Equality

"Similarly, there were considerations of pratiloma and anuloma. The central idea is that if the boy and girl were on an equal level the marriage would be happy, whereas inequality would lead to unhappiness." (Srimad Bhagavatam 9.18.23 Bhaktivedanta purport).

Real equality between all living beings exists eternally on the spiritual platform. However, when we enter the material world, we accept different grades of material bodies according to our karma, and the situation becomes complicated. While our spiritual equality remains an eternal reality, at the same time we have different duties to perform on the material platform according to our natural born propensities.

The ancient social system known as varnasrama recognises four varnas, or divisions of labour, in human society. People who are interested in spiritual knowledge and education are considered to be brahmanas; while ksatriyas are interested in political power and wealth. People whose main occupation is business, banking, or farming are considered to be vaisyas; and the sudras are those who work for others.

According to the modern caste system of India, varna is determined by birth in a particular family. However, this is a corruption of the genuine varnasrama system. Lord Krsna states in Bhagavad-gita that varna is determined by guna (qualities) and karma (activities). "According to the three modes of material nature and the work associated with them, the four divisions of human society are created by Me." (Bhagavad-gita As It Is 4.13.)

A man and woman who have similar qualities and activities are understood to be socially equal.

Artwork coutesy of Goloka books. Used with permission