The varnasrama-dharma is necessary. It is not a convention. It is not a convention, that “The Hindus or the Indians, they are our only brahmanas.” No. Here are also brahmanas. Because it is creation of God. God’s creation must be there.

So now this Krsna consciousness movement is picking up who are the brahmanas. They are mixed up. So long there was no picking up of the brahmanas. Now, by this movement, Krsna consciousness movement, we are picking up the brahmanas.

Because there is need of brahmanas at this time, because brain is not there. Brahmana means the brain. They must have knowledge. That is brahmana.

In India, the brahmanas are called pandita, although nowadays he is fool number one. But it is a title of the brahmana to become pandita. Pandita. He must know everything. Satyam samah…, jnanam vijnanam astikyam brahma-karma svabhava-jam [Bg 18.42].

He must be very wise man. Jnanam vijnanam, and practical application, vijnanam. Jnanam vijnanam astikyam. And not nastika, not atheist. Jnanam vijnanam means one must know what is God. That is jnana. And brahma janatiti brahmanah. Brahmana means one who has already known God, or brahma-vastu. Brahmeti paramatmeti bhagavan iti sabdyate [SB 1.2.11].

That is brahmana. Therefore people should go to a brahmana.

From Srila Prabhupada’s lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.15.39 – December 17, 1973, Los Angeles