Daivi-Varnashram
Module 3
Practical Application
From The Teachings of A.C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada
Originally Created in 1983 by Mother Gandhari dasi (wife
of Svayambhuva Manudas - SDG) Updated 2007 & 2008
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For Senior Devotees who are interested in
moving forward with this project
• Form a local Varnashram committee to
discuss action plans
What to do Next
• Learn the Qualities and Natures and
Duties of Various Varnas and Ashrams
• Refer to Varnashram Guide Books (we
urgently need to create these)
• Recognize devotees in all three groups
• No need to verbalize to discuss these
qualities & natures. (Best left to individuals
to decide with their authorities)
Congenial Relationship
• Understanding Various Guna and Karmas
according to various modes will help devotees to
understand various natures thus better chance
of congenial relationship.
• Remembering that everyone in Kali Yuga is a
born Sudra.
• But by gradual purification devotees will
gradually exhibit various qualities & natures
B.Gita 18.41
• Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśhyas and
Sūdras are distinguished by the qualities
born of their own natures in accordance
with the material modes, O chastiser of the
enemy.
Vaisnavas
Pure Goodness –Level of Anandamaya)
• All the Varnas will be exhibiting their
qualities and natures if they have not
reached the transcendence.
• So it will be easy to recognize the qualities
and natures by their activities and
behaviors
• But only the Brahminical Council can
discuss these things among themselves
B.Gita 18.42 Brahmans –
Goodness – Level of Vijanamaya
• Peacefulness, self-control, austerity,
purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge,
wisdom and religiousness — these are
the natural qualities by which the
brāhmaṇs work.
• Brahman thinks for the welfare of the
whole world (Universe)
Main Outstanding Qualities of
Brahmans
• Austerity is the Wealth of Brahmans
• Forgiveness (because of their NON
envious nature)
• Purity makes them closer to Krsna thus
they are attractive to others (especially if
they exhibit humility)
Various Duties of Brahmans
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Deity Worship
Yajnas & Samskars
Teaching / Preaching
Studying Vedic Knowledge
Guiding the general population for the elevation
to spiritual platform
• Satisfied to live simply
• Guide the Kshatriyas
• Always thinking of Spreading the Glories of the
Lord
More Specific Duties of Brahmans
in this Kali-Yuga
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Book Distribution
Preaching
Deity Worship
Samskars
Yajnas
• Please add more
B.Gita 18.43 Kshatriyas
Goodness & Passion – Level of Pranamaya
• Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle,
generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of work for the
kṣatriyas.
• Compare the qualities of real Kshatriyas like
• Karna
• Arjuna
• Bhisma
• M.Pariksit
• Various other Kings
• Mere administration or security job does not
make a Kshatriya
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Kshatriya Training Program
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Importance of Garbhadan Samskars
Remnants of Vedic Kshatriya Caste E.g.
Rajputs of India (utube – rajputs)
Histories are available on U-tube
Parasara Samhita – uploaded on Hanumat
Presak Maharaj –www.jayarama.us
• Kshatriyas thing of welfare of his kingdom
18.44 Vaishyas
Passion and Ignorance – Level of Manomaya
• Farming, cow protection and business are
the natural work for the vaiśhyas
• Vaishyas think of the welfare of his family
Specific duties of Vaishyas
• Please list as many
as you can
B.Gita18.44 Sudras
Mode of Ignorance Concerned with Annamaya
• the śūdras there is labor and service to
others.
• Usually self centered
• Duties and Work assigned to this group
• Arts, Crafts, Labor, Service to Others
• They are satisfied in their occupation.
• As long as their needs are met, they are
happy & loyal
Specific Duties of Sudras
Since they are crafts people they are expert in various trades. They live
in their own areas according to their trades called puras (Jata Puras) These are
present in India even now.
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E.g. Goldsmith
Carpenters
Ironmongers
Metal Workers
Potters
Cobblers
Cleaners
Housekeepers
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Cloth Dyers
Laundry
Sweepers
Support to
Vaishyas/Kshatriyas
& Brahmans
• Gardeners
• Garland makers
• List More
Emerging Group #1 of Daivi-Varnashram
Dharma in ISKCON
BHAKTI
Harinam
Sankirtan
Guided by
Bhakti Sastras
Vedic Path
REMNANTS
OF
VARNASHRAM
Devotees
FROM VEDIC
CULTURE
Guided by
Dharma Sastras
DAIVI VARNASHRAM
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Duties,Obligations & Relationship
• Recognized various duties and
obligations towards various family
members & compare them to the
instructions in the sastras. E.g. Dharma
Sastras & Bhagavatam
• Best discuss these with senior members
• Make notes
Emerging Group #2 ISKCON
Daivi-Varnashram
HARINAM
SANKIRTAN
BOOK
DISTRIBUTION
Duties & Services performed
by ISKCON devotees
Brahmcharis, Grahasthas
Vanaprasthas & Sanyasis
DAIVI VARNASHRAM
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Training Programs for Brahminical
Duties
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Mayapur Institute for Higher Studies
www.mihe.com – Mayapur.com
Excellent example of teaching
Cooking, Deity Worship
Sawing
Educational Classes on Philosophy
Bhakti Sastri – Bhakti Vaibhava – etc.
Farm Settings
• Farming, Cow Protection can be done at
farm settings
Business & Trade
• Training Program for Vaishya duties
e.g. Business & Trade
• We need to outline various occupations
based on Cow Protection Economy – by
Balabhadra das www.iscowp.com
Emerging Group #3 of Daivi
Varnashram in ISKCON
Volunteers
Monthly &
Yearly
at
Festivals At all
Festivals
ISKCON Temples
Working according
to their natures
and propensities
DAIVI VARNASHRAM
These Volunteers have been serving year after year at every festival, at all
ISKCON Temples according to their natures, expertise & propensities.
The perfect example if the Manor with 1,500 Volunteers, Utah temple on Holi
Festival with 15,000 guests, Woodstock with 450 or
more volunteers and many other centers e.g. India temples.
3rd Emerging Group Voluntary (or
Paid) Services at Festivals
• Make notes of Seva the devotees are
engaged in every year.
• Recognize the qualities & natures needed
to continue these services
Vedic Calender/Samskars/Festivals
• Samskars are followed for purifying the
soul and elevate him in this lifetime.
• Garbhadan Samskars are followed for
better progecy of the population otherwise
the children will be born Brahma Bandus –
In on Purport Canto 3 –It is mentioned that
the children are born as demons if no
Garbhadan Samskars are followed
Vedic Calender
• All festivals are followed according to
Vedic Calender
• Gradually devotees in Various temples are
bringing in more Vedic Festival for several
reasons
• --to bring in the new crowds
• --to Krsnaize their worship of demigods
• --To create fun social atmosphere
Examples of Vedic Festivals
• Utah ISKCON – Holy festival with 15,000
crowds every year
• Navaratri & Durgha Puja (as Yoga maya)
at ISKCON Seattle Vedic Center
• Vedic Samskars at New Jersey and many
ISKCON centers becoming very popular
Many Benefits of Samskars
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10 Main Samskars
Excellent Social Event
Brings the family together
Elevates the soul
Charity & Prasad given to Brahmans is
very purifying
• Real purpose of human life to elevate
onself