11-26-2004, 10:24 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In a society where there is a dedicated priesthood, and the priesthood does not allow a section of the society to enter the temples, does not perform samskaras in their homes, does not allow the rest of the society to become priests or monks, does not allow the rest of society to learn the scriptures, then that priesthood has failed the soceity.
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The big question is why does a priesthood exist in the first place?
Is it to serve society or to serve the Devas?
The Hindu society in ancient times appointed the Brahmana as the guardian of the Veda, which is the direct revelation of God. The Brahmana's job is to guard the Vedas and invoke the blessings of the Devas on the population.
The fact is clearly proven in that the Devas control the destiny of the universe, under direction of Bhagavan. If Bhagavan had not willed, Sanatana Dharma would not exist in the first place. It would have collapsed long ago.
It is not the Brahmana's job to "serve the public". That job is for the government officials.
Manu has clearly stated in the Manusmriti, Chapter 2 :-
<i>
162. A Brahmana should always fear homage as if it were poison; and constantly desire to suffer insults as he would long for nectar.
163. For he who is insulted nevertheless may sleep with an easy mind, awake with an easy mind, and with an easy mind walk here among men; but the scorner utterly perishes.
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My explanation of these lines is :-
A Brahmana must never expect others to talk sweetly to him or elevate him to a very high position, because this will thinken his Ego and prevent him from realizing Brahman.
A Brahmana duty is not to please the world. For there is none who can please the entire world.
Nor should a Brahmana succumb to fear. For only a fearless man can realize Brahman.
Even if the whole world is poised to attack the Brahmana, he must stand firm in the defense of the Veda. For without the Veda attainment of immortality is not possible.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The big question is why does a priesthood exist in the first place?
Is it to serve society or to serve the Devas?
The Hindu society in ancient times appointed the Brahmana as the guardian of the Veda, which is the direct revelation of God. The Brahmana's job is to guard the Vedas and invoke the blessings of the Devas on the population.
The fact is clearly proven in that the Devas control the destiny of the universe, under direction of Bhagavan. If Bhagavan had not willed, Sanatana Dharma would not exist in the first place. It would have collapsed long ago.
It is not the Brahmana's job to "serve the public". That job is for the government officials.
Manu has clearly stated in the Manusmriti, Chapter 2 :-
<i>
162. A Brahmana should always fear homage as if it were poison; and constantly desire to suffer insults as he would long for nectar.
163. For he who is insulted nevertheless may sleep with an easy mind, awake with an easy mind, and with an easy mind walk here among men; but the scorner utterly perishes.
</i>
My explanation of these lines is :-
A Brahmana must never expect others to talk sweetly to him or elevate him to a very high position, because this will thinken his Ego and prevent him from realizing Brahman.
A Brahmana duty is not to please the world. For there is none who can please the entire world.
Nor should a Brahmana succumb to fear. For only a fearless man can realize Brahman.
Even if the whole world is poised to attack the Brahmana, he must stand firm in the defense of the Veda. For without the Veda attainment of immortality is not possible.