This document discusses the need for establishing varnasrama dharma in society according to scriptural teachings. It notes that varnasrama dharma properly balances the material and spiritual aspects of life by dividing society according to natural qualities and stages of life. Establishing varnasrama would help create an ideal society where people can more easily advance spiritually by performing their prescribed duties. While the basic divisions of varnasrama always exist, in the current age they are not properly understood or practiced. Reintroducing varnasrama according to scriptural norms would help harmonize society and facilitate spiritual progress.

2. The Science of Daiva Varnasrama –
Need of Varnasrama Dharma
Author : HH RP Bhakti Raghava Swami (ACBSP)
E-mail : Bhakti.Raghava.Swami@pamho.net
Date Produced : 2011
Serial No : 14 of 54

3. Hare Krishna.
The following presentation was prepared based on
Part II of the book
‘ The Science of Daiva Varnasrama ’
Author: RP Bhakti Raghava Swami (ACBSP).

4. Need of Daiva Varnasrama Dharma

5. Hare Krishna.
In the previous presentations we have discussed about understanding
Varnasrama Dharma.
We discussed about Dharma, Cow protection, Agriculture, Sadhana
Bhakti, Sambandha-Abhideya-Prajoyana, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on
Varnasrama and Srila Prabhupada’s vision etc.
In this presentation we will quickly have a short discussion on the
Need of Varnasrama Dharma …
…. Recap

6. Chanting will go on... But at the same time the varnasrama-dharma
must be established to make the way easy… Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu recommended, sthane sthitah. Therefore
varnasrama-dharma is required. Simply show-bottle will not do.
So the varnasrama-dharma should be introduced all over the
world.
[Room conversation in Mayapur, February 14, 1977]

7. What is the importance of scientific
social structure?
• The whole Vedic culture, in this way, is extremely practical. It
takes into consideration the reality of the material dimension as
well as the spiritual dimension of life. In varnasrama,
the varëas are dealing with the material dimension in terms of
how to deal with the material energy, how to engage ourselves,
and what kind of occupation to take-up, etc. The äçramas are
especially concentrating on the spiritual dimension of life. So in
this way, there is a proper balance, a perfect harmony. Other
systems just fall short of the goal. That is why Srila Prabhupäda
makes this very strong statement that– “no other political,
economical system, etc, can replace this system of varëa and
äçrama” [Room Conversation, October 18, 1977, Vrndavana].

8. “First is Food”, “First is Character” – Why
such statements by Srila Prabhupäda?
• On a number of occasions, Srila Prabhupäda did mention “First is Food” and
also “First is Character”. Quite significant statements! What is the meaning of
“First is Food” in the context of varnasrama? In the Vedic culture, everyone
was growing their own food and in this way people would live locally and be
closely connected with both nature and one another. This way to live is simply
something very practical. Unless we have food, we cannot perform any
activity. So, “First is Food”.
• In the Bhagavad-gétä in the context of yajïa. One should
perform yajïa. Yajïa means one should take up one’s natural prescribed
duties. And one of those activities is in connection with following the natural
system that Kåñëa has given whereby we are working in harmony with nature
and whereby we are producing our own food, by properly using the land. And
even to perform any fire sacrifice, the brähmaëas need grains, they
need ghee. If no one is cultivating, if no one is keeping cows, where will the
grains and the ghee come from?

9. What is the need to divide the
society?
• “The natural divisions are described in the Bhagavad-gétä and
Lord Krsna explains that He has created this system of varëa
and āśrama, so of course that's another reason why we should
introduce varnasrama. It is a natural system that has been
created by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna Himself,
to help us properly function even in the material world. What is
important to understand is that it not only helps us to function
better materially, but also helps us to progress spiritually when
we adopt the system of varëa and āśrama. There is a statement
given by one of our foremost äcäryas, Srila Bhaktivinoda
Thakura. He explains that the best way one can advance in
spiritual life, as a Vaiñëava, as a devotee, is by remaining and
working within the system of varëa and āśrama. So, when it is
so clearly explained and defined by our çästras, by our äcäryas,
who are we to change this?”

10. What is the actual purpose of
Varnasrama ?
• The whole purpose of varnasrama is to form an ideal society
where everyone can more easily advance in spiritual life. We
find this described in the Srimad- Bhagavatam, Canto 7,
Chapters 11 through 15, dealing with “Ideal Society, Ideal Family
Life and Perfect Society”.
• So it is simple and very logical to understand. There is a material
system given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That
system is meant to facilitate individuals to live in harmony within
society based on real values in life. Self-realization in the Vedic
culture is the primary goal and objective of life.
• In other words, varnasrama harmonizes both the spiritual and
material dimensions of life very nicely. So when we introduce the
system of varnasrama it is authorized, it is scientific, it is
practical, it is natural, it is the norm.

11. Does varnasrama exist today? If so,
what is the need to re-establish it?
• When we understand the basic principle behind varnasrama
dharma, then in one sense varnasrama dharma always exists.
There is always a class of people who are intellectual. There is
always a class of people administrating, organizing, etc. The
four varëas – brähmana, kshatriya, vaisya and südra always
exist. But they are covered and not properly understood and
those activities are not performed according to the norms
established within the Vedic literatures. So there is a need …in
our modern society we have what is called…Srila Prabhupäda
refers to as varna sankara. Varnaa sankara is a special
characteristic of Kali Yuga where everything becomes very
‘mixed’. One cannot understand or differentiate things or people;
most people also have a very hard time understanding what they
should be doing, what is their actual duty and occupation in life.
Most people just don’t know, even amongst our own devotees.

12. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

13. ISKCON Daiva Varnasrama Ministry
Promoting Rural Development in
India
www.iskconvarnasrama.com
OM Sri Surabhi Campaign
www.srisurabhi.org

15. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Name HH RP Bhakti Raghava Swami
Age and Gender 71, Male
Country/Province of Origin Canada, Ontario
Educational Degree and Year B.A, 1968, M.Ed., 2004
Educational Institution State University of Yogyakarta
Professional Work/Experience Social Worker/Counselor
Affiliation with ISKCON Since 1974
Present Service in ISKCON Minister, IDVM-India