03 Aug 2021
[Śrī Ganesh asked: Swāmiji, there are various interpretations for a given Sanskrit scriptural text. For example, one interpretation for Viṣṇu Sahasranāmam for the verse
Vedanta Go Brāhmaṇassyāt Kṣatriyo Vijayī Bhavet ।
Vaiṣyo Dhanasamṛddhassyāt Śūdraḥ Sukham Avāpnuyāt ।।
is that those who recite this will get the knowledge of Brāhmaṇas, the bravery of Kṣatriyas, the wealth of Vaiṣyas and pleasure of Śūdras. The other interpretation says that, chanting Brāhmaṇas get knowledge, Kṣatriyas be brave, Vaiśyas be wealthy and Śūdras get pleasure. Can there be different good interpretations of the same text?]
Swāmi Replied:- Good interpretation of this text is that a Brāhmaṇa gets Spiritual knowledge, a Kṣatriya gets victory in war, a Vaiśya gets profit in business and a Śūdra gets overall happiness. But, these four castes are not decided by birth, but, are decided by their qualities and deeds. This means that any soul having interest in any line of qualities and deeds will get success in that line by the grace of God. But, the real grace of God comes only by theoretical and practical total surrender only.
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