e. transition of the child to adult life. At approximately the age of 11-12 years, a ritual was performed, the child’s belonging to Varna was determined, and his waist was tied with a cord of a certain color. Brahmins wore a black belt, Kshatriyas wore a red one, Vaishyas wore yellow or orange, and Shudras did not wear colored belts, but had to serve all people who had similar colored laces.

Let us turn to the second name of the Brahmins - twice-born. Why? Because their affiliation was determined at the age of 14, much later than that of representatives of other classes. This is explained by the fact that the role of brahmins in society is extremely complex and responsible. These must be truly wise and responsible people who can take responsibility for others and take the courage to solve problems that arise in society.

By the way, in ancient times, belonging to Varna was not inherited; only in the Middle Ages, when Varna was transformed into a caste, did the child begin to receive from his parents and social status. Then the caste system changed for the worse, because it did not give young people the opportunity to change their social position to a higher one and become successful.

Probably everyone has heard about the theories of ancient Greek scientists about the change of civilizations: the golden age, silver Age, copper and iron, and about their characteristics.

Modern scientists, in accordance with this classification, have identified an interesting theory.

In the beginning, only Brahmins ruled the world; they were not legal rulers, but they were respected and revered by the people, and this is the most best form authorities. They resolved disputes fairly and taught people to live in mercy. This was the golden age.

Then the kshatriyas came to power. Wise rule ceased to satisfy the people, and a strong hand, an army, laws and a system of punishment appeared. This is the Silver Age.

In the era of capitalism, Vaishyas came to power, because it was money (capital) that began to rule the world. Money began to rule the law; it was money that made it possible to rule the world. It was the Bronze or Copper Age.

And finally, in our days, the Shudras have come to power. This is the Iron Age, ruled by people with iron hearts and no soul. This former slaves Having broken free, they rule the world and those whom they previously served without complaint.

Peculiarities of behavior of brahmins

Although Brahmins are the highest caste, they have many prohibitions. For example, they do not have the right to eat animal meat, and cannot accept food from the hands of a person not belonging to his caste. They have no right to engage in activities other than those intended for them by the Gods.

Brahmins can accept gifts from members of other castes, but they themselves cannot give in return. A white, red or yellow mark on a brahman's forehead indicates which god he worships: Shiva, Krishna or Vishnu.

Peculiarities of behavior of Kshatriyas

This class includes not only the ruling elite, but also all landowners - landowners. Neither men nor women of a given caste have the right to marry a person from a different class, of course, in the 21st century little attention is paid to this, but if a man can marry a woman of lower birth, such a union is called hypergamy, then such actions are impossible for a woman.

Kshatriyas have the right to accept food from the hands of brahmanas, and they are also allowed to eat meat, except the meat of sacred animals.

Features of Varna Vaishya

Typically, people of this class are required to strictly perform all ceremonies and rituals, adhere to special dietary restrictions, as well as in choosing a profession. Vaishyas today are not only businessmen, but also bankers, managers, and people belonging to the middle class.

Features of Sudra Varna

Of course, all castes without exception are divided into several strata within it, but the Shudras (the most numerous varna in India) are divided into two large parts: pure sudras and dirty sudras.

Residents are considered pure sudras rural areas engaged in agriculture. This is a respectable occupation that commands respect. Shudras can include meat in their diet, perform religious ceremonies less strictly, and in addition, widows and divorced women are allowed to remarry, which is strictly prohibited for women from higher castes.

The dirty or lower sudras include artisans - potters, weavers, winemakers, barbers, etc. Their occupation is less respectable than growing bread, although, of course, it is also in demand in society. People of the same profession unite in a union, like guilds in Europe, and marry within their community.

The peculiarities of Varna are untouchable

In addition to the four well-known castes, there is also a class of untouchables, who, according to legend, originated from the mud under the feet of God. Just touching the clothes of these people will stain a member of any other caste, and rituals of purification and sacrifice will have to be performed.

Varna is the level of evolutionary development of a person in society (“var” is paint, i.e. the color of the etheric body).

Based on materials from the book “English Dictionary”

The great legislator Manu teaches: people are divided by natural evolutionary development into four varnas - sorcerers, knights, and smerda.
VEDUNS - those who have wisdom, i.e. are able to control the mind and feelings, have tolerance and simplicity, purity, knowledge, truthfulness, faith in Vedic wisdom, devotion to the Progenitor, etc. They teach Vedic knowledge, are priests perform ceremonies and rituals.

VITYAZI - those who have virtue, strength, determination, courage in battle, nobility and the ability to lead. Although they study the Vedic scriptures, they never act as preachers and teachers. Their duty is to fight with justice.
VESI – those who are engaged in farming, trading, raising cows. The cow is considered one of the mothers of man, as she feeds him with her milk. Therefore, according to Slavic laws, killing these animals is considered a crime. Just as a king is obliged to protect his subjects, so a village must protect cows. When an animal dies violent death, its development stops. He will have to be born again in the same body and live his entire life to its natural end, gaining the full experience of this incarnation. In addition, the killer and his victim at the level of nature are one organism, therefore they are inseparable from each other. They can be compared to different creatures inside the human body. For example, if a lymphocyte harms a red cell (erythrocyte), then it harms the entire body, and therefore itself. If the development of the victim slows down, then, naturally, the development of all nature slows down, and therefore the development of the killer. And according to the law of cause-and-effect, all sinful responsibility for the actions committed falls on him, creating his fate both in this and in the next life.
Vedic society does not need industrial development and urbanization. Since ancient times, the Slavs knew that they could live happily if they had land and raised grain and cows on it. For it is not muscular labor that enriches the country, but the sale of grain abroad, which is the purest gift of Nature. But if non-ferrous metals, oil and other raw materials are sold to buy bread, the state not only does not enrich itself, but leads its people to impoverishment and harnesses them to the colonial yoke of other countries that provide bread. Therefore, the wealth of the people is not money, but cows, grain, milk and butter. But, nevertheless, they do not refuse to wear jewelry, beautiful clothes and even gold, receiving them in exchange for their agricultural products.
SMERDS are those who serve the other three varnas, for they have no inclination towards mental, military and trading activities and, as a result, are satisfied with their position. They are content to: eat, sleep, defend themselves and copulate. The duties of all four varnas are non-harm, truthfulness, purity and self-control. Inclusion in one of the varnas depends on the individual natural abilities and inclinations of a person, which can be clearly seen in the life goal that he sets for himself.
Such a goal could be:
 lust is the uncontrolled activity of vital feelings. This is a stinking state.
 benefit – consciously controlled fulfillment of desires. This is a state of weight.
 responsibility – correctness of actions. This is the state of a knight.
 self-improvement - living in spirituality and preaching religious doctrine. This is the state of a sorcerer.
Each of the varnas has its own correspondence with the qualities of nature (ignorance, passion and virtue) and reflects the following:
 STERDS – darkness, ignorance, immobility, unmanifested possibilities.
 VESI – a combination of ignorance, passion and intensified action.
 VITYAZI – a combination of passion and justice.
 WIZARDS – enlightenment, peace, balance.
That's why:
 Smerds live in fear, despondency and worries;
 weight – in grief, joy and work;
 knights - in anger, rage and battle;
 witches - in calmness, peace and prayer.
Names are given according to the varna. If a person has the varna of a priest, then his name should consist of words meaning goodness, glorification of the Almighty, joy, love, knowledge. If the varna is a warrior, then the name should contain words meaning order, power, protection, struggle, military strength. The name of artisans and peasants should mean wealth, creativity, homeliness, type of activity; and for servants - service, a character trait, an external sign.
Based on materials from the book by A.V. Trekhlebov “SLAVIC NAME LOOK”

VARNA is the evolutionary stage of human development in society. It is determined by the color of his Heat-body (“heat” - fire, flame, light, color; “var” - paint, brew) and by the life goal that a person sets for himself. If he desires only food, rest, copulation, peace and entertainment, then he is a stinker; if he takes possession of wealth and family well-being, then - weightier; if he serves his people and protects them, then he is a knight; if he improves himself and becomes spiritual, then he becomes a sorcerer.
Mother Nature is reasonable and expedient. It endows some people with good physical strength to be warriors and plowmen, others with dexterity, others with a special ability to perform subtle and painstaking work, and still others with wisdom, that is, that magnificent inequality without which the creation of any culture is impossible. In accordance with these natural characteristics of people, Vedic social order The Slavic-Aryans have three varnas: witches, knights and vesi.
Sages (magi, brahmans, rahmans) are the soul of society, bearers of the Truth and the Verb of the law. They live in illuminated groves and deserts (from the word “let” - into the spiritual world, and not from the word “desert”).
Knights (warriors, fighters, kshatriyas - from the words “ksha” - thunderstorm and “tri” - three, or rajas - from the ancient Russian “ryadche” - king) are the heart of society, conductors of the power of the law of Truth. Previously, they lived in Kremlins, Detinets, outposts, moved along the borders of Russia and balanced the two extreme forces of society - clergy and laity.
Vesi (villagers, firemen, that is, the tax-paying population; remember famous saying- “cities and villages”) are the flesh of society, the repository of the law of social existence and ritual regulations. In addition to these three varnas, there is also varna sudr - from the word “court”, that is, condemned. They are also called stinkers - from the words “death”, “stink”, that is, having a fetid body odor due to an incorrect lifestyle. These are those people who do not want to follow the natural laws set out in the Vedas. Previously, all smerdas were rejected from society for crimes, but now they live in it.
Greek researchers also divide the Scythians, that is, the Slavic-Aryans, into varnas: priests-shepherds, military sword-bearers and farmers. But these three varnas (in Sanskrit - “varna” literally means “color”, that is, it means the color of a person’s biofield, his Heat-body, depending on the level spiritual development) are under names various peoples, namely: Volokhov-Alan, Getov and Rugov. Let's look at varnas in more detail.
Varna priests - sorcerers, brahmans, (Volga residents still call the uppermost mast sail "bramtop", i.e. king-sail, highest sail), rahmans, who in the spiritualized society of the ancient Slavic-Aryans occupied a leading position and who are called " The royal Scythians” were the Volokhi – the Magi and the Alans. Mention of the righteous life of the Brahmans or Rakhmans is found in the chronicle of Nestor with reference to the chronicle of George Amartol (IX century) and in the collection of the elder Kirillo-Belozersky monastery Euphrosynus (XV century). The Rakhmans as exemplary Christians are also described in the apocryphal scripture “The Walking of Zosimas to the Rakhmans.”
VARNA and the emergence of pagan tribes and peoples
The Sanskrit name for smerds “padaja” contains three meanings: “pad” - heel, footprint, foot, foot; “pad” – stain, stain, prohibition, sentence and “pat” – fall, crime. The breed of padaj or smerds was in the foreknowledge of creation, and “Brahma ended creation by the embodiment of dharma (law), the king of kings. Law is truth, and truth is law, and there is nothing higher than it; for through it justice prevails over force.”
According to this law, the people's order constitutes actually three branches of a single root of the clan: sorcerers as the verb of the law; knights are like ramen, the force of law; weigh as a receptacle of the law. The fourth estate is “turiya-varna”, descended from those deprived of the law three people The first varnas are called “sudra” or “smerdov”.
The progenitor of mankind, Manu, in the 1st book on peacemaking (2nd chapter) speaks about the laws relating to the original people and the peoples that emerged from their mixing. At the same time, smerds, as rejected by the law, were deprived of all rights: “For a smerd there is no ritual; he is free to fulfill or not fulfill the duties of piety and Faith. And if he fulfills the duties of the movers (twice-born - in the flesh and in the spirit), that is, the first three classes, then he will get rid of dishonor and will rise both in this life and in the next.”
It is clear that the law recognized the varna of smerds in the general structure of society only on the basis of repentance (change of consciousness) - as an exception to the rule, marriages with smerds were prohibited for the Ariyas (noble) classes. These marriages were likened to a combination of good and evil, and in terms of the degree of mixing of blood they reached the extreme violation of human nature in the breed of “chandala” (literally - dog-eaters), that is, scum or the most despicable of people - smerds.
For example: from the union of a knight with the daughter of a smerd, the Ugra was born (hence - urka, bandit), combining both the virtues of a knight (strength, courage, bravery, etc.) and the low feelings of the smerd (malice, arrogance, selfishness, ignorance, etc. .). It combined the courage of the first and the cruelty of the second.
Mixed breeds and languages ​​were called “mleczha” (from “chalk” - mixing, gathering), that is, pagans, hence: “other peoples, other languages.” Everyone deprived of rights and citizenship, excluded or expelled from the Vedic society, was called “dasyus”, which means servant, thief, lawbreaker, enemy. This name also meant apostasy from the Law (“Dasyuha” is the name of the demon Bali, the head of the titans) and in general the unclean and hostile force of the spirits of darkness.
Therefore, in the prayers of the Rig Veda we find frequent appeals to the deity to protect believers from dasyus (demons):
"Indra! help the faithful (ariyas) who bring you prayers, and punish the infidels (dasya).
- Consign to disgrace the wicked (dasir)!
- Indra! defeat those who do evil (dasyun) and protect the pious.
“Protect the faithful from the infidels (dasyavo), punish the godless and give those who beg You victory over them.”
In addition to the nickname “dasyus”, the mixed tribes also bore the name “pariahs”, familiar to Europeans, which means violators, opponents of the law, exiles, outcasts. The names of the three indigenous legal classes - the Aryans and the outcast tribes of the fourth - the Turiyans, were preserved in Persian legends, reflected in the names of the Iranian and Turanian tribes (hence the Russian word “zaturkanny”, i.e. stupid). Manu lists the ancestral breeds or tribes of the Smerdov-Turiyans, of which some already spoke the language of Mlechzha, or mixture, while others still used the Slavic-Aryan language:
“For violation of the law and rituals of the Faith, the following breeds of smerds or dasyus (outcasts) gradually formed from the excommunicated knights:

Based on materials from the book by A.V. Trekhlebov "FINIST'S blasphemies"

The four varnas are mentioned for the first time in "Purusha-sukte""Rig-Veda", which describes the origin of people from the body parts of the first man Purusha:

Later monuments repeat both the idea of ​​the four varnas and the motif of their origin from a certain demiurge or cultural hero, the founder of the tradition. One of the most famous versions of the transformation plot divine character or first man into the elements social structure(in this case in varnas) is contained in the “ Laws of Manu" (where the varna structure of society received its codification):

It should be noted that Brahman had the right to receive alms (in essence, to take ownership of any property he wanted). A kshatriya had the right to pardon anyone. When initiated as a disciple, the boy received a cord made from different material for representatives of different varnas, which was obliged to wear for the rest of their lives.

Already in Ancient India, stratification began within the varnas, which led to the formation of numerous castes.

Brahmins

In a typical rural area, the highest stratum of the caste hierarchy is formed by members of one or more Brahmin castes, constituting 5 to 10% of the population. Among these Brahmins there are a number of landowners, a few village clerks and accountants or accountants, and a small group of clergy who perform ritual functions in local sanctuaries and temples. Members of each Brahmin caste marry only within their own circle, although it is possible to marry a bride from a family belonging to a similar subcaste from a neighboring area. Brahmins are not supposed to follow the plow or perform certain types of manual labor; women from their midst can serve in the house, and landowners can cultivate plots, but not plow. Brahmins are also allowed to work as cooks or domestic servants.

A Brahman has no right to eat food prepared outside his caste, but members of all other castes can eat from the hands of Brahmans. When choosing food, a Brahmin observes many prohibitions. Members of the Vaishnava caste (who worship the god Vishnu) have adhered to vegetarianism since the 4th century, when it became widespread; some other castes of Brahmins who worship Shiva (Shaiva Brahmins) do not, in principle, renounce meat dishes, but abstain from the meat of animals included in the diet of the lower castes.

Brahmins serve as spiritual guides in the families of most high- or middle-status castes, except those considered "impure". Brahmin priests, as well as members of a number of religious orders, are often recognized by their “caste marks” - patterns painted on the forehead with white, yellow or red paint. But such marks indicate only belonging to the main sect and characterize this person as a worshiper of, for example, Vishnu or Shiva, and not as a subject of a particular caste or sub-caste.

Brahmins, more than others, adhere to the occupations and professions that were provided for in their varna. Over the course of many centuries, scribes, clerks, clergymen, scientists, teachers and officials emerged from their midst. Back in the first half of the 20th century. in some areas, brahmins occupied up to 75% of all more or less important government positions.

In communicating with the rest of the population, Brahmins do not allow reciprocity; Thus, they accept money or gifts from members of other castes, but they themselves never make gifts of a ritual or ceremonial nature. There is no complete equality among the Brahman castes, but even the lowest of them stands above the rest of the highest castes.

Kshatriyas

After the Brahmins, the most prominent hierarchical place is occupied by the Kshatriya castes. In rural areas they include, for example, landowners, possibly related to former ruling houses(for example, with the Rajput princes in North India). Traditional occupations in such castes are working as managers on estates and serving in various administrative positions and in the army, but now these castes no longer enjoy the same power and authority. In ritual terms, the Kshatriyas rank immediately behind the Brahmins and also observe strict caste endogamy, although they allow marriage with a girl from a lower subcaste (a union called hypergamy), but in no case can a woman marry a man from a subcaste lower than her own. Most kshatriyas eat meat; they have the right to accept food from Brahmins, but not from representatives of any other castes.

Vaishya

The untouchables are divided according to traditional types activities of their representatives, as well as the area of ​​their residence. The most common categories of untouchables are chamars (tanners), dhobis (washerwomen), and pariahs.

Current situation

Despite the fact that varnas arose approximately 2-3 thousand years ago, they continue to exist in modern India, although their role and importance in the life of society is steadily declining. In rural areas, varnas play a comparatively more important role than in cities. In many firms and corporations, as well as in government institutions, a person’s belonging to one or another varna officially does not play any role, although cases of discrimination on this basis are quite frequent.

see also

Notes

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See what “Varna” is in other dictionaries: - (Sanskrit lit. quality, color), 4 main classes in Dr. India. The dominant position in society was occupied by brahmins and kshatriyas. The working population was included in the varnas of the Vaishyas and Shudras, the position of the latter was degraded. The most oppressed and...

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encyclopedic Dictionary - (Sanskrit, literally quality, color), four main classes in ancient India: Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras. * * * VARNA VARNA (Sanskrit, lit. quality, color), four classes of Ancient India. Representatives of the highest varna, brahmanas (see... ...

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