Born Shudras can't be Sanyasi: Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda sparks controversy

New Delhi: In recent discourse, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda challenged the right of those born as Shudras to become Sanyasis, stirring a wave of anger among many. While responding to one of the questions about where as 'Shudra' by caste can become a Sanyaasi, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda said that according to Shashtras a 'Shudra' cannot become a sanyaasi as he learns everything from his father, who becomes his guru. 

He further added that as per Vedic culture only, Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya have equal rights to become Sanyasis and go to 'Gurukul' for education. However, he further said that a ‘Shudra’ can go to any of the peethas and take Mantra Deeksha and spend his life worshipping god.

Hindus don’t need enemies outside; we have plenty within our own fold. This charlatan, a disputed political Shankaracharya, says that born Shudras can’t be Sanyasis.

Swami Vivekananda was also branded a “Shudra” because he was neither a Brahmin, Kshatriya, nor Vaishya. See ⬇️… pic.twitter.com/8m9XvPQrhQ

— Dilip Mandal (@Profdilipmandal) August 9, 2024

Swami Vivekananda’s response to the caste-based criticism

This sentiment echoes a similar criticism that was once directed towards one of the greatest Hindus, Swami Vivekananda. Labelled a "Shudra" due to his caste, Swami Vivekananda delivered a powerful response during his speech at Victoria Hall in Madras, addressing this unfounded accusation.

Swami Vivekananda began by acknowledging the derogatory label and responded with grace and conviction. He traced his lineage to an ancestor revered by Brahmins, emphasizing the purity and historical significance of his caste. "If you believe in your mythology or your Paurânika scriptures," he said, "let these so-called reformers know that my caste, apart from other services in the past, ruled half of India for centuries."

He then pointed out the numerous contributions his bloodline had made to Indian civilization, noting that Bengal alone had produced its greatest philosopher, poet, historian, archaeologist, religious preacher, and scientist. Swami Vivekananda asserted that all three upper castes - Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya have equal rights to become Sannyasis.

True essence of Hinduism

Despite the attack, Swami Vivekananda expressed no resentment. Instead, he found a way to turn the criticism into a lesson on humility and service. He spoke of his hero, a Brahmin Sannyasin who cleaned the house of a Pariah, demonstrating the true essence of Hinduism serving others regardless of their caste. Swami Vivekananda concluded by urging reformers to embody these principles, stating that "one ounce of practice is worth twenty thousand tons of big talk."