09 Apr 2025
[A question from internet forum brought by Shri Anil: Paadanamaskaaram Swami, In Brahma Sutra 1.3.38, Adi Shankaracharya declines the right to study Veda for Shudras. Can anyone explain me this? The verse found in internet is: “On account of the prohibition of hearing, studying, and (learning) the meaning (of the Veda), (a Śūdra is not entitled to the knowledge of Brahman).” At Your Divine Lotus Feet-anil]
Swami replied:- Why do you still think that the caste is decided on birth when God Krishna clearly says that the caste system is established by Him based on qualities and subsequent deeds (Cāturvarṇyam… - Gita). This is a plot created by the then British rulers to divide and rule India. Still, some ignorant people are under the influence of the plot and continue supporting the division of Hinduism. When Shankara declined the right to study the Vedas for Shudras, it means that He declined the right to study Vedas for the Shudras, who are Shudras by qualities and deeds and not by birth. He clearly said in His commentary that the spiritual knowledge (Brahma Vidyaa), which is the essence of all Vedas is beyond the caste system (Brahma kṣatrādyanapetam…). Shudra means the soul weeping for materialism due to ignorance (Śocati iti śūdraḥ). Shudras by qualities can be prevented from learning the Vedic scripture since they are completely worried about materialism and spoil the interest of devotees on God.
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