Caste System In Hinduism

The caste system is the societal map of Hinduism, and it dictates every part of the Hindus’ lives. Hinduism teaches that all followers are born into the caste system, and their actions from previous lives are what determine the caste level into which they are born. The caste system is separated into five different social classes. These classes are what determine a person’s social standing. This also affects what they eat, what type of job they may hold, where they are to live, and even dictates who they can marry. Because the caste order is based on purity and pollution, the higher classes do not associate with the lower classes. The Brahmins are the highest and purest class possible, they are priests who dedicate their lives to study. The second class in line are the Kshatriyas, they are known as rulers and soldiers. Because soldiers are required in battle, they are forgiven for encountering the dead; furthermore, their purity remains intact. The third class of the caste system are the Vaishya, and they are known as merchants, artisans, and other business oriented jobs. Fourth in the line of classes are Shudras. Shudras are known as servants and manual laborers. The fifth and final
class of the caste system are the Dalits. The Dalits are also known as ‘untouchables’. Dalits face great discrimination from upper classes and are responsible for handling jobs no one else will do. They have the worst jobs, wages, and living situations of all the caste levels. While Dalits are not allowed contact with other classes, they are what keeps Hindu society functioning. Without Dalits to do the dirty work, the higher classes would not be able to maintain their purity. The upper classes of the caste system use karma to justify living conditions and treatment of the Dalits. Hinduism teaches that negative actions from previous lives are what got them into their current situations. The only way a follower can move up in class is through re-incarnation. This can take several lifetimes and some lower level classes have even converted to other religions to escape the caste system altogether. However, even when a lower class converts to a new religion, upper classes still treat them with the same disdain as before. The abhorrent treatment of lower classes is one reason both Buddhism and Sikhism rejected the caste system. Not only did Buddha reject the religious teachings that were the basis for the caste system, he taught that people of all genders and castes could find release from the cycle of life, death, and re-birth. He taught that actions were what made a person, not the caste they were born into. Sikhism also rejected the caste system based on their beliefs that all people are created equal before God. Unlike Hindus in the caste system, Sikhs are devoted to caring for those in need. The caste system is a major practice in Hindu society. While Hindu followers may not see these practices as unjust, it is not surprising that other religions do. In addition to recognizing the injustices of the caste system, religions like Buddhism and Sikhism have also rejected these practices.

Compare/Contrast Hinduism and Buddhism
Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion still in practice today. Hinduism gave life to three new religions and one of those religions is Buddhism. Hinduism and Buddhism do share some similar characteristics as one religion gave birth to the other; in fact, both religions believe in the existence of karma, the possibility of enlightenment, and the concept of re-incarnation. What makes these religions different is how they interpret and practice each of these similar beliefs.
While both religions believe in karma, the significance of karma differs in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism teaches that karma is what decides one’s place in the world. As a result, followers are born into the caste system according to their karma from previous lives. The karma obtained in this life dictates what caste they will be born into in their next life. Buddhism’s founder rejected the caste system; furthermore, he believed that all people were equal and that desire, thirst, and cravings were the cause of karma and the reason people were caught in the cycle of re-incarnation.
Although Hinduism and Buddhism both believe in enlightenment to escape the cycle of life, death, and re-birth, Hinduism teaches only men at the highest levels of caste can achieve enlightenment. For Hindu’s to achieve enlightenment they must go through several lifetimes within the caste system. Because Buddhists reject the caste system, teachings allow that any person of any caste may reach enlightenment at any time. Buddhism, unlike Hinduism, also teaches that women can obtain enlightenment. Also unlike Hinduism, Buddhism teaches that enlightenment can be obtained within one lifetime.
Finally, Hinduism and Buddhism both share in the belief of re-incarnation. Hinduism teaches that followers will experience the cycle of life, death, and re-birth many times before they are able to obtain release from the cycle. Buddhism teaches that re-incarnation will continue to take place only until followers reach enlightenment by following the Eightfold Path.
Hinduism and Buddhism may share beliefs in the existence of karma, the possibility of enlightenment, and the concept of re-incarnation, but I find it interesting that their perceptions regarding each one is so different.

Compare/Contrast Jainism and Sikhism
Both Jainism and Sikhism were born out of the religion of Hinduism. However, both had very different reasons for creating a new religion. Jainism was founded in protest of Hindu rituals including sacrifice. Jainism teaches ahimsa (non-injury of life); therefore, Jains are to avoid harming any living creatures at all costs. The Hindu practice of animal sacrifice helped to form the strict adherence to ahimsa found in Jainism. Sikhism was founded as an attempt to curb further violence and create a peaceful co-existence between Islam and Hinduism. Sikhs do not believe in Ahimsa; in fact, the necessity to protect themselves during times of religious persecution turned this once passive group into great warriors.
Additionally, Jainism and Sikhism share a belief in karma and re-incarnation.
Both religions believe that one’s karma matters when trying to free the soul from the cycle of life, death, and re-birth, but that is where the similarity ends. Jains do not believe in a great creator or the power of gods. They believe each individual is responsible for their own release from the cycle of re-incarnation through karma alone. On the other hand, Sikhism teaches there is one great creator of the universe called The True Name, and he is the only one who can release Sikhs from the cycle of re-incarnation. While Sikhs are not solely responsible for their release, they still consider karma important because it continues to dictate their circumstances in life until they are freed by The True
Name.
Both Jainism and Sikhism originated from Hinduism, both believe in karma, and both believe in re-incarnation. While they do share those similarities, there are major differences as well. Differences include: reasons for splitting from Hinduism, their beliefs in gods, their belief in who is responsible for release from the cycle of re-incarnation, and their differing views on ahimsa. Although Jainism and Sikhism started out of Hinduism, they took very different paths resulting in the religions we see today.

The Significance of the Caste System
The lesson on religions originating in India has taught me many things. To be fair, I was clueless to begin with, so the opportunity for learning was high. One thing I found significant is the presence of the caste system in Hinduism. I had no idea that Hindu society had such a thing. The fact that it is still prevalent today baffles me. As Americans, we are taught that with hard work and dedication we can achieve anything. I am not naïve when it comes to poverty in this world; however, learning that some people are born into poverty and will remain there because