What Is the Meaning of the Child Krishna Putting His Foot into His Mouth?

(This question is part of a mahā satsaṅga or a great spiritual discussion between Swami and several devotees who had come from various places, seeking the clarification of their doubts.)

Swami replied:- The Veda says that Brahmana is born from face and Shudra is born from foot. This shows that a born Shudra can become Brahmana by qualities and deeds. Krishna Himself told in the Gita that caste is not by birth but, by qualities and deeds only (Guna karma vibhaagashah). The concept told by Him is demonstrated by Him in this way. The hands are pulling the leg to mouth. Hands represent Kshatriyas, who are the ruling kings. This means that the Government shall follow this policy and help in its implementation. Along with foot representing Shudras, the thigh representing Vaishyas is also pulled up, which means that the lower castes must become upper castes based on qualities and deeds. The hands, the thigh and the foot are towards the face. This means that Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras can develop to proceed to become Brahmanas by changing qualities and deeds. Hinduism will really flourish if the caste system based on qualities and deeds is accepted by all. The son born to a good father need not be a good son (quality). The son of a teacher need not be a teacher (deed or profession). A good person is always a good person irrespective of the qualities of his parents. A teacher is a teacher irrespective of the profession of his parents.

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