Two Unexpected People Offended By Krishna’s Universal Acceptance

“O son of Pritha, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth – women, vaishyas [merchants], as well as shudras [workers]— can approach the supreme destination.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.32)

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मां हि पार्थ व्यपाश्रित्य
ये ऽपि स्युः पाप-योनयः
स्त्रियो वैश्यास् तथा शूद्रास्
ते ऽपि यान्ति परां गतिम्

māṁ hi pārtha vyapāśritya
ye ‘pi syuḥ pāpa-yonayaḥ
striyo vaiśyās tathā śūdrās
te ‘pi yānti parāṁ gatim

So much time has passed that you failed to notice the changes around you. The same films that you watched during the teenage years now carry a warning. The network wants to warn the viewers that the content is from a bygone era, where certain statements, sentiments, and depictions were allowed. You see, today those would be considered offensive. The viewer should proceed with caution.

The same can be said of books describing the science of self-realization. This should be the one area that transcends time. The teachings relate to the spirit soul, after all. The individual is spirit soul. They are that way today. They were that way thirty years ago. The individuals roaming the manifest realm thousands of years ago were also spirit soul.

Perhaps they lived longer before. Maybe populations with certain feature characteristics were concentrated in a specific region of the world. Maybe people today pass the time holding a small electronic device, while people in ancient times worked out in the field, sweat glistening from the hot sun, while listening to expert singers and poets, delivering content pleasing the soul as opposed to agitating the mind.

One ancient book is spoken by the oldest person of all, the adi-purusha. At least that is the claim, that Bhagavad-gita is the “Song of God.” This means that the appeal should be universal. Not isolated to a certain religion, denomination, church, institution, establishment, or government. From high to low, from man to woman, from expert to novice – everyone has something to gain from hearing from God.

Except some of the sections are considered offensive, by today’s standard. Take the concept of pāpa-yoni, for example. This refers to a sinful birth. The word pāpa is unambiguous. Sinful, in this sense, refers to a kind of punishment. Like getting sent to detention for misbehaving in school. Like being sent to the back of the auditorium to watch the performance from far away. Like getting colder in the game, in moving further away from the finish line.

The mention of pāpa-yoni fulfills two purposes, but it appears that the mere mention of it is what triggers offense. You see, the categories for pāpa-yoni include women, merchants, and laborers. How can anyone be considered sinful based on the circumstances of birth? How could Shri Krishna, the one who sings the Gita, be so callous and cruel? Why would He draw distinctions in that way?

Of course, the second purpose to the mention is what should remove the offense entirely. You see, those within the pāpa-yoni category are eligible for elevation. They can reach the highest destination, param-gatim. They are not denied entry based simply on how they were born. For today’s analysis, we consider another angle of vision. People might take offense from the same mention, but for an entirely different reason.

1. Kshatriyas

“We are warriors, by occupation. We protect the innocent. That is the meaning to the very word; protecting against injury. If you think it is so easy, why don’t you give it a try? Oh, I see. You are too afraid to step foot on the battlefield. The danger is too much to handle. You would rather have someone else fight your battles.

“That is fine. We will assume the risk. We are not afraid to die in trying to defend. The thing is, why would God extend the same opportunity for liberation to others? Arjuna is a kshatriya. It makes sense that a proud warrior would be eligible for mukti, which is the end of the cycle of birth and death. Why would the sinful population be eligible for the same, when they have done nothing to deserve that honor?”

2. Brahmanas

“We are the priestly class. If comparing society to a living human body, the brahmanas are like the brains. There is potential for action in this world. There is free will. Proceed with caution. How you exercise that freedom determines everything moving forward. There are so many decisions to make. In order to decide properly, you need a functioning brain.

“We are that brain for society, as a whole. We might study, read, hear, teach, conduct religious sacrifices, help others to do the same, accept charity, or sometimes redistribute the same. The brahmana class is forever dear to Krishna. The cows and the brahmanas – these are the two classes that God the person looks out for.

“Why, then, are the sinful people eligible for liberation? Why would they get the same opportunity as the respected priestly class? Why can’t they wait their proper turn for elevation? There is no rush. They could simply ask for a higher birth in an upcoming lifetime. There is no shame in showing a little patience. Why would Krishna be so quick to rescue others?”

…

The reality is that the param gatim is a potential destination, but in order to meet that potential the individual has to make a choice. They have to take shelter in the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in surrendering to Krishna. Then their material designation no longer matters. We can think of it like a variety of people stranded on an island. There is a rescue boat which lands on the shore. The boat will take all comers; there is no discrimination. Whether the people stranded are rich or poor, advancing or regressing, healthy or sick – the boat will make as much room as required. The lone requirement is belief, acceptance in the rescuing hand.

In the case of taking Krishna’s shelter, the decision should be easy, but then the material world exists and persists based on the challenging spirit. I can go it alone. I can enjoy by myself, through my own effort. I can rise to the heights of prominence and influence. I don’t need to submit to anyone. I can be the first and last person to finally defeat time, which has run over everyone who previously appeared in this world.

Whether we are offended at the different modes of nature and the corresponding standards of living or we take issue that God would be so benevolent makes no difference. It is His promise, after all. He can accept anyone and everyone, if He so chooses. Better to take advantage of the opportunity myself, rather than judge and compare against others. Better still to help others to realize that they have the wonderful opportunity right now, to complete the mission and end rebirth once and for all.

बहूनां जन्मनाम् अन्ते
ज्ञानवान् मां प्रपद्यते
वासुदेवः सर्वम् इति
स महात्मा सु-दुर्लभः

bahūnāṁ janmanām ante
jñānavān māṁ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti
sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ

“After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.19)

In Closing:

Finally the cycle to end,
Into liberation to extend.

Whether considered high or low,
Respected or degraded so.

Whether as woman or in laborer class,
From shelter this one to be the last.

Because Krishna that promise making,
Better that rescue immediately taking.