KARNA: Son of the Charioteer

Chapter 3

Adhiratha was surprised even though he had suspected it from the beginning. Often in recent years, he had taken Radheya to the palace where he worked to help clean the stables and repair damaged chariots.

During breaks, Radheya would always look towards the knights practicing weapons with sparkling eyes. Something within him, a greater destiny, kept calling from deep within his heart.

"Do studying the Vedas and spirituality not interest you?" Adhiratha knew Radheya studied the Vedas and writing from a Brahmana. He and his wife could see Radheya's interest in that learning.

"I enjoy it just as much as I enjoy the art of horse riding that Father taught me," Radheya said, pleasing his father. "But martial arts and the art of war make me excited and thirsty to learn."

Adhiratha and Radheya remained silent for a while, staring at the flowing water of the Ganges river. The chirping of birds in the forest mixed with the sound of flowing water.

"Father," Radheya said, bowing his head, "I know. It's not appropriate for me to learn the knowledge of the Kshatriyas. Especially since I'm not from the Kshatriya caste, forgive me. I will never mention it again."

Adhiratha patted Radheya's shoulder. "My son, I am a charioteer, my parents are from the Suta caste serving the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas. Indeed, I am not worthy to learn that knowledge. But my child, your birth might be from the Brahmanas or Kshatriyas, so now that blood is calling you to the path you should take."

"..."

"You must follow that path, and I, your father, will support you as much as possible."

That night Radheya continued to ponder over all his conversations with his father. He didn't understand why the caste existed, to the point where he couldn't learn the art of war and martial arts.

The next morning, he quickly slipped out of the house before it was time to help his father work. He ran to a small hut near the forest where a poor Brahmana resided.

"Guru," Radheya called out, seeing the Brahmana sitting in meditation, enjoying the surrounding nature.

"Radheya? What brings you here so early in the morning?" the Brahmana asked, slightly surprised.

Radheya recounted the events of the previous afternoon and asked, "Why do the castes exist? And why are the Brahmana and Kshatriya castes considered higher than others?"

The Brahmana remained silent for a while, pondering a suitable answer. "Radheya, it's not because our castes and statuses are different that we should feel lower or higher than someone else. It's all just a division of tasks to achieve balance. It's like at a party, where some cook, some gather ingredients, some welcome guests, and some serve the food."

"If everyone fought to be the cook, the party wouldn't run smoothly. If there were no Sudra caste, who would build houses, make pottery, and cut trees? If everyone became a Brahmana, who would be farmers and traders?"

"If the Brahmana caste considers itself the highest, it's purely out of pride. In the eyes of the Almighty, there is no difference in high and low among castes."

Radheya continued to look at his teacher with question marks, prompting the Brahmana to continue. "Caste is just a color that helps us navigate life and understand it. No matter which caste we are born into, living life to the fullest is what matters most. Our life's purpose is the same for all."

"What is the purpose of life?" Radheya asked.

The Brahmana took a deep breath before answering, "Human beings, in this world, are here to achieve Yoga."

"What is Yoga, then?"

“Yoga is about discovering the true self of every human being and ultimately returning wholly to the Almighty. Each caste has its own path to guide them towards Yoga. A Brahmana achieves the Almighty through knowledge known as Jnana Yoga and devotion and worship called Bhakti Yoga. A Kshatriya can reach it through actions, known as Karma Yoga, as well as a Vaisya and Sudra.”

“Radheya, you come from the Suta caste of the Sudra. It is because God commands you to serve everyone wholeheartedly, without discrimination. Look at the sun working for everyone every day. Look at the earth continually growing crops. Lord Vishnu, who preserves all creation, also works tirelessly serving all beings. Radheya, are the sun, earth, and Lord Vishnu lower than the beings they serve?”

“No,” Radheya replied immediately. “Many people worship the Sun and Earth. And Lord Vishnu is the highest god among all gods.”

The Brahmana smiled and said, “Perhaps the Sudra caste is the highest caste of all because they serve all castes. But you must not be proud, or you will fall. Be the lowest and serve selflessly, only as your worship and offering to the Almighty. That is the path of Karma Yoga.”

Radheya nodded.

"Radheya," the Brahmana gazed intently. "Again, remember. No caste is higher than another. All are equal. If someone thinks their caste is higher than others, it's not because of the caste being higher, but because their ego and pride are higher than others'. The Creator views all His creations equally."

"So Guru, does every life have its destiny?"

The Guru looked deeply into Radheya's eyes. "Your birth and death even before you were born into this world, all your destiny has long been written, and the ink that wrote it has long dried."

"Even if I were born into a wealthy family and ended up in the slave caste?"

"It's all a destiny journey where, according to the Almighty, you need to learn from the slave caste and understand them. God's plan is always beautiful, and we just need to surrender to God’s arrangements. In the end, you will understand the meaning of your greater destiny path, beyond what you can imagine."

"What will I become?" Radheya asked with a yearning heart.

"Radheya, even a giant tree starts from a small seed. Don't rush. Surrender to God and just live your life in faith that God has arranged everything for you. Excessive desires will only ruin God's most beautiful plan for you. Be patient and always be grateful for what you have now. In it lies your greatest strength."