Acharya Prashant begins by citing verse 10 from the Niralamba Upanishad, stating its immense contemporary relevance. He explains that if this verse is understood clearly, it can transform the socio-political situation of the world, especially India, and refute many prevalent beliefs held even by intellectuals. The verse states: "What is caste? Caste is not of the skin, nor of the blood, nor of the flesh, nor of the bones. There is no caste of the Atman (Self). Caste is merely a practical convention (imagination used in worldly dealings)." Acharya Prashant elaborates that neither the body, which is a part of nature (Prakriti), nor the Atman (the Self, the Truth) has any caste. The concept of caste is purely a mental construct, an idea for worldly transactions. He points out that the question about caste was asked to the Rishi because the caste system was already a prevalent social issue. The Rishis and the core scriptures of Sanatana Dharma, like the Vedas and Upanishads, have consistently and forcefully refuted the concept of caste. He argues that it is an injustice to blame the Rishis for the caste system; instead, they tried to eliminate it. Those who feel aggrieved by the caste system should find their strength and pride in Vedanta, which declares caste invalid. Acharya Prashant challenges the modern notion that a child is born innocent and later corrupted by society or religion. He asserts that every child is born with animalistic tendencies and is fundamentally impure, which is why the wise say everyone is born a 'Shudra' (one at the lowest level of consciousness). The difference between a human and an animal is the potential for education and knowledge to elevate this consciousness. He contrasts two ways of eliminating caste: the modern liberal way, which brings everyone down to the lowest common denominator of consciousness (like in a brothel, where caste is irrelevant), and the Upanishadic way, which is to elevate everyone to a higher state of consciousness where caste naturally dissolves. He concludes that the only valid basis for differentiating between individuals is their level of consciousness. This superiority or inferiority is not determined by birth but by one's choices and actions. Every individual has the power and the choice to elevate their consciousness. Life provides everyone with this opportunity, and one cannot blame their birth or upbringing for their state. The responsibility lies with the individual to use their capacity for understanding to rise above their base condition.
