Buddhism fundamentally rejects the concept of a caste system, viewing all human beings as equal in their capacity for enlightenment and judging a person by their actions (karma) rather than their birth.
The Buddha explicitly condemned the Brahmanical (Hindu) system of caste, arguing that distinctions among men are purely “nominal designations” (sañjñāmāntra) based on social convention, not intrinsic spiritual reality.
However, while the philosophy rejects caste, social stratification and caste-like distinctions have historically persisted and, in some countries, become integrated into the local Buddhist social structure.
1. Philosophical Stance (Anti-Caste)
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Equality of Opportunity: The Sangha (monastic community) founded by the Buddha was open to people from all social backgrounds, including those considered “outcastes” (e.g., the story of Sunita, a scavenger, who became a respected monk).
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Deeds, Not Birth: The core teaching is summarized in sayings such as: “By birth one is not an outcaste, By birth one is not a Brahmin; By deeds alone one is an outcaste, By deeds alone one is a Brahmin.” This shifts social status from ascription (birth) to achievement (moral action).
2. Caste in Practice in Buddhist Societies
Despite the universalist message, the influence of pre-existing or neighboring cultural systems (especially Hinduism in South Asia) led to the development of hierarchical divisions in certain Buddhist countries:
A. Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 (Theravada Buddhism)
Sri Lankan society, especially among the Sinhalese majority, has historically maintained a caste structure largely based on traditional occupation and land ownership. The main groups (often referred to as jāti or clans) are:
| Group Name | Traditional Occupation / Role | Status |
| Govigama | Land-owning Agriculturalists | Traditionally the highest status group; dominates politics and the main monastic order (Siam Nikaya). |
| Karava | Fishermen and Maritime Traders | Second-largest coastal group; historically challenged Govigama dominance. |
| Salagama | Cinnamon Peelers | Historically wealthy due to trade; concentrated in coastal areas. |
| Durava | Toddy Tappers (palm wine) | Associated with the southern coastal regions. |
| Berava | Drummers and Traditional Performers | Considered lower status, often associated with ritual services. |
Caste in the Clergy: Historically, the major monastic orders (Nikayas) themselves were stratified. The Siam Nikaya traditionally restricted ordination to the Govigama caste, leading to the creation of other, more open Nikayas (like the Amarapura and Ramañña Nikayas) by non-Govigama monks.
B. Nepal (Newar Buddhism)
Among the Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley, an indigenous Buddhist caste structure exists alongside the Hindu system, often leading to a “double-headed” hierarchy.
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Vajracharya: Hereditary Buddhist Priests and ritual specialists. They are at the top of the Newar Buddhist hierarchy, similar to the status of Brahmins in the Hindu system.
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Shakya: Hereditary metalworkers, often associated with the Buddha’s own clan.
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Other occupational and artisan groups follow in the hierarchy.
C. Japan 🇯🇵
While not a formal caste system, Japan historically had outcaste groups, particularly the Burakumin, who were traditionally associated with “impure” occupations (like leather work, butchery, and execution) that often intersected with Buddhist prohibitions against killing. This discrimination, though officially abolished in the 19th century, continues to be a social issue.
3. Modern Anti-Caste Movements
In India, the most significant modern Buddhist movement is explicitly anti-caste.
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Ambedkarite Buddhism (Neo-Buddhism): Dr. B. R. Ambedkar led a mass conversion to Buddhism in 1956, seeing it as a way for millions of Dalits (formerly known as “Untouchables”) to reject the social hierarchy of Hinduism and find dignity and equality in a religion fundamentally opposed to caste.