All posts in this series
- Caste by Birth
- Origin of Varna System
- Diversity in Creation
- Can Varna be Determined by Karma?
- Inherent Qualities and Exceptions
- Adhikara and Karma
- Varna in Horoscope
- Roles of Different Varnas
- Rights of Different Varnas
- Harms of The Reservation System
- Arya Samaj & Buddhist View
- Does Bhagavan Have a Varna?
- Balanced Population through Varnashrama System
There have been many concerns raised with reference to the rapid rise of population in Bharat. At the same time, Hindus are waking up to the changing demography and sharp fall in their own population.
Jagadguru Puri Shakaracharyaji explains that our population cannot be controlled without the Sanatana varnashrama system. This is because, with the help of self-control (and rules to be followed), the population of all the varnas stays balanced and limited.
For example, Brahmins have great responsibility and hence, they are authorised in all four ashrams (brahmacharya, grihasthashrama, vanaprastha, sannyasa). During brahmacharya, in gurukulas, there was no question of any kind of pleasure-attachment. Similarly, it was not possible in vanaprastha and sannyasashrama either. The only time procreation was possible was the years of grihasthashrama. There too, many limitations are there like the dates of ashtami, amavasya, shraddha etc, when physical intimacy/procreation is not allowed. Also, in the rajasvala state of women (during menstrual cycle), even looking towards her is prohibited for all varnas. Thus, the brahmin population would not be more than required since with the varna and ashrama or phase of life, that is also attached. As we can see only one phase of life for brahmins has a possibility of procreation, that is, grihasthashrama.
Kshatriyas were told if they take sannyas, there would be a threat to the defence system. Thus, sannyas is not allowed for them, increasing their availability to have a family compared to brahmins. They are limited to vanaprastha but also have to always be prepared for war. The system was such that defence of the land was ensured by the Kshatriyas.
Vaishyas, being incharge of nourishing all through agriculture, cow protection, and trade, must not enter vanaprastha and sannyas since that would spoil the wealth creation and the economic condition of the country. Thus, their population will also remain as it should be – larger than that of brahmins and kshatriyas.
Shudras, who have been taking care of the cottage industries since generations and are skilled as the essential service providers, were not to have brahmacharya in gurukul system, vanaprasthashrama, sannyasashrama. As soon as they come of age, shudras are to be married and enter grihasthashrama. The population of shudras must be more than all others and this establishes balance.
Corresponding to maintaining an overall healthy population level, through the above regulation the Sanatana varnashrama system ensures that there is a balance in systems of education, defence, businesses and services, and life is free of struggle since everyone’s source of wealth or profession is secure by birth itself.
We can see how our ancient seers took into account every aspect of human existence, including the creation of a balanced population that can function optimally by creating elaborate systems and guidelines for Hindus to follow.