The Postmodernist view on Varnas

Pretext

In today's fast-paced world, understanding our minds and breaking free from their self-imposed limitations is more critical than ever. This text invites you on a journey to explore a path beyond fear—a common thread that binds us all, irrespective of our geographic or cultural backgrounds. Inspired by the harmony of Eastern wisdom and challenged by the rigor of Western philosophy, this piece delves into the fundamental human psyche and tendencies across societies.

Our current trajectory as a species often leads to imbalance and harm, reflected in instant gratification, a quest for petty pleasures, and a frightening competence gap. This universal struggle deters the evolution of fulfilling, sensible lives. The inability to fully grasp one's place in history and understand one's inherent nature causes lives to veer toward destruction or quiet desperation.

This discussion aims to transcend the notion of hierarchy, urging instead a view of our innate tendencies as archetypes—found organizational patterns in the tumultuous human tapestry. Across the world, societies are conditioned to rank individuals, often seeing some as superior. However, human beings are a complex blend of varied tendencies. True sincerity lies in one's understanding of self, beyond mere idealism.

Viewed through this lens, these ideas resonate with all, be you a man or woman, from any corner of the globe, irrespective of ethnicity, creed, or nationality. Far from being an objective classification, this is a subjective introspection into our souls.

While some portions may seem unconventional or even controversial, the purpose is to spark a deeper understanding. Our discussion on Varnas is to recognize its latent influences, permeating through our so-called "modern age" across all societal boundaries.

Introduction

Varnas, as outlined in the ancient Indian text Manusmriti, took basic cavemen and turned them into slightly more sophisticated cavemen. Even though it originated in India, it has embedding itself into human consciousness. It dished out rules on marriage, family, social standing, and more that have molded society into what it is today. Even if we think we’ve moved past it, it still lurks within us in subtle ways. Since it's subtle, it's more of an individualized issue rather than a societal one.

One of the main factors is to recognize it within ourselves.

The Four Basic Varnas

Think of the Basic Four as foundational aspects of human nature that often hold us back. These are people caught in cycles of fear and poor judgment, living with a sense of dishonesty towards themselves and the world. They focus on satisfying momentary needs rather than seeking true personal growth. These individuals work hard to build society but often forget to nurture their own unique potential. Whether we recognize these traits in ourselves or not, they play an important role in understanding who we are and pushing us toward spiritual fulfillment. Readers can learn from these qualities as a way to grow, being honest about where they stand and using this understanding to move forward.

Shudras(The Emotionally Volatile Jester )

A Shudra is all about squeezing every bit of pleasure from life. Forget about integrity, bravery, or intelligence ; he's either too stubborn or too oblivious, solely focused on physical pleasure. He doesn’t have the guts or drive to look for anything beyond. A Shudra would say, "I'm just here to enjoy my body. I don't care about money, power, or authority. I don't harm anyone, and that's my virtue." It sounds harmless, but deep inside, he's a hypocrite. He wishes he was smarter, richer, and more in control to exploit life even more, but he's not competent enough. He dreams of exploring new things but clings to his past pleasures. He claims to be harmless with clever reasoning and philosophy, yet he is ultimately greedy because he knows his pleasures don't actually fulfill him. He's scared of losing his fake psychological satisfaction. He wants to live a simple life, using humility as a mask for his hypocrisy. Although he might excel in art and craft, his work lacks originality because fear stifles creativity. While he argues his work benefits humanity and condemns the wealthy and powerful as evil, he fails to see that his so-called simple and virtuous life contributes to the basic suffering of the world.

Vaishyas(The Miserly Working-Class Hero)

A Vaishya is obsessed with material stuff. He doesn't even pay attention to his own health, so he might end up with a lousy body or a dissatisfied wife, or both. Focused only on money, he ignores other important things like creativity and knowledge that could actually make life better. Just like a Shudra, he's incompetent and cowardly, but he's more calculating. Cunning and sly, he schemes his way through life, viewing everything in terms of money and never getting enough. He's a massive hoarder, and his "things" define him. His life revolves around climbing various ladders. Despite being married with kids, owning a nice home, some cars, and having friends (all of whom are also Vaishyas), he thinks he's better than them, whether it’s because of his wealth, his kids' education, or his imaginary virtues. Every move is meticulously planned, and his life is perfectly arranged, with prayers focused on ensuring more security. He's obsessed with controlling his environment, and he fears death constantly. His wealth creates a fake sense of security, pushing real intelligence to the backburner until he’s dying. Only on his deathbed does he realize he never truly lived. His utter ignorance about life's full experience, driven by his fake sense of fulfillment, is what will cause his suffering.

Kshatriyas(The Powerless Ruler)

This is a man that wants power and authority over people and society. They flex their strength on others to fill their inner void. Passionate and emotionally invested in their beliefs, they get what they want but lack intelligence. They might be brave, but they're easily swayed by any idea. Stirring speeches provoke them, but they don’t bother to truly understand the content. They make ideal soldiers since they live and die for their beliefs, but often, they get swept up in bad ideas because of their hunger for power. They wield power, but it's imbalanced, lacking nuance in life. Their understanding of right and wrong is rigid, and they will go to extremes for it. They don't have the intellect to question their beliefs and fall prey to their primitive need for control. Fulfillment for them is wielding the stick instead of being beaten by it. While their bravery can be praised, it’s rooted in fear—fear of uncertainty and questions. It's not apparent in their actions but buried deep inside, constantly nagging them. They must kill their enemy since failing to do so would mean losing themselves.

Brahmin(The Insecure Priest)

While the Shudra obsesses over bodily pleasures, the Vaishya focuses on his family and wealth, and the Kshatriya seeks control over society, the Brahmin aims for something bigger: controlling the minds and future generations. The Brahmin crafts laws, traditions, commandments, and rituals. With a razor-sharp intellect, he dismantles others, seeing the futility in controlling the body or society; he aims to dominate human consciousness. Telling you what to do or not do, his arguments are sound and convincing, leaving little room for challenge. He talks about God, the Devil, virtues, sins, heaven, and hell, pretending it’s for the greater good, but it’s really about his own biases and greed, driven by a desire to control.

Society bows to his tyranny, fueled by fear. Though capable and compliant, fear rules his soul—fear of life, fear of losing control. He even fears himself, unable to manage his deeds or thoughts, clinging to his self-made laws. Exhausted, he retreats into isolation, terrified of slipping up. He constructs rigid manners and etiquette to mask his inner chaos. Laughter, singing, and love elude him because he fears his own nature. He despises children and those who live joyfully, secretly envying them. This man is a master of destruction, using the other three classes as his tools. Ultimately, his fear will lead to his downfall.

The Transcendental Four

In contrast, the Transcendental Four are about personal and spiritual enlightenment. These people prioritize inner freedom and self-discovery, seeking to live by their own truths and values. They are fearless, committed to growth, and dedicated to finding deeper meaning in life. By focusing on truth and authenticity, they move beyond basic instincts to something greater. They are true seekers, often more influential and impactful than those who chase power, wealth, or fame. In their search for truth, they find real freedom and a fulfilling life.

The Lover

This man is filled with a deep passion for life. His mission is to fully immerse himself in the pursuit of truth. He doesn’t rely on words or scriptures; instead, he knows how to live and love with such intensity that it consumes him. His devotion isn’t about focusing on one object—it’s about seeking to expand his current understanding. Fearless and uncalculating, he pushes himself to life’s extremes, not conforming to ordinary functions. He believes this is the best path to transcendence and knows it at his core. Rather than just knowing truth, he wants to become it. He has no doubts about his thoughts or actions. He is a man of immense faith and life intelligence, committing himself without intellectual negotiation. It’s not about liking or disliking something; it's his unique way of showing devotion. Like Alexis Zorba, the protagonist of Zorba the Greek, a lively and passionate man who fully embraces life. Known for his love of music and dance, he shuns conventional norms to live in the moment, teaching the narrator the value of freedom, joy, and authenticity. Zorba embodies a philosophy of living life with exuberant abandon.

The Willing Slave

Choosing to be a slave might seem daunting, but it requires profound wisdom. This man surrenders everything, not to a specific object, but to the quality of his surrender. He may not be driven by the excitement of love or the intellect to chase truth, but he’s wise enough to realize the value in letting go.  He may not understand the ways of life but he willingly disappears into a state of unnecessary grasp. This man must have the intelligence to find the right master and surrender fully. He follows whatever the master directs, with complete devotion. Whether or not he meets his master, or if the guide appears, he accepts everything in his path. In this, he is like a rock finding guidance in the smallest of creatures—akin to the Zen tradition of surrendering to a bonsai tree, or the Christian tradition of following a master, much like Peter did with Christ. This level of surrender is a guiding force in his life.

The Traveler

This is a person who is determined and does not settle for easy answers. He is smart and constantly seeks deeper understanding, although he knows he still has room to grow. He challenges not only the beliefs of others but also his own, knowing that the journey of discovery is as important as finding solutions. For him, truth is not just an idea but an experience affirming his existence. He realizes that finding truth goes beyond words. Although he may feel alone, he is supported by the powerful forces of curiosity, sincerity, and passion. These forces follow him unfailingly, providing strength and loyalty even through hardships. Many wish to have his endurance and determination, which is beautifully illustrated in the book Meetings with Remarkable Men by George Gurdjieff.

The Seeker

This is the person full of questions, always eager to discover the truth. They seek answers from knowledgeable individuals and ask profound questions like, "Where is God?" Even though they are well-read, the knowledge they gain doesn’t fully satisfy their quest. Their curiosity goes beyond a hypothetical or simple understanding, diving into the essence of self and existence. Questions like "Who am I?" and "What is the nature of existence?" drive them forward. Instead of discouraging them, these questions fuel their journey until the very end. The journey is one of constant learning and growth until one day, maybe through a powerful encounter, they may find clarity. This quest for understanding resonates with the story of young Narendra, who, after much searching, found guidance and became Swami Vivekananda.

The Future Four

The Future Four is not a state one can choose or actively become; rather, it is something that the future selects. It is crucial not to presume arrival in this state, as doing so can pose a threat to humanity. People can work on the main four and the transcendental four, but not the future four. These individuals are rare, and striving to become one is futile because such striving is driven by ego, while this realm is egoless. Throughout history, some have tried to imitate or assume the role of these four, leading to distractions and misunderstanding. Dictators have misapprehended these dimensions, causing significant suffering to their contemporaries and future generations. This text is primarily for entertainment purposes and should not be deemed absolute truth. Readers are advised to approach it with discernment and caution.

The Saint

This is a being that is not of himself but an epitome of love. Not to be confused with petty righteous men, they bear no certificates of good deeds. They are not like the Gandhis and Teresas of the world; it's not their "good" deeds or simple lives that define them but a higher intelligence that recognizes these beings. When found, one must not heed their ideologies or seek their advice, but simply sit quietly in reverence. Only 16 of these beings emerge in a generation. They're not capable of functioning in this world, yet their intelligence outweighs any intellect. One such being in the past century was Ma Anandamayi from Bengal.

The Master

The Master transcends every boundary, concept, and opinion, mastering all laws. The ultimate egoist who is also ego-less, whose words shatter ignorant opinions and threaten beliefs of heaven and hell. Even God envies him. His ways are notorious and audacious, as he sees himself the offspring of higher realms. His courage equates to his compassion, his folly to eternity's wisdom. Such a being appears once a century. If a willful slave finds him, full transcendence is possible.

The Avatar

In the tapestry of existence, there exists a being that transcends the mere boundaries of time and space: The Avatar. This entity is neither born of the earthly womb nor bound by the finality of death. It stands as both eternal and ephemeral, a paradox that embodies the essence of life itself, reflecting the intricate dance of the universe in its entirety. The Avatar materializes in human form only once, catalyzing humanity's next evolutionary leap. While humanity seeks truth, it is the Avatar that truth seeks, weaving an inescapable connection to those it touches.

The Avatar is a vibrant labyrinth of contradictions and experiences, engaging in the fullness of life. It fights boldly and loves fiercely; it laughs with abandon and revels in the shared whispers of gossip. Unafraid of mischief, it tricks and cheats, yet with the same breath, it sings and dances, flirts and discovers. Above all, the Avatar exists to expel truth, an anchor in a sea of deception, guiding humanity toward enlightenment.

Annihilation

Annihilation marks the culminating stage of mankind’s journey—a pivotal moment where the veil of illusion is lifted, leading to the dissolution of individual perceptions and the merging into a unified, greater consciousness. In this ultimate transcendence, humanity sheds the false mantles of separation, stepping beyond the temporal concerns of the self. This stage is not an end, but a profound beginning—a return to the infinite oneness where the fragmented become whole and the ephemeral becomes eternal. Here, in this sacred convergence, lies the true destiny of life, resplendent in its simplicity and boundless in its existence.

Conclusion

This text captures the journey of transitioning from a collectively secure existence to the embrace of authentic individuality that is unrestrained and unapologetic in its pursuits. Often, we find ourselves ensnared by perceived obligations to family, friends, community, society, or even divine entities, which can obscure our true selves and our inherent potential. It's crucial to acknowledge our own limitations in appreciating the depth of existence, rather than being content with superficial attachments that offer fleeting psychological comfort.

True curiosity should be rooted in love, laughter, and playfulness. However, it's equally important to remain mindful of our own ignorance throughout this discovery. This text draws from my interpretations of the Varnas and the four paths of yoga, as well as the wisdom of enlightened Hindu sages. It also reflects the philosophies explored in Nietzsche's "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," particularly the concept of the "Three Metamorphoses" and the Übermensch, alongside Jungian Archetypes.

Keep in mind that this is a subjective interpretation of these principles, and it's advisable to approach them with an open and discerning mindset.