In ancient times, as described in the Bhagavata Purana, there was a singular spiritual harmony characterized by the presence of only one Veda, one God, and one caste. This idyllic period is symbolized by the term "Hamsa."
One Veda: There was a time when the wisdom of the Vedas was
unified. Instead of the four separate texts we know today (Rigveda, Samaveda,
Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda), there existed a single, undivided source of
spiritual and philosophical knowledge. This singular Veda encapsulated all the
teachings necessary for a holistic understanding of life, the universe, and the
divine.
One God: The concept of one God signifies a universal
recognition of a singular divine presence or supreme reality. This deity was
acknowledged as the ultimate truth and the source of all creation, beyond the
multiplicity of forms and names that came to be recognized in later traditions.
This monotheistic view emphasizes the unity of divinity and the
interconnectedness of all existence.
One Caste - Hamsa: The caste known as Hamsa denotes a state
of universal self-realization. The term "Hamsa" itself is deeply
symbolic. In Sanskrit, "Hamsa" can mean a swan, which in Indian
mythology is often associated with purity and spiritual wisdom. The phrase
"I am That" reflects the Advaitic (non-dual) realization of the
self's unity with Brahman, the supreme cosmic spirit. In this enlightened
state, all individuals recognized their true nature as pure souls, untainted by
ignorance or illusion.
The Hamsa caste, therefore, represents an era where societal
divisions based on birth, occupation, or status were nonexistent. Everyone
shared an equal understanding of their divine essence and lived in a state of
spiritual purity and equality. This unity and equality were not merely social
constructs but stemmed from a profound spiritual awakening that pervaded all
aspects of life.
Implications: The idea of one Veda, one God, and one caste
as Hamsa implies an idealized period of spiritual egalitarianism. It suggests
that humanity once lived in harmony, free from the divisions and conflicts that
later arose. This notion serves as a reminder of the potential for spiritual
unity and the possibility of transcending societal barriers through
self-realization and recognition of the divine in all.
In essence, the description from the Bhagavata Purana of this ancient time is both a historical reflection and a spiritual aspiration. It invites us to envision and strive towards a state of collective enlightenment, where the diversity of beliefs and identities merges into a singular experience of divine oneness.