Hindu Caste System
The Hindu class structure and the social laws pertaining to religious rights based on one's class seem to be very judgemental, demeaning, and exclusive to the point of abuse. The lowest Varna, the Shudra, is not even allowed to hear or study the Vedas based solely on their inescapable position in life as servants to the higher three classes. However, when one looks at their class system from a purely religious standpoint, you discover that the class system is not abusive in itself, and that the abuse that may take place comes from aspects of humanity outside their religious practices. Sanatana Dharma breaks down society into four classes (Varnas), and the untouchables. The highest class is the Brahmans, the priestly class. Their main purpose is to study and understand the Vedas, and bring this knowledge to others. The second class is&nbs ...