The Manusmriti and credit card usage

Our forefather Manu, the learned, had written about the Varnas, and the duties thereof, given to them. I did find a great deal of similarities that was there, in the credit card usage of oneself and the Varnas system as described in Manusmriti.

Brahmin:- Just after you get your first credit card, you have this feeling that you will not fall into the trap of debts. You have the feeling of know all, and what to do to avoid pitfalls. You spend prudently, and see that you pay all your outstandings, before the due date. You get into the details on the service tax charged for filling petrol, and also the ways to avoid paying the same in future. It is picture perfect usage of credit card.


Kshatriya:- Soon, there comes a time, when you believe in "Action". The hallmark of a true Kshatriya. Let not the fruits of action be the goal.. and you spend. This is a period of sensual gratification.. wherein you purchase on your card under the impression that you will pay it of in 3-4 installments. The spends increases from just Petrol, and other needy stuff.. to maybe electronic items, travel by air, and the brand tags... the credit card companies are happy... and they increase your credit limit...

Vaishya:- Interest. This is a period where your life is very "Interest"(ing)... The duties and qualifications of a Vaishya, beckons you. You are spending on 'forceful' expenditure, that you have nurtured in your Kshatriya days...

Shudra:- Your only duty prescribed is to serve the credit card company for your lifetime.. making the payments. You card is blocked, and the credit card collection agents are at your doorsteps.. your only aim in life is to serve without showing disrespect, conceit and make your payments regularly.

Well, there is another stage.. it can happen anytime, between the above 4 stages. This is the stage of Moksha - or enlightenment. You disappear from the city, from all the records that are there with the credit card company... and resurface after few years in new place and with a new name (in case your earlier name was Akshay, your new name can become Aakshay)... Like old clothes the previous usage of credit card is dis'card'ed.. and it is a new beginning.

This article is not intended at having a 'swipe' either at Hindu culture, or sage Manu, or the CC companies...

Happy Shopping!

Cheers

Santosh

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