Caste System in Ancient India and Confucius Teach Essay Example
Caste System in Ancient India and Confucius Teach Essay Example

Caste System in Ancient India and Confucius Teach Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (542 words)
  • Published: April 24, 2022
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The development of caste system in ancient India is a most difficult issue to explain. According to Hansen and Curtis (2013), several schools of thought exist with the most popular and ancient being that caste system was inspired by Hindu religion. Similar to current India, religion played a key role in ancient India. The mythical tale about the development of caste system revolves around the god Brahma. The other explanation considers the arrival of Aryan as the starting point of caste system.

According to Hansen and Curtis (2013), the religious explanation suggests that god Brahma gave up his body so that humanity could exist. This school of thought implies that Brahma`s body was split to create the four castes each with a unique purpose. Brahma`s mouth, arms, thighs, and feet made the castes. The religious approach explained each pure breed had

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a specific duty and that none was suppose to lose purity by mixing with other caste. The system defined social status and developed as a means for distinguishing status. Restriction from marrying other caste was accompanied by the decree that mixing would result in degradation of a person and his/ her family`s status from any other caste to Sudra (the lowest caste), which comprised of servants.

The theory that caste system was inspired and developed by Aryan people (Iranian immigrants) reveals that, a biased community settled in northern India and established a system that allowed them to take the superior positions in society. According to Hansen and Curtis (2013), the Aryans glorified themselves with the positions of Brahman, Kshatria, and Vaisia while creating social structures that condemned the original inhabitants of the land to Sudra status.

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However, the explanations that the four castes were formed simultaneously are challenged by a contrary argument that Sudra was formed later.

What did Confucius Teach?

Confucius taught philosophy, he emphasized on societal values and proper conduct. He often talked about various issues without specific topics but all of which meant to inspire dignified action among his elders, peers, and subordinates alike. According to Beck (2006), his philosophical teachings targeted decision and influence but refrained from religious contradictions. Confucius` approached in a manner that can be regarded as contrary to Buddha`s thinking; he thought that people should focus more on life than study the possibilities after death. To a great extent, his teachings relied on realist thinking and remained focused on the same.

According to Beck (2006), Confucius spoke of issues that held cultural and ethical relevance while insinuating the place for loyalty and purpose of truthful actions. He stressed on the relevance of rule and obedience to government by clarified that virtues should be the most prominent factor in decision making. Confucius also ensured that people understood the importance of literature as a source of wisdom and entertainment. To the young, his teachings were that one should consider respect to parents and elders supremely important, love the good, and remember that studying culture and art inspires character.

The philosopher`s emphasis on caution was a most prominent part of his teachings. According to Beck (2006), he taught about language and its consequences or rewards. He taught that people should be keen to listen and learn the perspectives about issues but speak less. Confucius highlighted that one should

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