Significance of Varnashramadharma
Varnashramadharma, within Hinduism, refers to the framework of social and spiritual duties aligned with one's class (varna) and stage of life (ashrama). It encompasses a system established to organize society into various divisions, guiding individuals in their actions and responsibilities for a righteous life. This concept, rooted in Vedic texts, defines duties according to caste and life phases, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these principles for spiritual progression and societal harmony.
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Varnashramadharma'
Varnashramadharma in Hinduism encompasses the duties and responsibilities based on one's social class (varna) and life stage (ashrama), providing a structured framework for ethical living and spiritual progression within society.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The occupational duties ascribed in Vedic texts, which some believe are not necessary for attaining bhakti.[1] (2) The Vedic socioreligious system; a structure of duties and responsibilities in society.[2] (3) A system of social and spiritual duties based on one's class (varna) and stage of life (ashrama) in Hindu philosophy.[3] (4) A system of social and spiritual duties that governs one's life based on their caste and stage of life.[4] (5) The system of social duties and roles that people adhere to, which can be transcended through acceptance of Shri Harinama.[5]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The socio-religious duties and responsibilities associated with one's class (varna) and stage of life (ashrama) as understood in Hindu philosophy.[6] (2) The system of social and spiritual duties defined by one's nature and role, which is established by the Lord's incarnation.[7] (3) A system of social order and duty described in Hindu scriptures.[8] (4) Varnashrama-dharma refers to the principles governing social and spiritual duties, which must be respected to progress on the path of spiritual life.[9] (5) A traditional Hindu system that categorizes human society into four varnas (classes) and four ashramas (stages of life). This concept provides a framework for living a righteous life.[10]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The societal duty system based on social divisions and stages of life, which is being neglected during Kali-yuga.[11] (2) The social and religious duties prescribed in the Vedas, which some followers adhere to.[12]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A classification of society into four divisions based on qualities and work, introduced at the beginning of the Treta Yuga as a framework for social and spiritual duties.[13]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A concept in Hindu philosophy that refers to the duties dictated by one's social class and stage of life.[14]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The societal and moral framework within which individuals should operate, guiding their actions and responsibilities.[15]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) The specific form of Dharma that pertains to the roles and duties associated with different castes and stages of life in Hindu society.[16]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Duties that are connected to both caste and life-stage.[17]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The duties and responsibilities defined in accordance with one’s social class and stage of life.[18]
The concept of Varnashramadharma in local and regional sources
Varnashramadharma is a Hindu social organization framework integrating spiritual duties with social responsibilities, shaping hierarchy in the Vijayanagara Empire, promoting societal harmony, and proposed as a construct to uphold Brahminical dominance.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A traditional Hindu framework guiding societal structure and duties that promotes societal harmony through cooperation.[19] (2) An ancient system of social and spiritual duties in Hinduism, which Ganapati Sastri initially believed Bhagavan Ramana had forsaken.[20] (3) A concept from ancient Indian scriptures aiming for the evolution of a higher race, explored through Viswanatha's works.[21] (4) A system of social organization in India discussed by Sri. D. Panduranga Rao as essential to communal life.[22] (5) A socially constructed system in Hinduism proposed by Manu, which was intended to uphold Brahminical dominance under the guise of divine ordinance.[23]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The Varnashrama Dharma refers to the duty according to caste and order of life, with the text discussing how Lord Buddha's actions affected it within Hinduism.[24]