Buddhism debunks the myth of caste

by Andrew Scott

Buddhism's appeal to the world lies in the simple idea that it disregards human beings as high-born or low-born. The Buddha always emphasised that the pedigree of a man or woman should be estimated on one's deeds and never on one's birth. The Buddha was one of the earliest social reformers who dauntlessly preached the social equality of man and showed that caste barriers are merely superficial. Thus the Buddha's preaching brought about a complete social revolution in caste-ridden India as well as the entire world into which the noble words of the Buddha penetrated.

Today all civilised countries are more than convinced that one does not come into this world stamped as a Brahmin or a Chandala. Yet in some countries throughout the world there are race and caste distinctions which have triggered disharmony and discord among human beings. Therefore, this is indeed the most appropriate time to ponder on how Buddhism can help the modern society, particularly those societies in which racial and caste inequality prevails.

Persuasion

From its inception Buddhism proclaimed the oneness of mankind and advocated that birth in one particular race or caste was no barrier for anyone of develop his potentialities in this as well as in other births. During the Buddha's time too caste names were of occupational significance only and one was free to choose or change one's occupation. As Prof. Rhys Davids noted: “The Buddha ignores completely and absolutely all advantages or disadvantages arising from birth, occupation or social status and sweeps away all barriers and disabilities arising from the arbitrary rules.”

Throughout the Buddha's teaching we see how Buddhism, by gentle persuasion and example, tries to stem the tide of caste among humanity. Some of the most distinguished members of the Order came from the low castes. Upali Thera, the chief authority on the Rules of the Order after the Buddha, was formerly a barber. Punna and Punnika, who joined the Order as Bhikkhunis, were formerly slave girls. Thus Buddhism is unique in that the Buddha drew men and women from the lowest occupations and made them attain high spiritual states.

It is evidently clear that race and caste consciousness has no place in Buddhism. The Buddha considered such prejudices as detrimental to one's spiritual progress. In this connection the Buddha observed: “Those who are obsessed with the prejudices of race and caste are far from the moral life and the attainment of supreme spiritual insight.” Buddhism does not denounce caste and racial prejudices without giving valid reasons. Buddhism denounces such prejudices by adducing historical, scientific, ethical and religious arguments against such beliefs and it points out that men and women of all castes should be considered on an equal footing. According to Buddhism what matters is not high or low caste, but moral superiority. The Buddha said: “He who is perfect in wisdom and righteousness is supreme.”

Compassion

Buddhism strives to eradicate all distinctions of birth by persuasion, love and compassion. During the Buddha's time it was customary for Buddhism and Bhikkhus to visit homes of people of high and low castes and to accept meals from the same households.

The Buddha was found fault with by the caste conscious Brahmins who always discouraged him from associating with the low caste sand he said: “Ask not for my birth”.

The Buddha's disciples too totally ignored all caste distinctions and continued their associations with the depressed classes. The following is a moving incident recorded about Ven. Ananda Thera, one of the Buddha's immediate disciples. Ven. Ananda Thera dressed himself early and taking his bowl went for Sravasti for alms. Having finished his meal he came to a well where a Matanga (outcast) girl, Prakti, was drawing water. On seeing her Ven. Ananda Thera had told the girl: “Give me some water, sister. I wish to drink.” Upon which the girl had replied: “I am a Matanga girl. Ven. Ananda.

Then he had commented: “I do not ask you sister what your caste is.” If you have any water I wish to drink. Then the girl gave Ven. Ananda some water and he drank it. Buddhism stresses that harbouring of any prejudice or idea of high or low birth is detrimental to one's progress in this as well as in other births.

It is mentioned that the man, who proud of his birth, wealth or family despises his neighbour is degenerate.

It is worth recalling that among the trades forbidden to Buddhists is the slave-trade, either in a small or a large scale.

Buddhism views the treatment of servants too in a very compassionate manner. It is in this compassionate manner that the Buddha taught his followers to lighten the burden of the under -privileged classes.

Equanimity

Buddhism also advocates that compassion (Metta) towards all beings and equanimity (Upekka) towards all is impossible if one is not absolutely freed of race and caste prejudices.

In the well-known discourse between Ven. Nagasena and King Meander, Ven. Nagasena movingly describes why some are born mean and why others are born great. In this connection Ven. Nagasena commented.

“It is through a difference in their Kamma that humans are not all alike. Some are long-lived and some are short-lived. Some are healthy end some are sickly and some are handsome and some are ugly. Some are powerful and some are weak. Some are rich and some are poor. Some are of high birth and some are of low birth and some are wise while others are ignorant. Kamma allots beings to meanness or greatness.”

King Asoka, a wonderful example of a king who ruled his subjects strictly according to Buddhist principles firmly believed in the equality of man and treated his subjects irrespective of race and social status.

It will be unique if the present day statement to could follow this Asokan example and free themselves of race and caste prejudices and administer their countries always mindful of the equality of all human beings.

Primarily due to the South Indian influence a caste structure emerged in ancient Sri Lanka during the time of the Sinhala kings and even today this feudal caste and racial discrimination is prevalent in a very mild form. According to Buddhism all human beings are really of one race though occupied in different vocations and it is not by birth that one becomes a Vasala (outcast) or a Brahmin, but by one's actions.Today we are living in an age of conflict of hatred and of violence and this is the very time during which the world should draw inspiration from the message of the Buddha so that we could face the trials and tribulations that confront us.

Let us draw inspiration from this living message of over 2,500 years and act towards our fellow-men with respect and regard, irrespective of their caste, creed, colour of skin or the social position in life.

It is only then that we can forged ahead to a truly peaceful world.