The story of Satyakaman is from Chandogya Upanishad, often used in 'modern' times in the debates on who is a Brahmin. Before we talk about Internet Hindus, listen to the story of Satyakaman in Tamil or read it in English here.
In current times, the debate centers around the definition of Brahmin or about honesty. In a way, we, the people of today look for a Śabda Pramāṇa - that is proof from well-recognized texts. In the recent past, people may have looked for a Upamāna Pramāṇa. That is, when a situation demands, this story may be compared to arrive at a resolution.
The purpose of all these stories, Purana and our Itihasa aren't just for proof. They have served a much bigger purpose than just referencing texts like the Bible or the Quran. (Grammarly suggested changes from 'a Bible' to 'the Bible' and 'a Quran' to 'the Quran'. That explains the difference between a Hindu system of values and an Abrahamic system of values.)
The lives of our Puranic characters are examples for us to follow. They aren't rule books. There are diverse situations and personalities to guide us through the challenges of our lives.
The Internet Hindus are stuck in proofs and references. A 'trad' or a traditional Hindu would reject the story of Satyakaman and stick to his definition of who a Brahmin is. But a 'rayta' would agree with the decision of the master Gauthama and continue his tirade against the trads.
What we seldom realize is - the characters in these stories guide us in our lives. The characters Satyakaman and his mother Jabala are straightforward - honest to the core. The relevant character for Internet Hindus is the master Gautama. He defined who a Brahmin is, for himself. He didn't need any Pramāṇa to decide. He was free from acquired knowledge.
That's what a Hindu is - someone who can aspire and get that freedom from the bindings - including that of knowledge. And that's what Internet Hindus should aim for.
