From: vigneswa@ecs.umass.edu
Newsgroups: soc.culture.tamil,soc.culture.indian
Subject: Who is a Brahmin (Thuglak Cho)
Date: 15 Nov 92 13:13:24 GMT

	Cho writes a serial in his fortnightly magazine Thuglak.  He 
has a character, Ashok, an inquisitive kid. Through Ashok Cho raises
the some  common question the  Brahmin kids (insiders) have.  An old, 
but sensible Sambasiva Shastri(kal) presents  the views of older and
transition era.  Really interesting.  Let me try to  produce some of
Ashok's points here (any copright problems here?).

+++++++
	
"enkE piraamaNan" by cho (Chapter 23, The Thuglak, October 01, 1992)


	"....  The differences developed among brahmins in  the long 
run.....  we seroiusly exaggerate them .....  I also feel that it is 
not right", said Sambasiva Shastrikal.

	"You say brahmins - who is a brahmin?".  This was Ashok.

	"This is a very big question..."

	"Let the answer be big too.  It is allright."

	"No my boy.  I need to go.  Let me make  it short.  One who 
involves oneself in the rituals may be considered a brahmin."

	"Can we call someone  a brahmin who  does rituals for money?
Now we may consider yourself. You perform the homams and the rituals
at every house.  But you are doing them for money, aren't you?"

	"How can we run our life without money?"

	"Then how can you be called a brahmin?  Performing the yagas
themselves and let others do the same, involve himself in the prayer
for the betterment of world, etc are important for a brahmin, aren't
they? The aim of a brahmin is not earning money, right? If we see in
that way, who  is brahmin now?  People  like my dad's  only  goal is
earning money.  Some others earn money at least for normal living by 
working at offices or by  doing some business.  People like you earn
something by performing rituals.  Among all these who is eligible to
call himself a brahmin?"

	Sambasiva Shastrikal stood up.  "I am not capable  of answer-
ing your question.  However, I am not a lier, I would not label your
question, a dump  one.  I don't know  whether I do all  these for my
living, but, I am doing it for my family.  I am not proud of it, how-
ever, I am pleased that I am not leading my life by lying.  You  did
not ask me, 'are you a brahmin'.  It would be your next. Let me tell 
my  answer for that.  Based on the fact that I don't lie, I  think I 
am somewhat eligible to call myself a brahmin.  Considering the fact
that my main concern is  earning money, I am not  at all eligible to  
be a brahmin. You may come to a conclusion about me. Your conclusion,
whatever that would be, would not be wrong I think".   

+++++

	Then Sambasiva Shastri(kal) discussed with his wife about
terminating his performing rituals for money.  He also considered
building a small cottage next to the  river and doing rituals for
the betterment of world. In the evening his son reminded the exam
fee he  needed to pay.  Also his wife told him  about the 4-month 
due of house rent.  Then came Vembu Shastri(kal) to ask Sambasiva-
Shastri(kal) whether he could perform another ritual for money....

	Cho ends chapter 23 ....  

	"I am not a brahmin.  Nobody is going to let me so either.
Even I don't seem to be able to get rid of these all myself.....",
said Sambasiva Shastrikal to Alamelu (his wife).

++++++++++

Vicky:
UMass, Nov 15