Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Six qualities that enhance Bhakti
Sadhu-vrtti
Following in the footsteps of the previous acaryas
Human beings are divided according to their nature into the following divisions: brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, sankara, and antyaja. Even though the system of varnasrama is not clearly present in some countries, still it exists in a seedling form. According to one's nature, he develops his occupation and, accordingly, his means of livelihood. By accepting the livelihood and occupation of others, one meets with misfortune. What to speak of misfortune, it especially obstructs one's devotional service. Birth is not the only criteria; the only criteria is one's nature. In the Srimad Bhagavatam (7.11.35) it is stated:
yasya yal laksanam proktam pumso varnabhivyanjakam
yad anyatrapi drsyeta tat tenaiva vinirdiset
"If one shows the symptoms of being a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, or sudra, as described above, even if he has appeared in a different class, he should be accepted according to those symptoms of classification." In his commentary, Sridhara Swami has written: samadibhir eva brahmanadi vyavaharo mukhyah, na jati matrad ity aha-yasyeti. yad yadi anyatra varnantare 'pi drsyeta tad varnantaram tenaiva laksana nimittenaiva varnena vinirddiset, na tu jati nimittenety arthah-"The brahmanas' main characteristics are qualities such as peacefulness, not birth. If these main characteristics are seen in persons other than those born as brahmanas, then such persons should be considered brahmanas. They should not be considered according to their caste by birth."
This kind of eternal varnasrama-dharma is always to be followed. It is often useful for devotional service. Members of the four varnas and the lower castes should be eager to progress their sattvic nature. If an outcaste becomes fortunate due to his pious deeds, the he should progress his cultivation of goodness while following the conduct of a sudra. Everyone should give prominence to devotional service and progress the cultivation of goodness to the platform of nirguna, transcendence, by the mercy of the devotees. These are the stages of sanatana-dharma. With devotion, the member of any varna is considered the best of the brahmanas; without devotion, the life of a brahmana fixed in goodness is useless.
For example, let us consider the statement: Some mahatma has said (Srila Narottama dasa Thakura from Prema-bhakti-candrika): mahajanera yei patha, ta 'te ha 'ba anurata, purvapara kariya vicara-"I will be attached to the path chalked out by the previous and later mahajanas." The rsis and mahatmas who have taught conduct before the appearance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are counted among the previous mahajanas. The conduct seen in the mahajanas after the appearance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is the conduct of later mahajanas. The conduct of the later mahajanas is superior and should be adopted. The conduct of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His followers is meant to teach people, so that conduct should be followed in all respects.