Daivi-VarnashramModule 3

Practical ApplicationFrom The Teachings of A.C.

Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila PrabhupadaOriginally Created in 1983 by Mother Gandhari dasi (wife of Svayambhuva Manudas - SDG) Updated 2007 & 2008

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For Senior Devotees who are interested in moving forward with this project

• Form a local Varnashram committee to discuss action plans

What to do Next

• Learn the Qualities and Natures and Duties of Various Varnas and Ashrams

• Refer to Varnashram Guide Books (we urgently need to create these)

• Recognize devotees in all three groups

• No need to verbalize to discuss these qualities & natures. (Best left to individuals to decide with their authorities)

Congenial Relationship

• Understanding Various Guna and Karmas according to various modes will help devotees to understand various natures thus better chance of congenial relationship.

• Remembering that everyone in Kali Yuga is a born Sudra.

• But by gradual purification devotees will gradually exhibit various qualities & natures

B.Gita 18.41

• Brāhmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaiśhyas and Sūdras are distinguished by the qualities born of their own natures in accordance with the material modes, O chastiser of the enemy.

Vaisnavas Pure Goodness –Level of Anandamaya)

• All the Varnas will be exhibiting their qualities and natures if they have not reached the transcendence.

• So it will be easy to recognize the qualities and natures by their activities and behaviors

• But only the Brahminical Council can discuss these things among themselves

B.Gita 18.42 Brahmans – Goodness – Level of Vijanamaya

• Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness — these are the natural qualities by which the brāhmans work.

• Brahman thinks for the welfare of the whole world (Universe)

Main Outstanding Qualities of Brahmans

• Austerity is the Wealth of Brahmans

• Forgiveness (because of their NON envious nature)

• Purity makes them closer to Krsna thus they are attractive to others (especially if they exhibit humility)

Various Duties of Brahmans

• Deity Worship• Yajnas & Samskars• Teaching / Preaching• Studying Vedic Knowledge• Guiding the general population for the elevation

to spiritual platform• Satisfied to live simply• Guide the Kshatriyas• Always thinking of Spreading the Glories of the

Lord

More Specific Duties of Brahmans in this Kali-Yuga

• Book Distribution• Preaching• Deity Worship• Samskars• Yajnas

• Please add more

B.Gita 18.43 KshatriyasGoodness & Passion – Level of Pranamaya

• Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of work for the ksatriyas.

• Compare the qualities of real Kshatriyas like • Karna• Arjuna• Bhisma• M.Pariksit• Various other Kings

• Mere administration or security job does not make a Kshatriya

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Kshatriya Training Program

• Importance of Garbhadan Samskars

• Remnants of Vedic Kshatriya Caste E.g.

• Rajputs of India (utube – rajputs)

• Histories are available on U-tube

• Parasara Samhita – uploaded on Hanumat Presak Maharaj –www.jayarama.us

• Kshatriyas thing of welfare of his kingdom

18.44 VaishyasPassion and Ignorance – Level of Manomaya

• Farming, cow protection and business are the natural work for the vaiśhyas

• Vaishyas think of the welfare of his family

Specific duties of Vaishyas

• Please list as many as you can

B.Gita18.44 SudrasMode of Ignorance Concerned with Annamaya

• the śūdras there is labor and service to others.

• Usually self centered

• Duties and Work assigned to this group

• Arts, Crafts, Labor, Service to Others

• They are satisfied in their occupation.

• As long as their needs are met, they are happy & loyal

Specific Duties of SudrasSince they are crafts people they are expert in various trades. They live in their own areas according to their trades called puras (Jata Puras) These are

present in India even now.

• E.g. Goldsmith• Carpenters• Ironmongers• Metal Workers• Potters• Cobblers• Cleaners• Housekeepers

• Cloth Dyers• Laundry• Sweepers• Support to

Vaishyas/Kshatriyas & Brahmans

• Gardeners• Garland makers• List More

Emerging Group #1 of Daivi-Varnashram Dharma in ISKCON

REMNANTS

OFVARNASHRAM

Guided by Dharma Sastras

Harinam Sankirtan

DAIVI VARNASHRAM

Devotees FROM VEDIC

CULTURE

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Vedic Path

Guided by Bhakti Sastras

BHAKTI

Duties,Obligations & Relationship

• Recognized various duties and obligations towards various family members & compare them to the instructions in the sastras. E.g. Dharma Sastras & Bhagavatam

• Best discuss these with senior members

• Make notes

Emerging Group #2 ISKCON Daivi-Varnashram

HARINAM SANKIRTAN

Duties & Services performed by ISKCON devotees

Brahmcharis, Grahasthas Vanaprasthas & Sanyasis

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BOOK DISTRIBUTION

DAIVI VARNASHRAM

Training Programs for Brahminical Duties

• Mayapur Institute for Higher Studies

• www.mihe.com – Mayapur.com

• Excellent example of teaching

• Cooking, Deity Worship

• Sawing

• Educational Classes on Philosophy

• Bhakti Sastri – Bhakti Vaibhava – etc.

Farm Settings

• Farming, Cow Protection can be done at farm settings

Business & Trade

• Training Program for Vaishya duties e.g. Business & Trade

• We need to outline various occupations based on Cow Protection Economy – by Balabhadra das www.iscowp.com

Emerging Group #3 of Daivi Varnashram in ISKCON

Monthly &

Yearly

Festivals At all

ISKCON Temples

Volunteers

at

Festivals

Working according to their natures

and propensities

These Volunteers have been serving year after year at every festival, at allISKCON Temples according to their natures, expertise & propensities.The perfect example if the Manor with 1,500 Volunteers, Utah temple on HoliFestival with 15,000 guests, Woodstock with 450 ormore volunteers and many other centers e.g. India temples.

DAIVI VARNASHRAM

3rd Emerging Group Voluntary (or Paid) Services at Festivals

• Make notes of Seva the devotees are engaged in every year.

• Recognize the qualities & natures needed to continue these services

Vedic Calender/Samskars/Festivals

• Samskars are followed for purifying the soul and elevate him in this lifetime.

• Garbhadan Samskars are followed for better progecy of the population otherwise the children will be born Brahma Bandus – In on Purport Canto 3 –It is mentioned that the children are born as demons if no Garbhadan Samskars are followed

Vedic Calender

• All festivals are followed according to Vedic Calender

• Gradually devotees in Various temples are bringing in more Vedic Festival for several reasons

• --to bring in the new crowds

• --to Krsnaize their worship of demigods

• --To create fun social atmosphere

Examples of Vedic Festivals

• Utah ISKCON – Holy festival with 15,000 crowds every year

• Navaratri & Durgha Puja (as Yoga maya) at ISKCON Seattle Vedic Center

• Vedic Samskars at New Jersey and many ISKCON centers becoming very popular

Many Benefits of Samskars

• 10 Main Samskars

• Excellent Social Event

• Brings the family together

• Elevates the soul

• Charity & Prasad given to Brahmans is very purifying

• Real purpose of human life to elevate onself