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{{terms| "real brahmanas"|"real brahmana"|"real qualified brahmana"|"real qualified brahmins"|"real ideal Brahmanas"|"real Brahmins"|"real, qualified brahmana"|"real, brahmana"}}

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[[Category:A Real Brahmana|1]]
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<div class="section" id="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="Srimad-Bhagavatam"><h2>Srimad-Bhagavatam</h2></div>

<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_1" text="SB Canto 1"><h3>SB Canto 1</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 1.7.43" link_text="SB 1.7.43, Purport">
<div class="heading">Generally the people accept the son of a brāhmaṇa as a real brāhmaṇa, by sentiment only. Factually the matter is different. A brāhmaṇa is accepted on the merit of qualification and not on the merit of simply being the son of a brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 1.7.43|SB 1.7.43, Purport]]:''' Arjuna arrested Aśvatthāmā knowing perfectly well that he was the son of Droṇācārya. Kṛṣṇa also knew him to be so, but both of them condemned the murderer without consideration of his being the son of a brāhmaṇa. According to revealed scriptures, a teacher or spiritual master is liable to be rejected if he proves himself unworthy of the position of a guru or spiritual master. A guru is called also an ācārya, or a person who has personally assimilated all the essence of śāstras and has helped his disciples to adopt the ways. Aśvatthāmā failed to discharge the duties of a brāhmaṇa or teacher, and therefore he was liable to be rejected from the exalted position of a brāhmaṇa. On this consideration, both Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna were right in condemning Aśvatthāmā. But to a good lady like Draupadī, the matter was considered not from the angle of śāstric vision, but as a matter of custom. By custom, Aśvatthāmā was offered the same respect as offered to his father. It was so because generally the people accept the son of a brāhmaṇa as a real brāhmaṇa, by sentiment only. Factually the matter is different. A brāhmaṇa is accepted on the merit of qualification and not on the merit of simply being the son of a brāhmaṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_3" text="SB Canto 3"><h3>SB Canto 3</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 3.6.30" link_text="SB 3.6.30, Purport">
<div class="heading">Anyone from any family and from any part of the world may become inclined to the Vedic wisdom, and that will qualify him as a real brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 3.6.30|SB 3.6.30, Purport]]:''' One who is not inclined to the Vedic wisdom but to mundane affairs cannot be called a brāhmaṇa, even if he is born of a brāhmaṇa family or father. To have a brāhmaṇa father does not qualify one as a brāhmaṇa. The main qualification of a brāhmaṇa is to be inclined to the Vedic wisdom. The Vedas are situated on the mouth of the Lord, and therefore anyone who is inclined to the Vedic wisdom is certainly situated on the mouth of the Lord, and he is a brāhmaṇa. This inclination towards Vedic wisdom is also not restricted to any particular caste or community. Anyone from any family and from any part of the world may become inclined to the Vedic wisdom, and that will qualify him as a real brāhmaṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 3.6.30" link_text="SB 3.6.30, Purport">
<div class="heading">A real brāhmaṇa is the natural teacher or spiritual master. Unless one has Vedic knowledge, one cannot become a spiritual master.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 3.6.30|SB 3.6.30, Purport]]:''' A real brāhmaṇa is the natural teacher or spiritual master. Unless one has Vedic knowledge, one cannot become a spiritual master. The perfect knowledge of the Vedas is to know the Lord, the Personality of Godhead, and that is the end of Vedic knowledge, or Vedānta. One who is situated in the impersonal Brahman and has no information of the Supreme Personality of Godhead may become a brāhmaṇa, but he cannot become a spiritual master.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 3.16.8" link_text="SB 3.16.8, Purport">
<div class="heading">Out of his humbleness, Haridāsa condemned himself a Muhammadan, but Advaita Prabhu, being an experienced devotee, accepted him as a real brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 3.16.8|SB 3.16.8, Purport]]:''' Even though Haridāsa was born of a Muhammadan family, Advaita Prabhu offered him the first dish of prasāda after the performance of a sacred fire ceremony. Haridāsa Ṭhākura informed him that he was born of a Muhammadan family and asked why Advaita Prabhu was offering the first dish to a Muhammadan instead of an elevated brāhmaṇa. Out of his humbleness, Haridāsa condemned himself a Muhammadan, but Advaita Prabhu, being an experienced devotee, accepted him as a real brāhmaṇa. Advaita Prabhu asserted that by offering the first dish to Haridāsa Ṭhākura, he was getting the result of feeding one hundred thousand brāhmaṇas. The conclusion is that if one can feed a brāhmaṇa or Vaiṣṇava, it is better than performing hundreds of thousands of sacrifices. In this age, therefore, it is recommended that harer nāma [Cc. Ādi 17.21]—chanting the holy name of God—and pleasing the Vaiṣṇava are the only means to elevate oneself to spiritual life.</div>
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<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_4" text="SB Canto 4"><h3>SB Canto 4</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 4.21.42" link_text="SB 4.21.42, Purport">
<div class="heading">In order to distinguish the brāhmaṇas by birth  from the real brāhmaṇas, Mahārāja Pṛthu is giving an exact description of a brāhmaṇa and brahminical culture.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 4.21.42|SB 4.21.42, Purport]]:''' Since it is described in the previous verse that feeding a living brāhmaṇa is more effective than offering oblations in a fire sacrifice, in this verse it is now clearly described what brāhmaṇism is and who a brāhmaṇa is. In the age of Kali, taking advantage of the fact that by feeding a brāhmaṇa one obtains a more effective result than by performing sacrifices, a class of men with no brahminical qualifications claim the eating privilege known as brāhmaṇa-bhojana simply on the basis of their birth in brāhmaṇa families. In order to distinguish this class of men from the real brāhmaṇas, Mahārāja Pṛthu is giving an exact description of a brāhmaṇa and brahminical culture. One should not take advantage of his position simply to live like a fire without light. A brāhmaṇa must be fully conversant with the Vedic conclusion, which is described in Bhagavad-gītā. Vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyaḥ (Bg. 15.15). The Vedic conclusion—the ultimate understanding, or Vedānta understanding—is knowledge of Kṛṣṇa. Actually that is a fact because simply by understanding Kṛṣṇa as He is, as described in Bhagavad-gītā (janma karma ca me divyam evaṁ yo vetti tattvataḥ [Bg. 4.9]), one becomes a perfect brāhmaṇa. The brāhmaṇa who knows Kṛṣṇa perfectly well is always in a transcendental position.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_5" text="SB Canto 5"><h3>SB Canto 5</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 5.24.17" link_text="SB 5.24.17, Purport">
<div class="heading">The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is trying to turn mlecchas and yavanas into real brāhmaṇas by properly initiating them and stopping them from engaging in meat-eating, intoxication, illicit sex and gambling.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 5.24.17|SB 5.24.17, Purport]]:''' "As one can transform kaṁsa, or bell metal, into gold by treating it with mercury, one can also turn a lowborn man into a brāhmaṇa by initiating him properly into Vaiṣṇava activities." The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is trying to turn mlecchas and yavanas into real brāhmaṇas by properly initiating them and stopping them from engaging in meat-eating, intoxication, illicit sex and gambling. One who stops these four principles of sinful activity and chants the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra can certainly become a pure brāhmaṇa through the process of bona fide initiation, as suggested by Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_7" text="SB Canto 7"><h3>SB Canto 7</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 7.5.1" link_text="SB 7.5.1, Purport">
<div class="heading">The very name Śukrācārya, however, indicates a person interested in obtaining benefits for his sons and descendants, regardless of how the money comes. A real brāhmaṇa would not become a priest for atheistic men.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 7.5.1|SB 7.5.1, Purport]]:''' The beginning of the life story of Prahlāda is recounted as follows. Śukrācārya became the priest of the atheists, especially Hiraṇyakaśipu, and thus his two sons, Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, resided near Hiraṇyakaśipu's residence. Śukrācārya should not have become the priest of Hiraṇyakaśipu because Hiraṇyakaśipu and his followers were all atheists. A brāhmaṇa should become the priest of a person interested in the advancement of spiritual culture. The very name Śukrācārya, however, indicates a person interested in obtaining benefits for his sons and descendants, regardless of how the money comes. A real brāhmaṇa would not become a priest for atheistic men.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_8" text="SB Canto 8"><h3>SB Canto 8</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 8.24.5" link_text="SB 8.24.5, Purport">
<div class="heading">When Lord Kṛṣṇa appeared, He purposefully became a cowherd boy and showed personally how to give protection to the cows and calves. Similarly, He showed respect to Sudāmā Vipra, a real brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 8.24.5|SB 8.24.5, Purport]]:''' The Supreme Personality of Godhead generally appears in various types of incarnations to give protection to the cows and brāhmaṇas. The Lord is described as go-brāhmaṇa-hitāya ca; in other words, He is always eager to benefit the cows and brāhmaṇas. When Lord Kṛṣṇa appeared, He purposefully became a cowherd boy and showed personally how to give protection to the cows and calves. Similarly, He showed respect to Sudāmā Vipra, a real brāhmaṇa. From the Lord's personal activities, human society should learn how to give protection specifically to the brāhmaṇas and cows. Then the protection of religious principles, fulfillment of the aim of life and protection of Vedic knowledge can be achieved. Without protection of cows, brahminical culture cannot be maintained; and without brahminical culture, the aim of life cannot be fulfilled.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_9" text="SB Canto 9"><h3>SB Canto 9</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 9.9.43" link_text="SB 9.9.43, Purport">
<div class="heading">A devotee of Kṛṣṇa is very much attached to brahminical culture. Indeed, an expert personality who knows who Kṛṣṇa is and what He wants is a real brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 9.9.43|SB 9.9.43, Purport]]:''' A devotee of Kṛṣṇa is very much attached to brahminical culture. Indeed, an expert personality who knows who Kṛṣṇa is and what He wants is a real brāhmaṇa. Brahma jānātīti brāhmaṇaḥ. Kṛṣṇa is the Parabrahman, and therefore all Kṛṣṇa conscious persons, or devotees of Kṛṣṇa, are exalted brāhmaṇas. Khaṭvāṅga Mahārāja regarded the devotees of Kṛṣṇa as the real brāhmaṇas and the real light for human society. One who desires to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and spiritual understanding must give the utmost importance to brahminical culture and must understand Kṛṣṇa (kṛṣṇāya govindāya). Then his life will be successful.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_10.1_to_10.13" text="SB Canto 10.1 to 10.13"><h3>SB Canto 10.1 to 10.13</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 10.8.6" link_text="SB 10.8.6, Purport">
<div class="heading">In Kali-yuga, especially at the present moment, there is no such thing as a real brāhmaṇa, and therefore society is in a chaotic condition.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 10.8.6|SB 10.8.6, Purport]]:''' The brāhmaṇas are required for the guidance of the whole society. If there is no such institution as varṇāśrama-dharma and if human society has no such guide as the brāhmaṇa, human society will be hellish. In Kali-yuga, especially at the present moment, there is no such thing as a real brāhmaṇa, and therefore society is in a chaotic condition. Formerly there were qualified brāhmaṇas, but at present, although there are certainly persons who think themselves brāhmaṇas, they actually have no ability to guide society. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is therefore very much eager to reintroduce the varṇāśrama system into human society so that those who are bewildered or less intelligent will be able to take guidance from qualified brāhmaṇas.</div>
</div>

<div class="section" id="Sri_Caitanya-caritamrta" text="Sri Caitanya-caritamrta"><h2>Sri Caitanya-caritamrta</h2></div>

<div class="sub_section" id="CC_Madhya-lila" text="CC Madhya-lila"><h3>CC Madhya-lila</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="CC" link="CC Madhya 15.277" link_text="CC Madhya 15.277, Purport">
<div class="heading">A real brāhmaṇa is never envious of Vaiṣṇavas. If he is, he is considered an imperfect neophyte.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:CC Madhya 15.277|CC Madhya 15.277, Purport]]:''' Unless one is a fully qualified brāhmaṇa, he cannot advance in the spiritual science. A real brāhmaṇa is never envious of Vaiṣṇavas. If he is, he is considered an imperfect neophyte. Impersonalist brāhmaṇas are always opposed to Vaiṣṇava principles. They are envious of Vaiṣṇavas because they do not know the goal of life. Na te viduḥ svārtha-gatiṁ hi viṣṇum [SB 7.5.31]. However, when a brāhmaṇa becomes a Vaiṣṇava, there is no duality. If a brāhmaṇa does not become a Vaiṣṇava, he certainly falls down from the brāhmaṇa platform. This is confirmed by Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.5.3): na bhajanty avajānanti sthānād bhraṣṭāḥ patanty adhaḥ.</div>
</div>

<div class="section" id="Other_Books_by_Srila_Prabhupada" text="Other Books by Srila Prabhupada"><h2>Other Books by Srila Prabhupada</h2></div>

<div class="sub_section" id="Krsna,_The_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead" text="Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead"><h3>Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="OB" link="KB 51" link_text="Krsna Book 51">
<div class="heading">When one reaches the platform of a real brāhmaṇa, he aspires to merge into the existence of the Lord. But when one desires only to render service unto the lotus feet of the Lord, he is transcendental to all the three material qualities.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:KB 51|Krsna Book 51]]:''' The material qualities are three, namely goodness, passion and ignorance. When one is placed into the mixed material qualities of passion and ignorance, various kinds of greed and lusty desires impel him to try to find comfort in this material world. When situated in the material quality of goodness, one tries to purify himself by performing various penances and austerities. When one reaches the platform of a real brāhmaṇa, he aspires to merge into the existence of the Lord. But when one desires only to render service unto the lotus feet of the Lord, he is transcendental to all these three qualities. The pure Kṛṣṇa conscious person is therefore always free from all material qualities.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="OB" link="KB 64" link_text="Krsna Book 64">
<div class="heading">A real brāhmaṇa never hoards money for a luxurious life, like the kṣatriyas or the vaiśyas, but always keeps himself poverty-stricken, knowing that money diverts the mind to materialistic ways of life. To live in this way is the vow of a qualified brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:KB 64|Krsna Book 64]]:''' King Nṛga stated that these valuably decorated cows had not been given to any worthless persons but had been distributed to first-class brāhmaṇas, whom he had also decorated with nice garments and gold ornaments. The brāhmaṇas were well qualified, and since none of them were rich, their family members were always in want for the necessities of life. A real brāhmaṇa never hoards money for a luxurious life, like the kṣatriyas or the vaiśyas, but always keeps himself poverty-stricken, knowing that money diverts the mind to materialistic ways of life. To live in this way is the vow of a qualified brāhmaṇa, and all of these brāhmaṇas were well situated in that exalted vow. They were well learned in Vedic knowledge. They executed the required austerities and penances in their lives and were liberal, meeting the standard of qualified brāhmaṇas. They were equally friendly to everyone; above all, they were young and quite fit to act as qualified brāhmaṇas. Besides the cows, they were also given land, gold, houses, horses and elephants. Those who were not married were given wives, maidservants, grain, silver, utensils, garments, jewels, household furniture, chariots, etc. This charity was nicely performed as a sacrifice according to the Vedic rituals.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="OB" link="KB 87" link_text="Krsna Book 87">
<div class="heading">A real brāhmaṇa, therefore, does not endeavor for material perfection; rather, he approaches a bona fide spiritual master to accept orders from him.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:KB 87|Krsna Book 87]]:''' One who has attained the perfect brahminical stage naturally becomes renounced; he does not strive for material gain because by spiritual knowledge he has come to the conclusion that in this world there is no insufficiency. Everything is sufficiently provided by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. A real brāhmaṇa, therefore, does not endeavor for material perfection; rather, he approaches a bona fide spiritual master to accept orders from him. A spiritual master’s qualification is that he is brahma-niṣṭha, which means that he has given up all other activities and has dedicated his life to working only for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. When a bona fide student approaches a bona fide spiritual master, he submissively prays to the spiritual master, “My dear lord, kindly accept me as your student and train me in such a way that I will be able to give up all other processes of self-realization and simply engage in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, devotional service.”</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="Sri_Isopanisad" text="Sri Isopanisad"><h3>Sri Isopanisad</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="OB" link="ISO 18" link_text="Sri Isopanisad 18, Purport">
<div class="heading">As soon as one becomes proud of his birth as the son of a brāhmaṇa and neglects to acquire the qualifications of a real brāhmaṇa, he at once becomes degraded and falls from the path of self-realization.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:ISO 18|Sri Isopanisad 18, Purport]]:''' Just as being born the son of a big man affords one a chance to become a big man, so being born the son of a brāhmaṇa gives one a chance to become a brāhmaṇa. But such a birthright is not everything, for one still has to attain the brahminical qualifications for himself. As soon as one becomes proud of his birth as the son of a brāhmaṇa and neglects to acquire the qualifications of a real brāhmaṇa, he at once becomes degraded and falls from the path of self-realization. Thus his life's mission as a human being is defeated.</div>
</div>

<div class="section" id="Lectures" text="Lectures"><h2>Lectures</h2></div>

<div class="sub_section" id="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" text="Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures"><h3>Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on BG 2.2-6 -- Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972" link_text="Lecture on BG 2.2-6 -- Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972">
<div class="heading">In this Kali-yuga, everyone is a śūdra. You hardly find a real brāhmaṇa or real kṣatriya or vaiśya.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 2.2-6 -- Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972|Lecture on BG 2.2-6 -- Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972]]:''' Śūdra's business is to find out a master. Just like a dog. A dog must find out a nice master. Otherwise it is a street dog. Its condition is not very good. Similarly, a śūdra means he must have a nice paying master. Otherwise his life is at risk. So if you consider in that way, the śāstra says, kalau śūdra-sambhavaḥ. In this Kali-yuga, everyone is a śūdra. You hardly find a real brāhmaṇa or real kṣatriya or vaiśya. Because they are after service. In the śāstra it is said that a brāhmaṇa, if he is in difficulty, he may take the profession of a kṣatriya or up to a vaiśya, but never take the business of a śūdra like a dog. That is prohibited. And nowadays we are claiming to become brāhmaṇa and going here and there with application, "If there is any vacancy, sir?"</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on BG 2.2-6 -- Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972" link_text="Lecture on BG 2.2-6 -- Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972">
<div class="heading">So this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant for creating some real brāhmaṇa. At least, there may be head.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 2.2-6 -- Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972|Lecture on BG 2.2-6 -- Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972]]:''' he leg division is the śūdra, the belly division is the vaiśya, and the arm division is the kṣatriya, and the head division is the brāhmaṇa. So these divisions are now lost. Actually, there is no kṣatriya, no brāhmaṇa. Maybe there are some vaiśyas and śūdras. So suppose if your whole body there is only belly and leg, then what is the body? If you have no head and no arm, then how it is? What kind of body it is? So therefore, in the social order of the present day, there is no brāhmaṇa, no kṣatriya. Only there are some few vaiśyas and śūdras. So therefore there is chaos all over the world. So this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant for creating some real brāhmaṇa. At least, there may be head. They are all mad after the influence of the material energy. So there is need of some brāhmaṇa who can give advice to the people how to live, how to become God conscious, how to become happy. There is great need of this movement. Simply so-called classless society will not help us. That is not Vedic civilization.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on BG 2.26 -- Hyderabad, November 30, 1972" link_text="Lecture on BG 2.26 -- Hyderabad, November 30, 1972">
<div class="heading">When one has acquired all these qualities, then he becomes brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 2.26 -- Hyderabad, November 30, 1972|Lecture on BG 2.26 -- Hyderabad, November 30, 1972]]:'''

Indian: Who is a real brāhmaṇa?

Prabhupāda: Who is qualified. Satya śama dama titikṣā ārjava āstikyam jñānam vijñānam [Bg. 18.42]. When one has acquired all these qualities, then he becomes brāhmaṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on BG 4.13 -- Bombay, April 2, 1974" link_text="Lecture on BG 4.13 -- Bombay, April 2, 1974">
<div class="heading">You cannot cancel this system of varṇāśrama. You must accept, that there must be a class of men, real, brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 4.13 -- Bombay, April 2, 1974|Lecture on BG 4.13 -- Bombay, April 2, 1974]]:''' Here it is said. Kṛṣṇa says, cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭam, you cannot cancel this system of varṇāśrama. Then you will suffer. You cannot cancel. You must accept, that there must be a class of men, real, brāhmaṇa. Not that "I am born in a brāhmaṇa family and I am doing the work of a cobbler. Still, I am a brāhmaṇa. No, not like that. Guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ. Kṛṣṇa never says that brāhmaṇa is born in a brāhmaṇa family.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on BG 7.1 -- Bhuvanesvara, January 22, 1977" link_text="Lecture on BG 7.1 -- Bhuvanesvara, January 22, 1977">
<div class="heading">Woman, śūdra and dvija-bandhu, they cannot understand Vedic knowledge. Unfortunately we are creating, trying to create real brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, and śūdra means everyone.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 7.1 -- Bhuvanesvara, January 22, 1977|Lecture on BG 7.1 -- Bhuvanesvara, January 22, 1977]]:''' Strī, woman, and śūdra and dvija-bandhu. Dvija means brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya. Especially brāhmaṇa. So dvija-bandhu, who is not qualified as a brāhmaṇa but born in the brāhmaṇa family, they are called dvija-bandhus. So śāstra says strī-śūdra-dvijabandhūnāṁ trayī na śruti-gocarā. Woman, śūdra and brahma-bandhu or dvija-bandhu, they cannot understand Vedic knowledge. Unfortunately we are creating, trying to create real brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, and śūdra means everyone. One who cannot become a brāhmaṇa or a kṣatriya or vaiśya, simply they are satisfied by serving a suitable master, vaiśya-karma svabhāva-jam. Paricaryātmakaṁ kāryaṁ śūdra-karma svabhāva-jam [Bg. 18.44]. A person who is satisfied only getting some salary from a suitable master, that is śūdra. So in this age it is said, kalau śūdra-sambhavaḥ. It is very difficult to find out a qualified brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya. We may find out some śūdras and some vaiśyas. Therefore, if you want to raise the standard of human society, you must create a class of brāhmaṇa, a class of kṣatriya. Vaiśya and śūdras maybe there are. But it is necessary that a class of brāhmaṇa, a class of kṣatriya must be there.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on BG 7.11-13 -- Bombay, April 5, 1971" link_text="Lecture on BG 7.11-13 -- Bombay, April 5, 1971">
<div class="heading">At least, in garbhādhāna-saṁskāra we understand that "This child is born of a real brāhmaṇa," but without garbhādhāna-saṁskāra, who knows how the child is born? Nobody knows except the mother.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 7.11-13 -- Bombay, April 5, 1971|Lecture on BG 7.11-13 -- Bombay, April 5, 1971]]:''' So it is very difficult to say at the present moment whether garbhādhāna-saṁskāra is observed. At least, in garbhādhāna-saṁskāra we understand that "This child is born of a real brāhmaṇa," but without garbhādhāna-saṁskāra, who knows how the child is born? Nobody knows except the mother. Therefore the śāstra says, "In this age, Kali-yuga, because this garbhādhāna-saṁskāra is not observed regularly," kalau śūdrāḥ sambhavāḥ, "everyone in the Kali-yuga is a śūdra because the garbhādhāna-saṁskāra is not observed." Of course, those who are observing... But it is very hard to say who is observing. But if it is not observed, then any child born, either in the brāhmaṇa family or kṣatriya family or vaiśya family, because the garbhādhāna-saṁskāra is not observed, it is to be understood that that child is śūdra. Even if the garbhādhāna-saṁskāra is observed, still, by birth, it is accepted that every child is a śūdra.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" text="Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures"><h3>Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 1.2.9 -- Vrndavana, October 20, 1972" link_text="Lecture on SB 1.2.9 -- Vrndavana, October 20, 1972">
<div class="heading">There are brāhmaṇa and brahminical qualifications. That is real brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 1.2.9 -- Vrndavana, October 20, 1972|Lecture on SB 1.2.9 -- Vrndavana, October 20, 1972]]:''' The first beginning is varṇāśrama-dharma, to become brāhmaṇa, to become kṣatriya, to become vaiśya. So in the Kali-yuga the time is so bad that even there is no fixity of this varṇāśrama-dharma. Nobody knows who is brāhmaṇa, who is śūdra. Because the quality is the same now, eating, sleeping, mating—animal quality. You can become a brāhmaṇa by sacred thread. That is a different thing. But there are brāhmaṇa and brahminical qualifications. That is real brāhmaṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 1.2.13 -- Vrndavana, October 24, 1972" link_text="Lecture on SB 1.2.13 -- Vrndavana, October 24, 1972">
<div class="heading">The real is brāhmaṇa-vaiṣṇava-bhojana. Because through the mouth of the brāhmaṇa and Vaiṣṇavas, those who are real brāhmaṇa...</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 1.2.13 -- Vrndavana, October 24, 1972|Lecture on SB 1.2.13 -- Vrndavana, October 24, 1972]]:''' Therefore here it is same thing is confirmed. Svanuṣṭhitasya dharmasya saṁsiddhir hari-toṣaṇam [SB 1.2.13]. You are religious. That's all right. But the purpose of religion is to satisfy the Supreme Lord. That is perfection. It doesn't matter. Because it is said, varṇāśrama-vibhāgaśaḥ. A brāhmaṇa, brāhmaṇa-varṇa, he can satisfy Kṛṣṇa by his tapasya, by his truthfulness, by his knowledge of the śāstras. He can preach the knowledge of the śāstra to the world. He can eat on behalf of God. Therefore according to Vedic civilization, there is brāhmaṇa-bhojana. Brāhmaṇa-bhojana means whatever a brāhmaṇa eats, it means God is, Kṛṣṇa eats through the brāhmaṇa. Therefore brāh..., brāhmaṇa... In Vedic civilization there is no daridra-bhojana. There is no such word. Now they, they have manufactured: refugee-bhojana, daridra-bhojana. But the, the real is brāhmaṇa-vaiṣṇava-bhojana. Because through the mouth of the brāhmaṇa and Vaiṣṇavas, those who are real brāhmaṇa... So this is the saṁsiddhir hari-toṣaṇam [SB 1.2.13]. You may remain a brāhmaṇa. That's all right.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 1.5.15 -- New Vrindaban, June 19, 1969" link_text="Lecture on SB 1.5.15 -- New Vrindaban, June 19, 1969">
<div class="heading">Real brāhmaṇa means śuci, always pure. That is real brahminical qualification.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 1.5.15 -- New Vrindaban, June 19, 1969|Lecture on SB 1.5.15 -- New Vrindaban, June 19, 1969]]:''' Now, śucīnāṁ śrīmatāṁ gehe yoga-bhraṣṭo 'bhijāyate: [Bg. 6.41] "If one, anyone, immaturely falls down, then in next life he will have the opportunity to take birth in very rich family or in a family of a, I mean, real brāhmaṇa." Real brāhmaṇa means śuci, always pure. That is real brahminical qualification. Truthful, clean, wise, God consciousness—these are brahminical qualifications. We are giving thread ceremony to our disciples to recognize him that he has got the brahminical qualifications. He has given up this meat-eating, illicit sex life, gambling and intoxication. He is chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. He is being purified gradually. He's trying to understand Kṛṣṇa. Therefore he's always pure. This is the recognition. This thread ceremony is recognition. But if we simply make it a show, that "Now I have got thread. I have become liberated. I may not do anything," and then again I fall down... The same principle is always going on, māyā and Kṛṣṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 1.9.49 -- Mayapura, June 15, 1973" link_text="Lecture on SB 1.9.49 -- Mayapura, June 15, 1973">
<div class="heading">A brāhmaṇa should give chance to everyone, even to the pāpa-yoni, how to become brāhmaṇa. That is real brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 1.9.49 -- Mayapura, June 15, 1973|Lecture on SB 1.9.49 -- Mayapura, June 15, 1973]]:''' That is brāhmaṇa-ism. Brāhmaṇa means liberal, and just the opposite word of brāhmaṇa is kṛpaṇa, miser. A brāhmaṇa should give chance to everyone, even to the pāpa-yoni, how to become brāhmaṇa. That is real brāhmaṇa. And the rascal who thinks that "I shall remain simply brāhmaṇa; others shall remain mlecchas and yavanas," he is not brāhmaṇa; he is śūdra, because his mind is so crippled. He does not want to see others to become brāhmaṇa. He is miser, kṛpaṇa. Kṛpaṇaḥ phala-hetavaḥ.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 1.15.22-23 -- Los Angeles, December 2, 1973" link_text="Lecture on SB 1.15.22-23 -- Los Angeles, December 2, 1973">
<div class="heading">Those who are rascal, fools, they will want to try to insult real brāhmaṇa, Vaiṣṇava. Then they are finished.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 1.15.22-23 -- Los Angeles, December 2, 1973|Lecture on SB 1.15.22-23 -- Los Angeles, December 2, 1973]]:''' Just like a big man. If you insult him, he may think "All right, let him." But if you insult or do something harm to his child, he will never tolerate. He will never tolerate. Similarly, a devotee who is dependent on Kṛṣṇa in everything, and if somebody does harm to him, insults him, Kṛṣṇa will never tolerate. That is explained in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, vaiṣṇava-aparādha. Tāra madhye vaiṣṇava-aparādha hāti matta. So we should be very careful not to offend Vaiṣṇava devotees. Not to offend. This is greatest offense. Therefore it is said vipra-śāpa-vimūḍhānām. Vimūḍhānām. Those who are rascal, fools, they will want to try to insult real brāhmaṇa, Vaiṣṇava. Then they are finished. Of course, a Vaiṣṇava never curses. Tolerates. Tṛṇād api sunīcena taror... Vaiṣṇava tolerates, but Viṣṇu never tolerates.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 2.3.18-19 -- Los Angeles, June 13, 1972" link_text="Lecture on SB 2.3.18-19 -- Los Angeles, June 13, 1972">
<div class="heading">The śūdras are compared with the dogs because they cannot live without a master. Brāhmaṇa, he will not accept anyone's service. That is real brāhmaṇa. A kṣatriya will never accept anyone's service.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 2.3.18-19 -- Los Angeles, June 13, 1972|Lecture on SB 2.3.18-19 -- Los Angeles, June 13, 1972]]:''' Therefore, after education you'll have to write application, "My dear sir, I am such and such qualified dog. (laughter) If you'll kindly give me some service." And the tail is like this. (laughter) You see? Just imagine. If by education he becomes independent ... Just like Vedic culture. The brāhmaṇas, the kṣatriya, the vaiśyas, they are independent. The śūdras are compared with the dogs because they cannot live without a master. Brāhmaṇa, he will not accept anyone's service. That is real brāhmaṇa. A kṣatriya will never accept anyone's service. Why the battle of Kurukṣetra was there? The Kurus, they took away the whole kingdom of the Pāṇḍavas. But they were kṣatriyas. How they will live? Therefore the fight was necessity. The kṣatriyas must be, must have some land to collect taxes. That is the kṣatriya's source of income. The brāhmaṇa's source of income, paṭhana pāṭhana yajana yājana ... They must be learned scholar, they must teach others, they must be devotee and teach others how to become devotee.
They must take contribution and must spend for Kṛṣṇa. This is brāhmaṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 2.3.18-19 -- Los Angeles, June 13, 1972" link_text="Lecture on SB 2.3.18-19 -- Los Angeles, June 13, 1972">
<div class="heading">One who is hankering after service, he is śūdra. He has no capacity to live independently. The brāhmaṇa, real brāhmaṇa, he will starve, he will die out of starvation. He will never accept anyone's service.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 2.3.18-19 -- Los Angeles, June 13, 1972|Lecture on SB 2.3.18-19 -- Los Angeles, June 13, 1972]]:''' No brāhmaṇa could take service and especially service of a low-class man. That is ... In Bhāgavata you will see especially that if a brāhmaṇa is in difficulty, he may accept the profession of a kṣatriya or utmost of a vaiśya, but never take the profession of a śūdra. What is the profession of śūdra? Śūdra ... Paricaryātmakaṁ kāryaṁ śūdra-karma śvabhāva-jam [Bg. 18.44]. One who is hankering after service, he is śūdra. He has no capacity to live independently. The brāhmaṇa, real brāhmaṇa, he will starve, he will die out of starvation.
He will never accept anyone's service. That is brāhmaṇa. Uñcha-vṛtti. If he has no income, he will go on the field ... And when the grains are taken away, some grains fall down. They will pick up all those grains and live on that. Still, they will not go to anyone that "I am hungry. Give me something." No.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 5.5.23 -- Vrndavana, November 10, 1976" link_text="Lecture on SB 5.5.23 -- Vrndavana, November 10, 1976">
<div class="heading">Therefore the brahminical culture in India is failure now. They should be real brāhmaṇas, śsamo damo. But nobody is prepared to practice śamo damo titikṣa, but he wants the respect of a brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 5.5.23 -- Vrndavana, November 10, 1976|Lecture on SB 5.5.23 -- Vrndavana, November 10, 1976]]:''' So this is the way, brāhmaṇa. That brāhmaṇa, the India, the brāhmaṇas, their sons later on, later ages, taking advantage of the facility offered to the brāhmaṇas, so without qualification of brāhmaṇa, they wanted the facility for nothing, very cheap. Therefore the brahminical culture is failure now. They are... They should be real brāhmaṇas, śsamo damo. But nobody is prepared to practice śamo damo titikṣa, but he wants the respect of a brāhmaṇa. This is the cause of India's culture being failure at the present moment. They... "First deserve, then desire." So without deserving, they desired. Therefore whole thing is..., it became false. So that is not the purpose. Even somebody says that "Without culture one can remain a brāhmaṇa," but śāstra does not say that. Śāstra says culture is the first consideration.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 6.1.13-14 -- New York, July 27, 1971" link_text="Lecture on SB 6.1.13-14 -- New York, July 27, 1971">
<div class="heading">You have become brāhmaṇa. Don't become false brāhmaṇa. Real brāhmaṇa. It is not by birth; it is by education, by practice, by knowledge.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 6.1.13-14 -- New York, July 27, 1971|Lecture on SB 6.1.13-14 -- New York, July 27, 1971]]:''' So you are all initiated to become brāhmaṇa. You have become brāhmaṇa. Don't become false brāhmaṇa. Real brāhmaṇa. It is not by birth; it is by education, by practice, by knowledge. So we are offering the sacred thread to the Americans and Europeans in the Western countries, and some of our Indian contemporaries, they are not very happy with my action. They are under contemplation that a brāhmaṇa can be, I mean to say, seen by birthright. No. No. Brāhmaṇa is by qualification. Brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra. That is the verdict of Kṛṣṇa. We are concerned with Kṛṣṇa, not any other else.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 6.1.44 -- Los Angeles, June 10, 1976" link_text="Lecture on SB 6.1.44 -- Los Angeles, June 10, 1976">
<div class="heading">Our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is trying to create a section of the human society—real brāhmaṇa, intelligence. And the intelligence means Veda. Veda means knowledge.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 6.1.44 -- Los Angeles, June 10, 1976|Lecture on SB 6.1.44 -- Los Angeles, June 10, 1976]]:''' In the society, human society, there must be a class of brāhmaṇa, intelligent class. So our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is trying to create a section of the human society—real brāhmaṇa, intelligence. And the intelligence means Veda. Veda means knowledge. Knowledge... One who has got sufficient knowledge, he is intelligence, not the fool, rascal. So therefore the... There is Vedas, and there are Vedānta, Vedānta. Veda, Vedānta, source of knowledge. So Vedas means knowledge, and Veda-anta... Anta means the last word. So that anta knowledge, or the last word in knowledge, is Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 6.1.61 -- Vrndavana, August 28, 1975" link_text="Lecture on SB 6.1.61 -- Vrndavana, August 28, 1975">
<div class="heading">A real brāhmaṇa will never agree to embrace the opposite sex in public way. No. That is not brāhmaṇa's business.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 6.1.61 -- Vrndavana, August 28, 1975|Lecture on SB 6.1.61 -- Vrndavana, August 28, 1975]]:''' This business on the public way, kissing, embracing, this is meant for the śūdras. Therefore it is said, kalau śūdrā-sambhavāḥ: "In the Kali-yuga the population is all śūdra." There is no brahminical culture. Brāhminical culture means śama, dama, controlling the mind, controlling the senses. A real brāhmaṇa will never agree to embrace the opposite sex in public way. No. That is not brāhmaṇa's business. He has been trained up how to become controller of the mind, controller of the senses. That is the first business of a brāhmaṇa. Śama, dama, satyam. He is truthful, śaucam, clean, thrice taking bath. So you should always... You are given the chance of becoming brāhmaṇa. You should not become again śūdras or mlecchas or caṇḍālas. Be careful. This is brāhmaṇa business.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 7.5.22-30 -- London, September 8, 1971" link_text="Lecture on SB 7.5.22-30 -- London, September 8, 1971">
<div class="heading">Therefore the whole world is unhappy. There is need of devotees, need of real brāhmaṇas. That is wanted.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 7.5.22-30 -- London, September 8, 1971|Lecture on SB 7.5.22-30 -- London, September 8, 1971]]:''' This is the nature. If one son is going astray by drinking, "Oh, young men, they can do that." But he becomes a devotee, he immediately becomes warned, "Oh, what danger is...!" (laughter) "He is going to be a devotee." This is the nature of demons. If the father, mother, are demons, how you can expect nice child? You see? That is the defect of the modern civilization. Therefore the whole world is unhappy. There is need of devotees, need of real brāhmaṇas. That is wanted. Therefore this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement... Even a certain little percentage of people becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious, the whole face of the world will change. It is so nice.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 7.6.1 -- Madras, January 2, 1976" link_text="Lecture on SB 7.6.1 -- Madras, January 2, 1976">
<div class="heading">We are trying to train some men as real brāhmaṇa because brāhmaṇa is the head, is the brain of the society. If the society has no brain, it is in chaotic condition.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 7.6.1 -- Madras, January 2, 1976|Lecture on SB 7.6.1 -- Madras, January 2, 1976]]:''' So you can train anyone. Just like you can train anyone as lawyer, you can train anyone as an engineer or medical practitioner, similarly, you can train anyone as brāhmaṇa. That is wanted. That is wanted. So our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is like that. We are trying to train some men as real brāhmaṇa because brāhmaṇa is the head, is the brain of the society. If the society has no brain, it is in chaotic condition. Brahma-jānāti iti brāhmaṇaḥ. Janmanā jāyate śūdraḥ saṁskārād bhaved dvijaḥ. So some section of the people must know what is Brahman, what is God, and they should preach all over the world. That is the greatest necessity at the present moment. So our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is trying to do that although we are captivating or attracting some younger section, especially in Western countries. But Prahlāda Mahārāja recommends that kaumāra ācaret prājño dharmān bhāgavatān [SB 7.6.1]. Training should start immediately from the childhood.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 7.9.9 -- Montreal, July 6, 1968" link_text="Lecture on SB 7.9.9 -- Montreal, July 6, 1968">
<div class="heading">Formerly the brāhmaṇas, real brāhmaṇas, they refused to take any charity from others, even up to this date, because according to Vedic system, when charity was to be given, it is to be given to the brāhmaṇas or the sannyāsīs. That is real charity.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 7.9.9 -- Montreal, July 6, 1968|Lecture on SB 7.9.9 -- Montreal, July 6, 1968]]:''' Even a hundred years, or, say, about 150 years before, there was in Bengal there was a nice king, Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa Chandra. He went to a learned brāhmaṇa, and he wanted to help him, that "Can I help you?" So the brāhmaṇa says, "Oh, I don't require any help. Oh, I am very happy. I have got this tamarind tree. My wife takes some tamarind leaves and makes some soup, and some of my disciples give me some rice. So I have got everything, plenty. Why shall I take your help?" Formerly the brāhmaṇas, real brāhmaṇas, they refused to take any charity from others, even up to this date, because according to Vedic system, when charity was to be given, it is to be given to the brāhmaṇas or the sannyāsīs. That is real charity. Datavyam. They should be given. Because they are always engaged in Brahman, therefore charity given to a brāhmaṇa or a sannyāsī goes to Brahman. That is the idea. At the present moment the advertisement is daridra, daridra-nārāyaṇa: "Charity should be given to the daridra, or the poor." But the Vedas, why they recommended that charity should be given to the brāhmaṇas? And the brāhmaṇas, they do not require. They are so satisfied, but still, people persisted: "The brāhmaṇas should take some charity," because the idea is, if the brāhmaṇas accept the charity, that money goes directly to Brahman, or God. That is the idea.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 7.9.11-13 -- Hawaii, March 24, 1969" link_text="Lecture on SB 7.9.11-13 -- Hawaii, March 24, 1969">
<div class="heading">A child born in the brāhmaṇa family, in order to accept him as real brāhmaṇa... there are other ceremonies, reformatory ceremonies, and this thread ceremony is also one of the ceremonies. So even taking birth in the brāhmaṇa family, he has to undergo the ceremonies to come to the stage of a pure brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 7.9.11-13 -- Hawaii, March 24, 1969|Lecture on SB 7.9.11-13 -- Hawaii, March 24, 1969]]:''' Jīva Gosvāmī has commented in this connection that a boy, a child born in the brāhmaṇa family, in order to accept him as real brāhmaṇa... He's born in a pure family. That's all right. But there are other ceremonies, reformatory ceremonies, and this thread ceremony is also one of the ceremonies. So even taking birth in the brāhmaṇa family, he has to undergo the ceremonies to come to the stage of a pure brāhmaṇa. But here chanting of holy name is so powerful that he does not require even dependence on those ceremonies. Immediately he becomes. Unless a person... A boy is born in a brāhmaṇa family, but unless he's educated, unless he's purified, he cannot be allowed to perform the sacrificial ritual, rites. That means he's dependent on these other processes. So..., but here a devotee who is chanting without any offense, he becomes immediately purified without depending on the other purificatory process.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="Nectar_of_Devotion_Lectures" text="Nectar of Devotion Lectures"><h3>Nectar of Devotion Lectures</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="The Nectar of Devotion -- Bombay, January 5, 1973" link_text="The Nectar of Devotion -- Bombay, January 5, 1973">
<div class="heading">Here, these European brāhmaṇas, American brāhmaṇas, they're real brāhmaṇas, because they have given up all sinful activities.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:The Nectar of Devotion -- Bombay, January 5, 1973|The Nectar of Devotion -- Bombay, January 5, 1973]]:''' Because we gave them the chance of hearing, gradually they're coming. Not that immediately you become brāhmaṇa. Now they are becoming more than brāhmaṇas. Here, in India, the brāhmaṇas, they are doing everything. Still they are going in the name of brāhmaṇa. But here, these European brāhmaṇas, American brāhmaṇas, they're real brāhmaṇas, because they have given up all sinful activities. The brāhmaṇa's life is first of all truthful. Truthful. Satya śama dama titikṣa. Controlling the senses, controlling the mind, forbearance and simplicity, full knowledge, application of knowledge, belief in the Vedas—these are the symptoms of brāhmaṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="General_Lectures" text="General Lectures"><h3>General Lectures</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture -- Los Angeles, February 2, 1968" link_text="Lecture -- Los Angeles, February 2, 1968">
<div class="heading">That is the worthy place, to give charity in the hands of brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇava. Real brāhmaṇas. I don't say caste brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture -- Los Angeles, February 2, 1968|Lecture -- Los Angeles, February 2, 1968]]:''' Just like the Vedic injunction is to give charity to the brāhmaṇas. Why? That is the worthy place, to give charity in the hands of brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇava. Real brāhmaṇas. I don't say caste brāhmaṇa. Because they will employ whatever you give them in the service of the Lord. Therefore charity, that is sattvic charity. There is no question of profit or name. But, "Charity should be given here. Here is something, God's service." That is sattvic.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture at Bharata Chamber of Commerce Culture and Business -- Calcutta, January 30, 1973" link_text="Lecture at Bharata Chamber of Commerce "Culture and Business" -- Calcutta, January 30, 1973">
<div class="heading">The whole human society is lacking now real brāhmaṇas who can give advice to the other departments.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture at Bharata Chamber of Commerce "Culture and Business" -- Calcutta, January 30, 1973|Lecture at Bharata Chamber of Commerce "Culture and Business" -- Calcutta, January 30, 1973]]:''' So culture means that one should know what is the aim of life. Without understanding the aim of life, a man without aim is ship without, a ship without rudder. That is an English proverb. So at the present moment, we are missing the goal of life because there is no head department. The whole human society is lacking now real brāhmaṇas who can give advice to the other departments. Just like Arjuna was fighting. He was a military man. His business was to fight. He was engaged in his business, but he was taking at the same time advice of, the advice of the Brāhmaṇa deva, Kṛṣṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="Philosophy_Discussions" text="Philosophy Discussions"><h3>Philosophy Discussions</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Philosophy Discussion on Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibnitz" link_text="Philosophy Discussion on Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibnitz">
<div class="heading">It is said if a brāhmaṇa is black, then he is not a real brāhmaṇa born.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Philosophy Discussion on Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibnitz|Philosophy Discussion on Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibnitz]]:'''

Prabhupāda: But this is also scientific truth. Just like, according to Vedic scripture, this black body is a sign of sinful life. Therefore brāhmaṇas are called śukla. Brāhmaṇas are fair complexioned. Still it is said if a brāhmaṇa is black, then he is not a real brāhmaṇa born. Kalu-ban means black man. Black brāhmaṇa is to be understood that his father is not real brāhmaṇa. He is born of somebody else, but he is known as brāhmaṇa. Similarly a śūdra, if he is fair-complected, he is also not real. Kalba kata śūdra bete mussulman. Muslim, if he is a dwarf, he is not real Muslim, because Muslims from Afgh
anistan are very tall.</div>
</div>

<div class="section" id="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="Conversations and Morning Walks"><h2>Conversations and Morning Walks</h2></div>

<div class="sub_section" id="1971_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1971 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1971 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Interview with Reporters -- November 10, 1971, New Delhi" link_text="Interview with Reporters -- November 10, 1971, New Delhi">
<div class="heading">We are creating real brāhmaṇa all over the world.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Interview with Reporters -- November 10, 1971, New Delhi|Interview with Reporters -- November 10, 1971, New Delhi]]:''' 

Prabhupāda: I say he does not know what is Bhagavad-gītā. If he believes in that way, that he does not know about Gītā.

Reporter: He says he's Hindu.

Prabhupāda: Maybe your Hinduism. You lick up your Hinduism. But we are creating real brāhmaṇa all over the world.

Reporter: I can see. What Lord Kṛṣṇa has stated, sir, that "I have created these four castes of āśrama..."</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="1972_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1972 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1972 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Room Conversation -- April 18, 1972, Hong Kong" link_text="Room Conversation -- April 18, 1972, Hong Kong">
<div class="heading">"Please, you have got four sons. Give me one son. I shall make him a real brāhmaṇa."</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Room Conversation -- April 18, 1972, Hong Kong|Room Conversation -- April 18, 1972, Hong Kong]]:'''

Prabhupāda: ...It is the duty of the Indians to spread this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, but they are preaching very nicely. I am training these foreigners. They are doing this duty. It is the duty of the Indians. It is their culture. But they are satisfied only... If one young man gets a nice wife and a little bit of money, oh, he says, "My life is successful." Therefore I went away. I approached many gentlemen. "Please, you have got four sons. Give me one son. I shall make him a real brāhmaṇa." "Swamiji, (Hindi)." He does not know the value. Therefore I left India, hopeless. And Kṛṣṇa has given me chance, very good chance. Now they are appreciating. When I go to India they become surprised, "Swamiji, how you have done this thing?" This is the reason.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Room Conversation -- June 29, 1972, San Diego" link_text="Room Conversation -- June 29, 1972, San Diego">
<div class="heading">There is no real brāhmaṇa by birth - Brāhmaṇas means by quality.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Room Conversation -- June 29, 1972, San Diego|Room Conversation -- June 29, 1972, San Diego]]:'''

Prabhupāda: No, no. Not by birth. By action.

Guest (2): By action only.

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Guest (2): You don't recognize brāhmaṇas by birth, then.

Prabhupāda: No no. Then how they are becoming brāhmaṇas? They are not by birth brāhmaṇa? Why don't you see yourself? They are brāhmaṇa.

Guest (2): So if there is a brāhmaṇa by birth, if he doesn't...

Prabhupā

da: No, there is no brāhmaṇa by birth. That is not sanctioned by the śāstra.

Guest (2): Oh, I see. So there is no real brāhmaṇa by birth.

Prabhupāda: No. There is no... That is not sanctioned by the śāstra. That is artificial.

Guest (2): I see. So according to you...

Prabhupāda: Brāhmaṇas means by quality. He must have the brahminical quality, then he's brāhmaṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="1973_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1973 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1973 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Room Conversation -- September 2, 1973, London" link_text="Room Conversation -- September 2, 1973, London">
<div class="heading">To know God means he must become a brāhmaṇa, real, qualified brāhmaṇa. Therefore brāhmaṇa is respected.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Room Conversation -- September 2, 1973, London|Room Conversation -- September 2, 1973, London]]:'''

Prabhupāda:.....Anyone who has taken to this system of varṇāśrama-dharma, four varṇas: brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra; and four āśrama: brahmacārī, gṛhastha, vānaprastha, sannyāsa. Unless one takes to this institutional education, he's no more than an animal. So to know God means he must become a brāhmaṇa, real, qualified brāhmaṇa. Therefore brāhmaṇa is respected. Because, brahma-jānātīti brāhmaṇa. But there is no law. Lawless country. Therefore one is passing as a brāhmaṇa without any knowledge of Brahman. That is the defect. Formerly the government will see... I was explaining this, this morning. That it is the kṣatriya's duty to see that one is passing as a brāhmaṇa, whether he's qualified. Why he should pass? Suppose he says, "I'm medical man." He must be qualified. And if he says, "I am medical man," then he's cheating. So you cannot call yourself a brāhmaṇa unless you are qualified. But that is going on. And this cheating is being accepted. Therefore this varṇāśrama-dharma. Hindu dharma or Vedic dharma means varṇāśrama-dharma. One must first of all accept the principles of varṇas and āśramas. Then there is question of understanding God. God is not so cheap thing, "What is God?" and you understand immediately. You must become first of all brāhmaṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Room Conversation with Banker -- September 21, 1973, Bombay" link_text="Room Conversation with Banker -- September 21, 1973, Bombay">
<div class="heading">Naturally the children follow the father. So if the father is a real brāhmaṇa, then he naturally becomes. But if by chance he develops the śūdra quality, then he must be accepted as śūdra, not as a brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Room Conversation with Banker -- September 21, 1973, Bombay|Room Conversation with Banker -- September 21, 1973, Bombay]]:'''

Prabhupāda: ...Lately, this brahminical class, they made it. Just like he is a manager in the bank. His son does not mean that he is also manager. He must be qualified to become a manager. He has got the facility. Because he is son of a bank manager, so he can get some facilities, father's training. He can quickly become a manager. Others may take time. Similarly, a person born in brāhmaṇa family, if his father is actually brāhmaṇa, then automatically he is getting the brahminical training at home. This satya, śama, dama, titikṣā, ārjavam [Bg. 18.42], this qualification. Because naturally the children follow the father. So if the father is a real brāhmaṇa, then he naturally becomes. But if by chance he develops the śūdra quality, then he must be accepted as śūdra, not as a brāhmaṇa. That is the śāstra.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="1974_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1974 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1974 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Morning Walk -- April 10, 1974, Bombay" link_text="Morning Walk -- April 10, 1974, Bombay">
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- April 10, 1974, Bombay|Morning Walk -- April 10, 1974, Bombay]]:'''

Śrīdhara: "Their wealth was in milk, yogurt, clarified butter and many other milk products. And by trading their agricultural products, they were rich in various kinds of jewelry, ornaments and costly dresses." [break]

Prabhupāda: ...Even the richest man, their wife has no bangles. You see? And they are jewelries. Jewelries. Cow, butter, throwing butter like anything, and silk sari and enough food grains. What is more want for material advancement? That is real material ad... You have got everything, material needs. [break] If a man can feed his wife and children, then he is successful. There is no question of charity. There is no question of charity. But here it is said they were also giving in charity. [break] ...stopped to become real brāhmaṇa and give instruction to the society, and they also stopped giving charity to the brāhmaṇas. So therefore the society is so fallen. There is no instruction from the brāhmaṇas and no charity from the kṣatriya and vaiśya. [break] ...proṣita bhārtṛkā. By the dress a woman is recognized. When she does not dress very nicely, it is to be understood that her husband is out of home. When there is the vermillion, that means she is married. When the, what is called, division? Siti. Siti is in this side, then she is prostitute. The dress, when the woman dresses with white dress, they are widow, no husband.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="1975_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1975 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1975 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Conversation with Governor -- April 20, 1975, Vrndavana" link_text="Conversation with Governor -- April 20, 1975, Vrndavana">
<div class="heading">You are doing all nonsense, and still, you are proclaiming yourself as brāhmaṇa. This should be stopped. And a training college should be there how to make a real brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Conversation with Governor -- April 20, 1975, Vrndavana|Conversation with Governor -- April 20, 1975, Vrndavana]]:'''

Prabhupāda: ... You are acting like a śūdra, and you are advertising yourself as a brāhmaṇa. So just like a, what is called, quack. If he writes, "Dr. something," that is punishable. But you are quack. That's all right. You can take a certificate that you have got some experience. The registered medical practitioner, I think that is... But what is this, that you are proclaiming yourself as a... (chuckles) So character means a class of men there must be, maybe very few, but they are actually men of character. Just like I am teaching them no illicit sex, no meat-eating, no gambling, no intoxication. This is basic principle. Otherwise, where is his character? You are doing all nonsense, and still, you are proclaiming yourself as brāhmaṇa. This should be stopped. And a training college should be there how to make a real brāhmaṇa. I have given the example...</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Conversation with Governor -- April 20, 1975, Vrndavana" link_text="Conversation with Governor -- April 20, 1975, Vrndavana">
<div class="heading">If he wants to become a medical man he must be properly trained up. Similarly, if one wants to become a brāhmaṇa, then he must be properly trained up, or even if one does not want, the state should maintain a college where a real brāhmaṇa is trained up.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Conversation with Governor -- April 20, 1975, Vrndavana|Conversation with Governor -- April 20, 1975, Vrndavana]]:'''

Prabhupāda: Vānaprastha college, yes. That is the very essential thing at the present moment, that a class of men... Just like the same example: If one wants to become an engineer he must be properly trained up. If he wants to become a medical man he must be properly trained up. Similarly, if one wants to become a brāhmaṇa, then he must be properly trained up, or even if one does not want, the state should maintain a college where a real brāhmaṇa is trained up. Just like Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, when he opened some higher studies of academic qualification, so there was one or two students, and there were three professors drawing at least twelve hundred rupees per month. So twelve hundred rupees per month, that means thirty-six hundred, expenditure, and the income is thirty-six rupees. It is not the question of money, but it is the question of culture. So even though at the present moment people are not inclined to become a brāhmaṇa, I tried it. I tried it before starting this movement. I tried to some friends that "You have got four sons. Give me one son. I shall train him how to become a perfect brāhmaṇa." Nobody agreed. They said, "Swamiji, (Hindi)," But if there is not a ideal class of brāhmaṇa, then how you can say that you become moralist? If there is no example of moralist, how you can ask people, "Become moralist"?</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Morning Walk -- June 23, 1975, Los Angeles" link_text="Morning Walk -- June 23, 1975, Los Angeles">
<div class="heading">At the present moment the whole human society is full of śūdras. There is no brāhmaṇas. So you have to train real brāhmaṇas.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- June 23, 1975, Los Angeles|Morning Walk -- June 23, 1975, Los Angeles]]:'''

Prabhupāda:  ... We have to present an ideal institution, not that we make compromise with everybody. That is not our business. We don't want stars. We want moon. What is the use of millions of stars? Get one moon. That is sufficient. [break] ...not expect everyone to become brāhmaṇa. That is not possible. Because the three qualities are working, you cannot make all the population on the modes of goodness. That is not possible. There must be people in passion and ignorance. Otherwise, why Kṛṣṇa says, cātur-varṇyaṁ, four division? He could have done one kind of men. But all of them can be utilized in Kṛṣṇa consciousness if they are guided properly. Sva-karmaṇā tam abhyarcya saṁsiddhiṁ labhate naraḥ [Bg. 18.46]. One can get perfection, even becoming a śūdra, provided he is properly guided, not that only the brāhmaṇas can become Kṛṣṇa conscious. No. The śūdras also can become, provided he is guided by the brāhmaṇa. [break] At the present moment the whole human society is full of śūdras. There is no brāhmaṇas. So you have to train real brāhmaṇas. [break] ...how respectfully received that Sudāmā Vipra, not that because he was a caste brāhmaṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Morning Walk -- November 2, 1975, Nairobi" link_text="Morning Walk -- November 2, 1975, Nairobi">
<div class="heading">There is no question of "so-called." We want real brāhmaṇa. That's all. It was heard by the real brāhmaṇa, Brahma. Brahma, Brahma.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- November 2, 1975, Nairobi|Morning Walk -- November 2, 1975, Nairobi]]:'''

Indian man (4): Prabhupāda, sometimes you have said that this Gāyatrī was first spoken by the Lord, and this is a sound vibration of the Kṛṣṇa's flute, and it was heard by Brahma. Right? And these brāhmaṇas, so-called brāhmaṇas...

Prabhupāda: There is no question of "so-called." We want real brāhmaṇa. That's all. It was heard by the real brāhmaṇa, Brahma. Brahma, Brahma.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="1976_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1976 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1976 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Morning Walk -- April 9, 1976, Vrndavana" link_text="Morning Walk -- April 9, 1976, Vrndavana">
<div class="heading">This is going on. And the others, they are seeing: "There is no classification, neither real brāhmaṇa nor kṣatriya nor vaiśya. So he is enjoying like that. He has got so many cars. He has got such a nice apartment. Why not me?" There is struggle. This is actual picture.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- April 9, 1976, Vrndavana|Morning Walk -- April 9, 1976, Vrndavana]]:'''

Prabhupāda:  ... Ugra-karma. It has been condemned in the Bhagavad-gītā as ugra-karma, laboring very hard for livelihood. This industry means engage the poor worker class to work very hard, and there is huge profit, and some directors of the capitalists, they take it. And they have one dozen motorcars, palatial building, no work, simply wine and woman, that's all. This is going on. And the others, they are seeing: "There is no classification, neither real brāhmaṇa nor kṣatriya nor vaiśya. So he is enjoying like that. He has got so many cars. He has got such a nice apartment. Why not me?" There is struggle. This is actual picture. Our Vedic advice is that make life very simple. You must have some means of livelihood. Keep your body and soul together. So according to quality, guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ [Bg. 4.13], there must be division and then simple life. The real aim is tam abhyarcya, how to become Kṛṣṇa conscious. Everyone is.... Brāhmaṇa is guiding, kṣatriya is ruling, and vaiśya is producing food, and śūdra, they have no brain; they are helping. In this way the society is very peaceful, and everyone is advanced in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is India's civilization.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Room Conversation with Endowments Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh -- August 22, 1976, Hyderabad" link_text="Room Conversation with Endowments Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh -- August 22, 1976, Hyderabad">
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Room Conversation with Endowments Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh -- August 22, 1976, Hyderabad|Room Conversation with Endowments Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh -- August 22, 1976, Hyderabad]]:'''

Commissioner: Therefore our training has to be started perhaps here. Some of those people who could go. These are all the ideas of course. If you could give an impetus, that's exactly what I wanted to... Take advice from you. Now if a center is established. What we lack very badly are those people who can competently take up this work in the whole state. The temples are there, the funds are there, organization is there. Men who are, as you say, the real brāhmaṇa, who could go and preach this, we are lacking. We are lacking. And he has to be trained. And the right training you are giving. Anywhere I see your men are...

Prabhupāda: So we can give men.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Room Conversation -- December 12, 1976, Hyderabad" link_text="Room Conversation -- December 12, 1976, Hyderabad">
<div class="heading">No uninitiated person should cook. Brāhmaṇa cook -  Real brāhmaṇa.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Room Conversation -- December 12, 1976, Hyderabad|Room Conversation -- December 12, 1976, Hyderabad]]:'''

Prabhupāda: No uninitiated person should cook. Brāhmaṇa cook.

Mahāṁśa: What about professional cooks?

Prabhupāda: Real brāhmaṇa.

Mahāṁśa: Professional cooks?

Prabhupāda: Profes...? They are brāhmaṇas.

Mahāṁśa: Yes, but they... Even though they are brāhmaṇas, they have this habit of smoking, and if we try to find a professional cook who doesn't smoke, it is very difficult.

Prabhupāda: Hm. As far as possible, our men should cook, a professional man who is in good habit, who has promised that they will not do this smoking. We have to manage somehow.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="1977_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1977 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1977 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Morning Walk -- January 4, 1977, Bombay" link_text="Morning Walk -- January 4, 1977, Bombay">
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- January 4, 1977, Bombay|Morning Walk -- January 4, 1977, Bombay]]:'''

Prabhupāda: "Completely. And now I shall endeavor for mokṣa." So that means till now he was not on the liberation platform.

Indian: He is... Vinoda Bhave is real brāhmaṇa. He is truly a brāhmaṇa.

Prabhupāda: Yes I know that. That may be. Brāhmaṇa is sattva-guṇa. That may be, but that does not mean liberation. There is knowledge. At least he understands what is liberation and what is not.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Room Conversation with Scientists, Svarupa Damodara, and Dr. Sharma -- March 31, 1977, Bombay" link_text="Room Conversation with Scientists, Svarupa Damodara, and Dr. Sharma -- March 31, 1977, Bombay">
<div class="heading">They care for the truth. That is real brāhmaṇa. Brāhmaṇa does not care for money. Knowledge.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Room Conversation with Scientists, Svarupa Damodara, and Dr. Sharma -- March 31, 1977, Bombay|Room Conversation with Scientists, Svarupa Damodara, and Dr. Sharma -- March 31, 1977, Bombay]]:'''

Prabhupāda: They have sacrificed their lives. They are scientists, they could earn lots of money, but they do not care for it. They have dedicated their lives. In America they could earn lots of money, such a qualified person. But they did not care for money. They care for the truth. That is real brāhmaṇa. Brāhmaṇa does not care for money. Knowledge. Satya śamo damas titikṣā ārjavaṁ jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ brahma-karma svabhāva-jam [Bg. 18.42]. The truth. That is brāhmaṇa.</div>
</div>

<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Interview with Mr. Koshi (Asst. Editor of The Current Weekly) -- April 5, 1977, Bombay" link_text="Interview with Mr. Koshi (Asst. Editor of The Current Weekly) -- April 5, 1977, Bombay">
<div class="heading">Unless you become brāhmaṇa, real brāhmaṇa, śama, dama, titikṣā, how you will understand?</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Interview with Mr. Koshi (Asst. Editor of The Current Weekly) -- April 5, 1977, Bombay|Interview with Mr. Koshi (Asst. Editor of The Current Weekly) -- April 5, 1977, Bombay]]:''' 

Prabhupāda: That is good. Unless you become brāhmaṇa, real brāhmaṇa, śama, dama, titikṣā, how you will understand? We are not for the hogs, dogs, cats. Therefore it is sometimes said that without becoming brāhmaṇa, nobody should try to understand Vedas. What he will understand? Paraṁ satyaṁ dhīmahi. Dhīmahi. This word is used because it is meant for the brāhmaṇas. Oṁ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ... dhīmahi. Dhīmahi. Dhīmahi is gāyatrī-mantra. It is chanted by the brāhmaṇas. That word is used in Bhāgavatam also.</div>
</div>

<div class="section" id="Correspondence" text="Correspondence"><h2>Correspondence</h2></div>

<div class="sub_section" id="1947_to_1965_Correspondence" text="1947 to 1965 Correspondence"><h3>1947 to 1965 Correspondence</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Let" link="Letter to Jawaharlal Nehru -- Allahabad 20 January, 1952" link_text="Letter to Jawaharlal Nehru -- Allahabad 20 January, 1952">
<div class="heading">Only a dozen of real qualified Brahmins from all parts of the world should combine to guide the principles of the Ksatriyas, the Vaisya and the Sudras all over the world.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Letter to Jawaharlal Nehru -- Allahabad 20 January, 1952|Letter to Jawaharlal Nehru -- Allahabad 20 January, 1952]]:''' Thus if we want to approach the Absolute Truth by new ways in harmony with present environment we should try to be true to one another in the qualified way of Brahminical culture. Only a dozen of real qualified Brahmins from all parts of the world should combine to guide the principles of the Ksatriyas, the Vaisya and the Sudras all over the world. The Socratesian way of reasoning should be fully utilized because that makes the only difference between a human being and a beast. There is ample scope for this new way of approaching the Absolute Truth and that will only solve the acute distressing world problem. If there is scarcity of such qualified Brahmins which I honestly think there is, we should combine to evolve such Brahminical culture not by blind faith but by sound reasoning and questioning. But all the same we must be sincere and thorough in our attempt.</div>
</div>

<div class="sub_section" id="1970_Correspondence" text="1970 Correspondence"><h3>1970 Correspondence</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Let" link="Letter to Acyutananda -- Bombay 14 November, 1970" link_text="Letter to Acyutananda -- Bombay 14 November, 1970">
<div class="heading">The real fact is that because of non-observance of the Garbhadhana samskara in this age, there are no real brahmanas by birth at all and even they cannot be called as dvijabandhus properly because there has been no such observance for long time.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Letter to Acyutananda -- Bombay 14 November, 1970|Letter to Acyutananda -- Bombay 14 November, 1970]]:''' The real fact is that because of non-observance of the Garbhadhana samskara in this age, there are no real brahmanas by birth at all and even they cannot be called as dvijabandhus properly because there has been no such observance for long time. Kalau sudra sambhava. The claim of brahmanism by birthright is a false display of material situation only. It is our duty therefore to train all kinds of men up to the standard of qualified brahmanas, initiating them as such by qualification in accordance with the above authorities, so that they may go on progressively unhindered in their march back to home, back to Godhead. This system introduced by my Guru Maharaja is a chance for all the members of the society, scientifically based and applied, apart from the exploitative sentiment of birthright "caste" system, to become actually situated on the transcendental platform.</div>
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<div class="sub_section" id="1973_Correspondence" text="1973 Correspondence"><h3>1973 Correspondence</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Let" link="Letter to Trai -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 19 July, 1973" link_text="Letter to Trai -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 19 July, 1973">
<div class="heading">We have to be real Brahmins, not just in name, and in that way we can set an example for the whole civilized society to follow.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Letter to Trai -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 19 July, 1973|Letter to Trai -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 19 July, 1973]]:''' I am enclosing one brahmana thread chanted on by me for Mathuresh das. You may play the tape of me speaking gayatri mantra into his right ear and instruct him in the duties of Brahmin. We have to be real Brahmins, not just in name, and in that way we can set an example for the whole civilized society to follow.</div>
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<div class="sub_section" id="1974_Correspondence" text="1974 Correspondence"><h3>1974 Correspondence</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Let" link="Letter to Acarya Prabhakar Mishra -- Bombay 1 May, 1974" link_text="Letter to Acarya Prabhakar Mishra -- Bombay 1 May, 1974">
<div class="heading">There is no educational institution where real ideal Brahmanas are educated according to Srimad-Bhagavatam brahminical culture, or to educate a certain section as ideal, perfect persons is essential in human society.</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Letter to Acarya Prabhakar Mishra -- Bombay 1 May, 1974|Letter to Acarya Prabhakar Mishra -- Bombay 1 May, 1974]]:''' There are many departmental institutions for giving education just like medical, engineering, legal, administrative etc. But there is no educational institution where real ideal Brahmanas are educated according to Srimad-Bhagavatam brahminical culture, or to educate a certain section as ideal, perfect persons is essential in human society. At the present moment all over the world, hardly you will find such ideal men on top of society. So this class of men is essentially required if we want to keep peace and harmony with one another. I am trying to do this work and now we have got a very nice place in Bombay.</div>
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<div class="sub_section" id="1975_Correspondence" text="1975 Correspondence"><h3>1975 Correspondence</h3></div>

<div class="quote" book="Let" link="Letter to Prabhakar -- Honolulu 31 May, 1975" link_text="Letter to Prabhakar -- Honolulu 31 May, 1975">
<div class="heading">This system should be introduced. They must sit for proper examination after being trained. And then why not accept them as real brahmana by quality and work?</div>

<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Letter to Prabhakar -- Honolulu 31 May, 1975|Letter to Prabhakar -- Honolulu 31 May, 1975]]:''' As I am training these European and American boys, most of them coming from Christian and Jewish families, and they are accepting to become a pure brahmana and then a pure sannyasi. This system should be introduced. They must sit for proper examination after being trained. And then why not accept them as real brahmana by quality and work? This procedure is recommended both in the Bhagavad-gita and in the Srimad-bhagavatam. In the Bhagavad-gita, it is said that the brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra should be selected by quality and work. Similarly, in the Srimad-bhagavatam, it is said that if quality and work is present in a different varna, that is to say, if the quality of a brahmana is visible in a person born in sudra family, such person on account of quality and work, should be accepted as brahmana. So, if we start a varna-asrama college in terms of Bhagavad-gita instructions and approved by Srimad-bhagavatam, why the university will not give degree to a qualified person as approved brahmana. This is the necessity of the present day. In the days past, when Prthu Maharaja was the emperor, his government was inspecting to see whether a brahmana is acting actually as a brahmana, whether a ksatriya is acting as a ksatriya, and all the different castes were engaged in all their respective duties. At the present moment, even though one is qualified brahmana, he does not get sufficient opportunity to act as brahmana, and therefore he is obliged to accept the occupational duty of someone who is outside the brahminical post. But if we accept the principle of varna and asrama as they are recommended in the sastra, and if we push on the Krishna Consciousness movement, surely everyone will be engaged in his occupation and the question of unemployment will be finished.</div>
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