and virtues, religion becomes a means for the society to help control failure and injustice. What was adopted from the Laws of Manu was a society that segregated, known as Varna (the caste system), a foundation for separating people according to class. The highest class, the Brahmins, was the priests that embody the goal of the Hindus. Next came the Kshatriyas (rulers, kings and warriors), then the Vaisyas (common people) and last was the Shudras (servants), who had very little spiritual or social rights. They were severely looked down upon by the three higher classes and the only hope of gaining status was by rebirth, if they were lucky. This hierarchy is an example of the process this culture and its higher classes had conveniently adopted for themselves. These religious believers had selectively and discriminately attained respect through influence and a passing of those generations that were held in high esteem. Generally, the higher classes were better educated. This originally was very important because the higher classes were able to read and interpret the scriptures and doctrines. This contributed to the on going segregation of the classes and was almost a reassurance for the higher classes offspring. Within the different communities it could seem that the most influential were viewed the most spiritual, or vice versa, this is that encompassing influence of religion in this culture.The first three classes are able to transform their spiritual progression in a matter of stages known as asrama, towards Brahman. The first stage of the spiritual career is that of being a young boy and a student of the Hindu scriptures, by having a teacher (guru) to teach those scriptures, and to learn the fundamentals of reaching inner peace. The next stage is that which is part of the path of action that is relative to the householder. They should marry, have sons and earn a living, continue to try to lead an exemplary life, while performing ...
