Dwija means those who have two births i,e Brahmana, kshatriya and Vaishyas. In the Renuka Purana it is said that "Goddess Sandhya is worshiped by the gods, by the Dwijas, by the Mahatmas at all times and in all places."
This name is emphasizing the importance of Goddess Sandhya. The Brahmana, kshatriya, Vaishyas worship her during morning, afternoon and evening. So, she is called Dwijabrandanishevita. They undergo Upanayana rites. Only then, they qualify for practicing Brahmavidya. So, one has to worship goddess Sandhya to qualify for Brahmavidya.
Why are the Brahmana, kshatriya, Vaishyas called Dwijas? Why not Shudras? Where does the second birth come from? Find out the secret behind this in the explanation below.
At birth everyone is a Shudra. Shudras do not have discernment of dharma/adharma . Isn’t that what we are during childhood? That is why everyone is born as a Shudra. By the time childhood is complete (i.e. 8 years old) humans develop certain qualities like perception of gender, exhibit traits of shame and hesitation etc. They will understand their position in the society and family. Gradually the notion of 'I am' develops and strengthens into an identity of 'I' (the ego).
All humans carry certain tendencies of previous births. These tendencies are of three types. They are: 1. Cognitive 2. physiological 3. worldly. These tendencies have an effect on every action we perform. And in turn, these actions strengthen our tendencies. In this way, the tendencies of previous birth continue to next birth and so on. If tendency is shadow, then the body is karma and ego is the lifeforce. There is no body without lifeforce. There is no shadow without the body. All these three have such an inextricable link and so they help each other.
As explained above, the ego gradually strengthens after childhood. That is why the childs parents arrange an Upnayana ceremony with a learned master. In that ceremony the master discerns the child's tendencies and reveals to his parents. Parents plan for their child's future according to the teacher's advice.
To succeed as a Brahmin, one must have a strong cognitive tendency. The masters discern it by the child's faculty of speech. That is why it is said that brahmins came from Lord Vishnu's face. With this cognitive strength, brahmins all the sciences from gurus. They preach dharma to the world. Perform rituals like Yajna and pooja. They spread the insights of vedic wisdom to the world.
To succeed as a Kshatriya, one must have a strong physiological and worldly tendencies. The masters discern it by the child's shoulder strength, courage and the way he carries himself. That is why Kshatriyas are said to have come from the shoulders of Vishnu. With these tendencies the Kshatriyas set up a kingdom and take on the responsibility of protecting Dharma.
To succeed as a Vaishya, one must have a strong cognitive and worldly tendencies. The masters discern it by the child's thinking and the way he conducts business. With these tendencies, the Vyshyas enhance trade/business and provide livelihood to many others. Vaishya's world is full of competition. That is why there is some secrecy in their demeanor. That is why Vaishyas are said to have come from the thighs of Vishnu. Thighs are the most secret place in our body.
Depending on the child's tendencies, the masters train the boy on the required skills. The boy, who had been a Shudra till then, starts training with the Gurus as a Brahmin, Kshatriya or Vaishya. This is the second birth. Hence the name Dwijudu. Children who do not have such tendencies remain as Shudras. They have more stamina and live as peasants. That is why it is said that they came from Lord Vishnu's feet.
The main purpose of the Upanayana process is to utilize the natural tendencies of a man for the establishment and preservation of Dharma. But not to divide the community and sow seeds of differences. If we align our karma to our natural tendencies, and receive appropriate training, we will become the best in that field/area. That is why the process of Upanayana is established.
In the eyes of God none of the four varnas are inferior. Infact the Shudras were the foremost in the path of liberation. Because they do not have strong tendencies, there is no strong ego. So it is very easy for them to conquer the ego and reach God.
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