Significance of Brahmin
Synonyms: Priest, Scholar, Sage, Intellectual, Holy man, Religious leader, Noble, Clergy, Priests, Theologians, Learned men
In German: Brahma; In Spanish: Brahma; In French: Brahma; In Finnish: Brahmin; In Swedish: Brahmin; In Malay: Brahmin; In Dutch: Brahmaan
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Brahmin'
In Buddhism, the term Brahmin encompasses various interpretations, including a learned priestly caste in Hindu society, seekers of spiritual knowledge, and characters who interact with the Buddha, often illustrating themes of wisdom, generosity, and the pursuit of true understanding.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Members of the priestly caste in ancient Indian society, often responsible for rituals, teachings, and interpretations of sacred texts.[1] (2) Religious scholars and priests in Hindu society who attempted to manage the elephant festival, believing the Bodhisatta too young for the task.[2] (3) A member of the priestly caste in ancient India, representing the social status of the Bodhisatta in his previous life.[3] (4) Priests or scholars in ancient India who are depicted as foretelling the future regarding Devagabbha's offspring.[4] (5) A brahmin is a member of the priestly caste in Hindu society, who in this story is engaged in farming activities.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Learned individuals from whom the Five Bhikkhus originated, known for their scholarly pursuits in the Vedas and their role in the narratives foretelling the Prince's enlightenment.[6] (2) Priestly class in ancient India who are depicted as being influenced by Dusi Mara to misjudge and insult the bhikkhus.[7] (3) A class of people in ancient India, including Bavari and his followers, who were learned in the Vedas and later became recluses.[8] (4) The individual who attempted to measure Buddha's height, representing those questioning or seeking knowledge of the Buddha's nature.[9] (5) A caste of priests in ancient India, some of whom were skeptical but ultimately became followers of the Buddha.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Noted scholars or priests in the story, tasked with finding a maiden who matches the golden image.[11] (2) A member of the priestly class in Hindu tradition, often associated with profound knowledge and rituals.[12] (3) A person of the highest caste in Hindu society, traditionally regarded as a priest or teacher, who shows extreme devotion and service to monks.[13] (4) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society, who encounters the Buddha in various stories, often with misconceptions about true spirituality.[14] (5) A character in the narrative who is generous and offers alms-food to the Buddha, and who learns a significant lesson about detachment.[15]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) The anglicised form of brahmana, representing members of a sect with historical depth in its usage and significance.[16] (2) A member of the highest Hindu caste, traditionally associated with priesthood and learning.[17]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A member of the priestly caste in Hindu society, particularly associated with knowledge and spirituality.[18] (2) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society often depicted in the discourses as engaging with the Buddha鈥檚 teachings.[19]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Members of a priestly caste in Indian society, here mentioned in connection to their responsibilities towards the Observance and their spiritual duties.[20]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A caste associated with wisdom, recognized as one of the family types suitable for the birth of Buddhas.[21] (2) A learned individual who claimed to know a stanza of the Buddha and asked for homage in return for that knowledge.[22] (3) Priests or learned individuals in Hindu society who, influenced by Nagarjuna, decided to take on the precepts after witnessing his demonstration of power.[23] (4) A holy man or priest who requests alms from the hiding king.[24] (5) A member of the priestly caste in ancient India, who is cited in an anecdote wondering about the height of the Buddha.[25]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society, often associated with spiritual leadership and wisdom.[26] (2) A member of the priestly class in ancient Indian society, often referenced in texts discussing moral and spiritual conduct.[27] (3) Members of the highest caste in Hindu society, often involved in religious rituals and teachings.[28] (4) Brahmins are traditional teachers or priests who engage in discourse with Gautama, often questioning and debating his interpretations of self and reality.[29]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) A high-caste individual in ancient India, here referring to a prosperous rebirth as a result of accumulated positive karma.[30]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A class of scholars and spiritual practitioners in Hindu and Buddhist traditions considered to embody wisdom and ethical living.[31]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Specifically mentioned figure in the narrative associated with rgwa lo's teachings.[32]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A member of the highest caste in India, traditionally tasked with spiritual learning and teachings, with connections to the practices of Vedic scriptures.[33]
Hindu concept of 'Brahmin'
Brahmin in Hinduism denotes the priestly class responsible for spiritual rituals and education, revered for their Vedic knowledge and role in community blessings, while embodying the highest caste in the varna system.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Priests versed in the Vedas, who are called upon for blessings and rituals during the installation.[34] (2) A varna (class) in Hindu society that represents priestly and scholarly duties; Parashara was identified as among the best of them.[35] (3) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society, whose wife was stolen by Satyavrata.[36] (4) A member of the priestly class in the Hindu varna system, traditionally responsible for religious rituals and teachings.[37] (5) A member of the priestly class, who plays a role in the narrative through his interaction with Adrika and the curse.[38]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The priestly class to whom Bharata distributed various precious items and made charitable donations.[39] (2) A member of the priestly caste, referring to Parasurama's status and occupation.[40] (3) Learned individuals revered by Rama for their knowledge and wisdom.[41] (4) Hindu priests and scholars who performed the rituals and officiated at the sacrifice.[42] (5) The learned priests involved in conducting the religious rituals during Sita's ordeal by fire.[43]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The priestly caste in Hindu society, responsible for spiritual leadership and conducting religious rituals.[44] (2) The priestly class in Hindu society, traditionally responsible for religious rituals and the study of sacred texts.[45]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Priestly individuals within Hindu society to whom gifts, particularly of medicinal herbs, are directed for blessings.[46]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Scholars well-versed in the Vedas whom Lila consulted about overcoming death.[47]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society, often discussed regarding their duties and status, which is addressed in the Anugita.[48]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A messenger who delivers a message from the Rajas and is allowed to take leave by Shri Krishna Chund.[49] (2) A priestly figure who brings a message from the twenty thousand Rajas, seeking Krishna's help.[50] (3) Priestly figures who received gifts and were central to the story's conflict over the cow.[51] (4) The religious figure who assists Krishna and conveys important messages, such as informing Rookmunee about Krishna's arrival.[52] (5) A priestly figure who plays various roles, such as delivering messages and witnessing important events throughout the narrative.[53]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) Members of the priestly caste in Hindu society, traditionally tasked with spiritual duties and teaching.[54] (2) The priestly caste responsible for spiritual education and maintaining sacred traditions.[55]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Persons who were born in seminal brahmana families.[56]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A class of scholarly individuals to whom the king addressed his teachings, pertaining to the understanding of the Vaishvanara Self.[57] (2) A priestly class in Hindu society regarded as embodiments of the gods and goddesses.[58] (3) Refers to the learned individual who is being taught by Ushasti, indicating the context of spiritual learning.[59]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society who is responsible for spiritual knowledge and rituals.[60]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) A person specially competent to acquire the knowledge of Brahman through wholesale renunciation.[61]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) One who has realized Brahman, corresponding to a state of ultimate knowledge and freedom.[62]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) Members of the priestly class in the Hindu caste system, traditionally responsible for performing rituals and preserving sacred knowledge.[63]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The priestly class who strongly opposed the practice of polyandry, reflecting broader societal views.[64]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) A distinguished class within the context, often referred to for receiving knowledge or teachings.[65] (2) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society, addressed as 'noble one.'[66]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A member of the priestly caste in Hinduism, whose role is crucial in performing rituals and ceremonies.[67]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A priestly or scholarly class that is mentioned as experiencing specific repercussions during eclipses.[68]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A member of the priestly class who recites verses to influence the outcomes of the rituals.[69]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) The highest caste in the varna system, traditionally associated with religious rituals and education.[70]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) A member of the priestly caste, represented by Drona in the text, who experiences a shift in status and power dynamics with Drupada.[71]
The concept of Brahmin in local and regional sources
Brahmin refers to the priestly class in the Hindu caste system, characterized by a historical emphasis on education, spirituality, and social reform, while also highlighting their evolving role in contemporary society and interactions with lower castes.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Brahmin is one of the four principal castes and is used in the context of social distinctions and equality in the Satya-Yuga.[72] (2) The text addresses these, saying that their pride of birth and ancestry is vain, and they should open the gates of knowledge to all.[73] (3) A Brahmin is a member of a specific caste, and the sage determined the boy's status by assessing his truthfulness, indicating the significance of caste in that society.[74] (4) The text describes this class as one of the two foremost classes in ancient India, whose ambition was to be the masters of the poor and ignorant, often in conflict with the Kshatriyas.[75] (5) This refers to the man of predominating Sattva, who is worshipped by all and whose works are accomplished by mere willing.[76]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A caste within Hindu society that has historically been associated with priesthood and scholarly roles, discussed in the context of criticism from Dr. Gail Omvedt.[77] (2) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society, to which Venkatarangaiya belonged, showcasing the traditional social hierarchy.[78] (3) A member of the priestly caste in Hindu society, often associated with educational and religious roles.[79] (4) A member of the priestly caste in Hindu society, central to the identity of Rao鈥檚 protagonist in his narratives.[80] (5) A Hindu priestly class encountered by Chinese travelers such as Fa Hian in Java.[81]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) A Brahmin, belonging to the priestly class, should establish his fires under the Pleiades, as the Pleiades belong to Agni, and the Brahmin belongs to Agni.[82]