Sayings Of Lord Siva

CASTE

If these eight traits are present even in an outcast he is equal to a leading Brahmin, a sage, a glorious ascetic and a learned scholar.
(Note: The eight traits are described in the section on Devot ion / Devotees .

A master of four Vedas is not dearer to me than a Candala (outcaste) devoted to me.

The avoidance of wine (alcohol) and even its swell or of Vairedya is applicable to all castes, especially the Brahmins.

(Note the party of Sage Sankaracharya came across hunter, and an outcaste approaching them with his pack of four dogs. They thereby ordered him to move away to some distance and give them way. This hunter was really Lord Siva. Here is the condensed reply of the hunter)

“How can you indulge in such false sentiments as ‘Being a Brahman I am pure; and you dog-eater must, therefore give way for me – when the truth is that the one universal and unblemishable spirit Himself bodiless, is shining alike in all bodies.
How have you come to identify yourself with the body, which is unsteady like the ears of an elephant?”