Our surroundings play a crucial role in shaping our perception of diverse value systems, especially when contrasted with different cultural environments.
Take the example of the Pandavas—royals who lived in the forest. Despite their noble lineage, they exhibited a surprisingly liberal approach when Hidimbi expressed her desire to marry Bhima. Though Bhima initially resisted—primarily because his elder brother was yet unmarried and because Hidimbi belonged to a different, even sub-human race—the so called caste equation was eventually set aside. It is remarkable that a Chandravamsi prince from a royal family chose to honor the love of a rakshasi like Hidimbi. This act demonstrated a value system that prioritized human connection over so called rigid societal structures.
Historian Will Durant outlines three stages of civilization: the hunting stage, the agricultural stage, and the industrial stage. In the hunting stage, the concept of family was virtually nonexistent. The line between human and animal was thin—each could just as easily become the hunter or the hunted. Some communities even practiced cannibalism. Hidimba, for instance, was a human flesh-eater, yet his sister Hidimbi, who embodied human values, fell in love and proposed marriage. Though she was never crowned queen in Hastinapura, her marriage to Bhima stood as a powerful symbol of unity between two distinctly different civilizations.
Similarly, in the Ramayana, we witness another meeting of civilizations. The Vanaras of Kishkindha, guided by instinct and a primal social order, joined forces with the highly structured and principled Ayodhya, led by Prince Sri Rama. Ayodhya’s society upheld strong moral codes to protect its women—even widows were regarded with sanctity. In contrast, Kishkindha’s customs permitted the remarriage of widows, as exemplified when Tara married Sugriva after Vali’s death. Rama, upon witnessing this cultural divergence, did not oppose it. As Valmiki notes, did not oppose it. He recognized that different systems could coexist—not necessarily in close proximity, but with mutual respect from afar.
Even the Devas and Rakshasas, who are believed to be descended from the same father but different mothers, temporarily cooperated during the churning of the ocean to obtain nectar. This brief alliance, initiated by Sri Narayana, demonstrates that civilizations with opposing values can collaborate when the need arises.
However, modern left-liberal ideologies often seek to impose artificial unity or highlight toxic divisions—either by asserting that exploitation was constant or by forcing an unnatural togetherness. In contrast, ancient civilizations operated independently by nature’s design, meeting occasionally but never merging completely. For example, Black people were forcefully brought to America and Europe, yet remained marginalized. Even today, demographic shifts in neighborhoods often lead to withdrawal by the majority population, whether in New York or Texas. Similar patterns emerge in forced gender integration—while natural mixing can thrive, imposed integration often fosters more division than harmony.
Thus, it is essential to study civilizations—not only through the lens of modern history but also through epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These ancient texts offer profound insights when viewed from a neutral standpoint. A biased leftist perspective sees exploitation in every structure, even in a devotee’s love for God. Liberal thinkers, though less aggressive, often remain confused, reinterpreting everything through a modern, sometimes rootless, viewpoint.
At the same time, traditionalists without discernment can be equally discouraging by insisting on the unchangeable nature of every custom. True strength lies with those who follow the wisdom of the Rishis—those who embody both courage and compassion, discipline and adaptability, reverence for the past, and vision for the future. This balanced approach, exemplified by Sri Rama and Sri Krishna, reflects a genuine legacy: unity in diversity, oneness amidst difference—a single Varna with infinite shades and unique roles.
– Govinda Das (ISKCON Member)
