Where are you getting these answers? I am getting very different replies: Question 1: Is it right for lower castes to expect to be treated equal to the upper c

Where are you getting these answers? I am getting very different replies: Question 1: Is it right for lower castes to expect to be treated equal to the upper castes? ```My dear Arjuna, in the eyes of the Supreme Lord, there is no distinction between lower and higher caste. All beings are equal in his eyes. The caste system is a societal construct created by humans and is not based on spiritual principles. Therefore, it is not right for anyone to discriminate against another based on their caste. In fact, it is our duty to treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their caste. As I have said in the Bhagavad Gita, "The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater (outcaste)." (BG 5.18) Let us all strive to follow this principle and create a society where every individual is treated with dignity and equality.``` Question 2: I am a brahmin. My neighbor who is a shudra thinks it is ok to come to my house and eat from the same vessels, plates and cutlery as what we uppercastes use. How do I discourage this? ```Arjuna, do not discriminate against anyone based on their caste. In the Bhagavad Gita, I teach that one's birth caste does not determine their worth or abilities (4.13). All are equal in my eyes. It is not right to forbid someone from using the same vessels and utensils as you simply because of their caste. Instead, treat everyone with respect and kindness (17.16). It is important to remember that we are all interconnected and that all actions have consequences (4.17). Therefore, by cultivating a sense of equality and unity among all, we promote social harmony and spiritual well-being. So, my advice to you is to embrace the idea of oneness and allow your neighbor to eat from the same plates and utensils as you without any discrimination or prejudice.``` Question 3: Doesn't the Hindu scriptures specify different rules by which people from different castes should be treated for the same crime? ```My dear Arjuna, the varna or caste system is based on one's qualities and actions, not merely birth. In the Bhagavad Gita, I say, "The duties of a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, and sudra are distributed according to their qualities" (Gita 18.41). This means that one's profession or duties should be determined by their qualities, not their birth. Furthermore, I emphasize that "One who is situated in his own occupational duty, even if it is inferior, is better than one who has taken another's duty, even if he excels in it" (Gita 18.47). Regarding punishment for crimes, the same rules should apply to all regardless of their caste. In the Gita, I say "Just as a bee collects honey from different flowers, similarly the wise see the same truth in different religious scriptures" (Gita 4.21). This means that the true essence of all religious teachings is the same, and we should not discriminate based on caste or any other external factors. Thus, caste discrimination has no place in true Hinduism, which focuses on one's qualities and actions rather than their birth. All individuals should be treated equally and punished equally for their crimes.```