Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c17.17

c17.17

The status of the Śūdra in this ancient society has been much misunderstood. It would be irrelevant to our present purpose to go into the question thoroughly. We are only concerned with its educational or cultural aspects which are very well indicated in some passages of the Mahābhārata [ib.]. It may be recalled that much of the intellectual life and culture of the community centred round sacrifice which had thus a very great educative influence. From such influence the Śūdra was not excluded. The privilege of performing or participating in sacrifices was not denied to him. Of course, these sacrifices were of a kind, other than the strictly Vedic sacrifices for which the higher castes alone were eligible. The sacrifices for which the Śūdra is eligible are called *Pākayajñas*. But the Mahābhārata is very particular in pointing out that the highest of all sacrifices is open to all including the Śūdra. That sacrifice is devotion, what is called *Śraddhā-yajña*, performed by the mind (*manīshayā*). "Even gods do not disdain to share the offerings of sacrifices of Śūdras when performed in such spirit." "Therefore all the four castes are equal." "That person who desires to worship God through sacrifice is considered virtuous, even though he happens to be a thief or the worst of sinners."