Who are the Vaishyas in India?

Vaishyas were farmers and herders. They belonged to the middle caste in India , nevertheless, they enjoyed respect. They worked hard, did not have time for studying and self-development, although they had the right to do so. While the Kshatriyas fought on the battlefield, the Vaishyas toiled under the scorching sun for the benefit of their family and surroundings.

History and Interesting Facts

Indian Vedas tell us that even ancient Aryan tribes living in the territory of present-day India approximately 15,000 years BC already had a society with a hierarchy, divided into castes. In India, such castes were called “varnas” (translated from Sanskrit, it means “color”). There were four of them in total:

1. Brahmins — priests, the highest caste;
2. Kshatriyas — warriors, protectors, military leaders;
3. Vaishya — working people;
4. Shudras — the lowest caste – servants and slaves. Vaishyas are the third caste in terms of level. This includes masters, merchants, and creative individuals.

   Distinctive features:

   • a desire to work, independently choose a type of activity, based on their talents and inclinations;
   • striving for growth, personal development, career building;
   • fantasy, enterprise, creativity;
   • emotionality, openness;
   • Vaishyas perceive love as sexual attraction, jealousy, romantic experiences (unlike Shudras, who saw love as material care);
   • greed and extravagance at the same time. General polarity of emotions;
   • status, cult of money, labeling and pricing;
   • adaptation, quick change of opinion, revaluation of values, flexible structure of principled foundations;
   • self-interested attitude, seeking benefits from the environment, including from close and relatives. Status, prestige, hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure – this is all Vaishyas.
   Among the strengths, one can highlight perseverance and striving towards the goal. Whether it is mastering a skill or selling a product – Vaishyas did not leave anything halfway. It is very important for them to rest comfortably and lavishly after the work done, even if they have to work for two weeks for the sake of one day of rest. Within the caste, there are also several stages of personality and character development:
5. Farmers working with one of the most powerful elements – with Mother Earth.
6. A merchant whose joy and reward is a ringing coin.
7. An adept of language, managing words and symbols.
8. The master of matter, who changes the form of inanimate matter. It is impossible to jump over several castes, since only by going through labor and trials can one achieve the highest goal - enlightenment. These are the principles of Vaishya philosophy.

   Three main conditions for achieving life success:

   1. Development of one’s business;
   2. Ability to work both with the mind and hands;
   3. The ability to accept and give gifts to close surroundings and those who are just beginning on the true path.

Development and Self-Expression

1. A farmer can demonstrate his skill by caring for animals and his plantation. If the farm is in order, and the harvest is rich, then the person is doing everything right, which means he is ready to move on to the next stage of development.
2. A merchant should receive not only material and moral benefits, but also have good trusting relationships with clients so that they want to return again and again. Selling through deception and imposing unnecessary goods is not welcomed, but condemned by society.
3. For creative individuals — this is writing books, scientific works, playing music, painting. The development of the intangible and spiritual is the highest need in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and for a Vaishya with creative inclinations – the meaning of life.
4. For artisans, it is important to be able to process, feel the material in order to convey a piece of the soul into inanimate objects. The production of goods according to the conveyor principle to the detriment of the soul and positive energy is also not approved. The main thing is to live according to conscience and find harmony with the world around you. “A talented person is talented in everything” - Vaishyas fully agree with this statement, and if something does not work out – it is temporary. Any level of development allows one to become an innovator or pioneer, invent something new, perfectly master a skill, show one’s mastery to others. Modesty is good, but if there is something to boast about, it needs to be done. The person himself will feel glory and recognition, and others will get motivation, as well as a desire to develop in their favorite business. Vaishyas who have gained power do not use it for self-serving purposes or to pressure enemies. Power is a great responsibility, which means that it must be treated with caution.
   Karma sees everything. It does not beat, it does not cut, it waits until the time of Judgment comes, where it can say a weighty word.
   Persistent, but at the same time, compromising merchants and entrepreneurs. Innovators who do not forget their roots and do not betray the canons of the sources of creativity, masters of their craft, who do not reject physical, mental, or moral labor. So many contradictions can exist simultaneously only in India - a country of contrasts and broken stereotypes. In modern Indian society, Vaishyas account for only 15%. The vast majority are Shudras. Nevertheless, this small group brings much new and interesting to society, many people from the caste become popular or famous, but they do not use popularity for profit, but promote their philosophy through the mouthpiece of fame.