श्रम, श्रम एवं समसच्चा विज्ञान
Summary
The text discusses the concept of labor (shram) in Indian society and its philosophical foundations. It argues that the Indian varna system is based on "guna" (qualities) and "karma" (actions), with varnadharma rooted in these and ashramadharma clearly based on labor. A society not founded on labor leads to inequality, creating two classes: laborers and exploiters, resulting in inevitable conflict, social unrest, and anarchy. This is identified as the cause of class struggle between the proletariat and bourgeoisie, as per Marx. The scriptures highly esteem labor, with the Rigveda stating that the seasons and truth were born from Brahma's intense austerity. The Upanishads describe creation as arising from labor. The Bhagavata Purana recounts Krishna holding Govardhan for seven days, ignoring hunger and thirst. The Gita states that if Krishna himself were to cease action, all people would follow suit. Krishna also served as Arjuna's charioteer. In the Bible, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Prophet Muhammad grazed goats to honor labor. The Gita links rain to sacrifice, and sacrifice to action. Marx's theory of surplus value is contrasted with the labor theory of value, which prioritizes labor's role. Gandhi went further, seeking to eliminate the distinction between laborers and managers. Ruskin's "Unto This Last" also advocates removing the divide between manual and intellectual workers, asserting that a barber's or carpenter's work is as valuable as a lawyer's or doctor's. To create a classless society, the distinction between "huzoor" (master) and "mazdoor" (worker) must end; everyone must perform physical labor, or two classes will persist. Physical labor is derived from the principles of non-stealing and non-possession. The Gita calls eating without sacrifice a sin, and the Taittiriya Samhita equates sacrifice with God. Thus, physical labor is termed "yajna" in Indian culture. The Bible
Conclusion
The document argues that the division between physical and intellectual labor is the root cause of social inequality, conflict, and unrest. It concludes that a society not founded on labor inevitably creates exploitative and non-productive classes, leading to class struggle. The text advocates for a synthesis of physical and intellectual work, as proposed by Gandhi and Ruskin, to eliminate social hierarchies and create a classless society. It warns that modern technology, by alienating humans from labor, exacerbates mental illness and social decay. Ultimately, the document posits that the universal adoption of physical labor is essential for social harmony, health, and the resolution of economic and political disparities, making labor the true foundation of a just and balanced society.