Acharya Prashant addresses a questioner's confusion arising from her identity as a member of the SC community and the conflicting narratives she encounters about Sanatan Dharma, Buddhism, and historical figures like Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The questioner is torn between the spiritual appeal of Sanatan Dharma and the historical oppression her community has faced in its name, leading her to consider Buddhism as an alternative, a path many from her community have taken. Acharya Prashant begins by stating that in the realm of true religion, which is one of love and compassion, there is no place for exploitation. He calls Mahatma Buddha the most powerful Vedantin, asserting that all awakened beings are fundamentally against the caste system. He explains that stories and historical accounts, whether about deities or great men, are not essential to religion. If they are useful, one may use them, but if they become a hindrance, they should be discarded. The path to Truth is not dependent on these narratives. He clarifies that the true meaning of 'Ram' is not a mere character in a story but the ultimate, formless reality that is beyond all worldly attributes, quoting Sant Kabir: "The Ram that Kabir speaks of is beyond both the formless and the one with form." He defines religion as the cure for the fundamental human condition of suffering, which arises from our identification with the body and attachment to the material world ('Saguna'). The goal of religion is to move towards the formless ('Nirguna') Truth. He dismisses the prevalent form of religion, with its rituals and superstitions, as a distortion and a tool for exploitation. The caste system, he says, is a societal construct for exploitation, and true religion's purpose is to dismantle it. He emphasizes that the Upanishads, Buddha, Mahavira, and all true saints have always opposed the caste system. He quotes the Vajrasuchika Upanishad, which defines a Brahmin not by birth but by their state of consciousnessโone who is free from duality, caste, attributes, and desires. Acharya Prashant advises the questioner to disregard the ignorant individuals who promote a distorted, caste-based version of religion. He encourages her to focus on the real, inner path of religion, which is about ending her own suffering and helping others understand the truth. He concludes that the true Sanatan Dharma is scientific and logical and has no place for casteism. He urges her to not abandon true religion because of the misdeeds of those who have distorted it for their own selfish interests.
