I wish to write about one of the most sensible and important subject of Sanatana Dharma. It is also the most misunderstood and controversial subject. Controversion has erupted only because of vested interests and blatant misconception. This vast subject should be understood from the backdrop of sincere thought.

Varna in the normal sense means Colour. According to the Occupation and physical activity mankind from the time immemorial in Hindu Religion is divided into Four main divisions. They are 1) The Brahmins 2)The Kshathriyas 3) The Vysyas 4) The Shoodras.

The actual and logical derivation for each of these divisions should be first understood before we make any allegation.

Brahmins are those who are engaged in Study and Teaching may it be Spiritual or Wordly Knowledge. People who have this talent belong to Brahmins. Study is very important and The art of Teaching is something exclusive which few people possess. To be a successful teacher one should first imbibe things about the specialised field which he or she selects without any doubt, should be a practitioner of what they teach particularly in Spiritual field. so in this sense we should understand the term Brahmins.

Unfortunately so many misconceptions crept in and the word Varna was understood as the colour of outerskin. This happens due to the degeneration of Understanding of people. So people with fairer skin and those who descended the Brahmin clan were themselves proclaimed as Brahmins whereas the truth was not so. We witnessed numerous Caste wars. Horrendous descrimination. Heartless Oppression. Inhuman treatments.

This happened because of multiple reasons. The important reason is gruesome ignorance about the Oneness of Truth. Other we can attribute it to Selfishness of particular section of people who always wanted upperhand. This tyranny has weakened the Hindu religion like anything and it has helped other Religions to grow.

The Kshathriyas are those people who rule and protect others. We can say that all those people who has an inborn desire to join the army,police and the forces actually belong to Kshathriya Clan.

The Vaishyas are those engaged in agriculture, cattle rearing, trade and commerce.

The Shoodras are those who help in all works. The mental structure of them is always to readily assist in performing a task.

So when we analyse the definitions of Varnas, we understand that these Four divisions of people are necessary for a well designed world. Whatever be the faith, language,we can find people belonging to these categories everywhere in the world. Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavat Gita that these four varnas are created according to the value and activity of each section and not by any other criteria. We should understand this well.

Ashrama means the different stages of human life. There also 4 divisions 1) Brahmacharya 2) Garhasthyam 3) Vanaprastham 4) Sannyasam.

Brahmacharyam is the period of Studentship. A person should engage in studies which will give him employment for the smooth functioning of life. In the olden days good values and spiritual facts were also taught to the students in their study period. 15 years is attributed to this.

Garhasthyam is the stage where the student enters the world of Householder. He marries according to the scriptural rules and lead a rightful life, enjoying and fulfilling his ambitions with money earned by rightful means.

Vanaprastha is the time when a person wilfully withdraws himself from the worldly life and prepares himself for a secluded life dedicated to know the Self. He entrusts the responsibilities to his son. In the ancient period, the wife also joins the husband in this.

Sannyas is renouncing everything particularly all desires and completely withdraw themselves from the hustle bustle of world and engage fully in penances and austerities so that they embrace death happily.

If we think naturally and with whole hearted sincerity, we understand the importance of Varna-Ashrama principles of our forefathers. If there is a well balanced system the society will prosper. If individuals follow the Ashram Dharma properly there will be all round peace in households.