Hi there! I hope you're well. I used to be a devotee, but after reading some things, my beliefs have shifted. I found some surprising verses while reading the Garuda Purana (abridged version) translated by Ernest Wood and S.V. Subrahmanyam.
Please enlighten me regarding these, the context, or if the translations are incorrect-
CHAPTER II.
An Account of The Way of Yama.
Verse 33-34: And the stupid, thus going on the way, calling on son and grandson, incessantly crying out, 'Oh, oh,' repents:-- Lord Vishnu to Garuda
Verse 40: "Not knowing my duty, I did not serve my husband, nor did I enter the fire after his death. Having become widowed, I performed no austerities. O Dweller in the Body, make reparation for whatever you have done!"
CHAPTER IV.
An Account of the Kinds of Sins which lead to Hell.
Verse 4: "The Vaitarani River is only on this very miserable way. I will tell you who the sinners are who go by it." - Lord Vishnu to Garuda
Verses 18-24: "The Śûdra who studies the letter of the Vedas, who drinks the milk of the tawny cow, who wears the sacred thread, or consorts with Brahmin women."
Moreover, I also looked for The Garuda Mahapurana which was the unabridged version. There I found this:
Preta Kh. Ch.3
So, I have these questions-
Q1. The verse in question, verse 60, seems to suggest that there might have been an expectation for women to practice Sati, which I personally find ethically problematic. Historically, it is believed that some women chose to perform Sati willingly, but this particular scripture appears to imply that those who didn't follow this practice might face a less desirable afterlife, possibly only temporarily, but still with some form of substandard outcome. Why is it so?
Q2. In verses 18-24: Why is it considered a big sin if Sudras read the Vedas? Some people may say that Vedas are sacred texts, and Sudras, who were historically less educated, might misinterpret them due to their limited knowledge, which could be seen as sinful. They may also argue that in the past, some Sudras became Brahmins and even contributed to sacred texts like Valmiki did. However, these examples might not be enough to prove a point. When people criticize Hindus for negative actions, others may defend the religion by saying that one should judge a religion based on its scriptures, not on individuals' actions. I agree with the idea that how people practice a religion reflects their beliefs, but it doesn't define the religion itself. It's possible for a Brahmin, Kshatriya, or Vaishya to misinterpret the Vedas too, but there doesn't seem to be equal punishment mentioned. So, how can the almighty punish someone for such an act?
Q3. Why marrying a Sudra woman is such a big sin that it would even take them to hell? (In this question, one idea could be that the people you associate with can shape your thoughts. However, even if these actions are considered sinful, it would have been better to offer these suggestions in a less serious way to avoid imposing harsh consequences on those involved.)
Replies
Hare Krsna Prabhuji,
PAMHO.
If you read any random text from middle or abridged version, you are sure to get bewildered.
Better to read Bhagavad Gita As It Is from a bonafide guide and chant mahamantra to purify our consciousness.
Readng Garuda Purana is not prohibited at all, but by reading if you are getting confused, then better to not read na. I have not read, so I will not comment because I do not know the context.
All I know is - what is my goal? If it is Krsna, then better I get on the path to KRsna without any deviation. If it is self realisation, then better I understand who I am and what is my goal of life.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
Hare Krsna
Why is it considered a big sin if Sudras read the Vedas ?
Before this question is asked, do you know who is considered a shudra ? There is problem with unqualified people reading vedas. Study of vedas is supposed to be enlightening and liberating. But when unqualified people read it, it creates confusion at the best and chaos at worst. There are methods to study vedas and it is different from studying a blog or newspaper.
Seems to suggest that there might have been an expectation
Speculation. Please try not to interpret. These are personal words of regret from a woman. No need to assume anything.
How can the almighty punish someone for such an act?
These, and many other fools, fond of treading forbidden paths, and abandoning prescribed dutties, fall into the Vaitaraṇī. (Garuda Purana Chapter 4, shloka 24)
even if these actions are considered sinful, it would have been better to offer these suggestions in a less serious way to avoid imposing harsh consequences on those involved
Garuda Purana doesn't give suggestions. It gives consequences.
Hare Krsna