Arya Samaj

Shavaun

"Wealth, nobility of blood, age, professional skill, and honesty industry (or character) and true knowledge, these are five things to be respected but the one following more than the one preceding it. In other words, a man of noble lineage or one's relation ought to command more respect than a man, who is only wealthy, and aged man should be respected more than the first two, a man possessing some professional skill or good character more than the first three; again true knowledge and wisdom ( the wealth of mind) should command more respect than professional skill or character." MANU 2:136

"By birth, all are equal." Vedas For The People pg 17.

Aren't these two statements contradicting each other with regards to the stature of someone of nobility by blood ?

Namaste
Shavaun

Shishya · Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 12:49 pm Post subject:

Namaste Shavaun,

First, just as background knowledge, I would like to make reference to the following discussion:

The Legacy of Manu Smriti

Second, I don't really see the conflict you are referring to, Shavaun. The term is maanyasthaanaani and simply refers to birth in a high (lit. 'respected') social position - for example, someone born into the family of an important priest or king. The phrase, 'By birth, all are equal' is referring to the fact that there are no inherent differences between us - all have the same rights and are to be respected. However, this does not negate the fact that some people are born into wealthy or powerful families. Can you please explain more about what you see to be a conflict here?

Third, is the title of this thread really appropriate? I think a new one might be more fitting...
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Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Shavaun · Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:28 pm Post subject:

Namaste

Devo · Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:04 pm Post subject:

Namaste,

Shyena · Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 7:30 pm Post subject:

Namaste Shavaun,

The way I understand its like this:
All are equal no doubt. This statement comes before all others, spoken of in shruti.

"Wealth, nobility of blood, age, professional skill, and honesty industry (or character) and true knowledge, these are five things to be respected but the one following more than the one preceding it. In other words, a man of noble lineage or one's relation ought to command more respect than a man, who is only wealthy, and aged man should be respected more than the first two, a man possessing some professional skill or good character more than the first three; again true knowledge and wisdom ( the wealth of mind) should command more respect than professional skill or character." MANU 2:136

In this note that this is a reference to commanding RESPECT and not law or likewise. I remember learning sanskrit sloka that the nobles should retain their pride for the development of the society. This is pretty true - if there are those who are better than us, it inspires or provokes us to match their level. All are equal, but those who deserve respect should be given the respect. Note the order of priority of respect:

Nobility
Wealth
Age
Skill, Character
True Knowledge, Wisdom

In other words nobility is of least order. When there are people of ambidextrous behaviour, a person of great skill as well as nobility should definitely be respected as his riches have not spoilt his character.

All are equal, yet there lies evident difference. This is because one has manifested more skill than the other. Thus, though equal, commanding respect remains a different issue altogether ^_^

PS: Shavaun, Devo, please let us keep the heat aside ^_^
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Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam meditate

Namaste