(Selective extracts only) Dialogues with the Guru R. Krishnaswamy Iyer A European Gentleman came to see him. Page 10 European: Swamiji may I know if you are prepared to take converts to your religion? Personally I find much worth in it? Swamigal : The Hindu System of Philosophy and Religion is bound to attract all thinking minds, but we do not take in converts. (Swamiji to other questions answers that all the world is anyway Hindu) Swamigal : They cannot escape this law, (Sanata Dharma), whether they concede its binding force or not. The eternal truth taht fire burns does not depend on its validity upon our allegience to it. If we accept that truth so much the better for us. If we do not so much the worse for us. In either the law is there immutable,universal and eternal. European: If the entire world is Hindu according to you, how do you justify the restrictive caste system? Swamigal : I only told you that all were Hindus and therefore entitled to seek guidance in the tenets of our religion. I did not say that the guidance will be same for all. .. Our Dharma taking due notice of this undeniable fact resolves itself into two parts 1. Samanya Dharma or Ordinary Law 2. Visesha Dharma or Special Law The former guides all , the former and latter together guide those who come under the caste system. European: If the rules of caste have any spiritual value, why not give the benefit of them to those who are outside of it? Swamigal : If water is beneficial to a thirsty man, does it follow that it will be beneficial to a man who has fever and therefore feels thirsty? European: Your illustration is not fair. There is nothing to show that a special rule of conduct prescribed for a caste will be injurious to others, who do not belong to that caste and any caste at all. Swamigal : On the other hand , you must realize that there is nothing to show that a special rule of conduct prescribed for a particular caste will be beneficial to others.