Re: Caste System - Misconceptions about Hinduism
PIUSA
I am copying this using the reference you have provided:
I created the four divisions of human society based on aptitude and vocation. Though I am the author of this system of division of labor, one should know that I do nothing directly, and I am eternal. (See also 18.41) (4.13)
Its clear from this verse that in Hinduism the society is divided into four different strata based on the type of work they do in society. There is no denying that. I have nothing against this either given that in ancient times occupations were not as diverse and different as they are today where there are countless strata of disciplines. These four strata were called Brahmins, Kashtaryas, Veshas and Shudras. Today its difficult to divide society into four stratas based on their type of work.
Now the question arises whether these strata in hinduism were strictly based on work or were they also considered socially different strata as it appears today among Hindus. Can a person in one strata jump into another strata in Hinduism? Or were they socailly bound to be enslaved to one strata for their entire life.