Caste System In Hinduism

The caste system is the societal map of Hinduism, and it dictates every part of the Hindus’ lives. Hinduism teaches that all followers are born into the caste system, and their actions from previous lives are what determine the caste level into which they are born. The caste system is separated into five different social classes. These classes are what determine a person’s social standing. This also affects what they eat, what type of job they may hold, where they are to live, and even dictates who they can marry. Because the caste order is based on purity and pollution, the higher classes do not associate with the lower classes. The Brahmins are the highest and purest class possible, they are priests who dedicate their lives to study. The second class in line are the Kshatriyas, they are known as rulers and soldiers. Because soldiers are required in battle, they are forgiven for encountering the dead; furthermore, their purity remains intact. The third class of the caste system are the Vaishya, and they are known as merchants, artisans, and other business oriented jobs. Fourth in the line of classes are Shudras. Shudras are known as servants and manual laborers. The fifth and final
Both religions believe that one’s karma matters when trying to free the soul from the cycle of life, death, and re-birth, but that is where the similarity ends. Jains do not believe in a great creator or the power of gods. They believe each individual is responsible for their own release from the cycle of re-incarnation through karma alone. On the other hand, Sikhism teaches there is one great creator of the universe called The True Name, and he is the only one who can release Sikhs from the cycle of re-incarnation. While Sikhs are not solely responsible for their release, they still consider karma important because it continues to dictate their circumstances in life until they are freed by The True