Varna, Caste, and Gotra Are Like a Snake's Slough

Bodhivriksha

Ashok Mishra

It is said that during the era when Mahatma Buddha was born, the systems of caste, *gotra*, and *varna* were deeply entrenched and rigid. Individuals belonging to higher *varnas* and *gotras* were consumed by arrogance; they looked down upon those from lower *varnas* with disdain. After attaining enlightenment, the Tathagata’s first endeavor was to liberate people from the arrogance associated with caste, *varna*, and *gotra*. 

He established a rule that anyone joining the *Sangha* (monastic community) to become a monk had to change their name—a name that would be determined by the officials of the *Sangha* themselves. One day, some disciples were sitting in the ashram, engaged in a discussion. The topic of their conversation was precisely *gotra*, *varna*, and the like. One disciple remarked that upon entering the *Sangha*, one retains the same physical body; so, how could one truly shed the identity of *varna*, *gotra*, and caste? 

Eventually, word of this discussion reached Buddha. He summoned all his disciples to a religious assembly and asked if they had ever seen a snake. They all answered in the affirmative. Buddha then asked, "Have you ever seen a snake shedding its slough (outer skin)?" Most of the disciples replied positively. Buddha asked what the snake becomes like when it sheds its slough. One disciple replied that the snake becomes blind; it is only after the slough is shed that it regains its sight. 

Buddha then explained that caste, *varna*, and *gotra* are like a human being's slough. As long as a person clings to them, they remain blinded by arrogance. Once these are cast off, they gain a new vision. In such a state, everyone living in the *Sangha* becomes equal, and no trace of arrogance remains within them.