Relevance of the Bhagavad-Gītā’s Perspective on Varṇāśrama System

Abstract

This paper explores the philosophical relevance of the Bhagavad-Gītā perspective on the varṇāśrama system in human society. The Bhagavad-Gītā is the eternal light for humankind. Living entities are spiritual sparks of the Supreme Being. The varṇāśrama system helps people realize their true identities. It refers to both the individual and the collective order. Each order contains four divisions. The four divisions of social life are organized around activity and quality. Every person has natural talent. It determines the individual's inclination. In materialistic life, a person fulfills his responsibility because of his qualities. Spiritual identity is preferable to worldly identity. Spiritual identity creates an environment of tranquility in the material world. The Bhagavad-Gītā is a science of spiritual knowledge. It concerns the entire human society, not just a particular society. The varṇāśrama system in the Bhagavad-Gītā helps individuals discover spiritual science and the Absolute Truth. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa is the concrete and the highest spiritual form of Absolute Truth.