Significance of Twice-born
The term Twice-born refers to individuals in Hindu and Buddhist traditions who have undergone a form of spiritual rebirth or initiation. Often associated with higher castes such as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, this concept designates those eligible for specific rituals and responsibilities. Twice-born individuals typically participate in sacred rites, emphasizing their elevated spiritual status. The term is used across various texts, illustrating a connection to both social standing and religious duties, highlighting the significance of spiritual awakening within these cultural contexts.
Synonyms: Reborn, Resurrected, Reincarnated
In Dutch: Tweemaal geboren; In Finnish: Kaksi kertaa syntynyt; In Spanish: Nacido dos veces; In German: Zweimal geboren; In Swedish: Två gånger född; In Malay: Dua kali lahir; In French: Né deux fois
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Twice-born'
In Buddhism, "Twice-born" signifies individuals who experience spiritual rebirth or awakening, often linked to deeper truths and insights, reflecting a significant transformation in their spiritual journey.
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A term often used to describe individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth or initiation, particularly in Hinduism.[1]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A description of beings born from an egg, linking their experiences to spiritual rebirth.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Twice-born'
In Hinduism, "Twice-born" refers to individuals from higher castes (Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas) who have undergone a spiritual rebirth through initiation, symbolizing their elevated societal and spiritual responsibilities within the context of Vedic traditions.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Refers to those who are spiritually reborn, symbolized in the context of breath control and meditation.[3] (2) A term used to refer to the Brahmins in the context of their spiritual rebirth and significance in societal structure.[4] (3) Brahmins, who are regarded with spiritual significance and were involved in religious rituals.[5] (4) A term referring to individuals from the priestly class, symbolizing their spiritual rebirth.[6] (5) A term used to refer to those who have undergone spiritual rebirth, emphasizing their sacred status in rituals.[7]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The foremost among the blessed who possess knowledge of Brahman.[8] (2) Refers to the Brahmins and others who are spiritually enlightened and are recognized for their knowledge and status.[9] (3) Refers to the enlightened beings, often associated with Brahmins or spiritually advanced individuals in Hindu texts.[10] (4) Refers to individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, often used in the context of the Vedic tradition.[11] (5) A term referring to individuals of the Brahmin class who are considered spiritually reborn through the initiation and study of sacred texts.[12]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A term used to describe individuals who have undergone initiation and bear spiritual responsibilities.[13] (2) A term used to describe those who have undergone the sacred thread ceremony, denoting spiritual rebirth.[14] (3) The Brahmans, Kshattriyas, and Vaishyas are referred to as the twice born (Dvijas), who are entitled to perform certain rituals.[15] (4) A term referring to those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, often used in the context of Brahmins.[16] (5) Refers to individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, typically associated with the higher caste of Brahmanas as per Hindu traditions.[17]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A term referring to individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth through sacred rites, primarily Brahmanas, Kshatryas, and Vaishyas.[18] (2) A term used in Hinduism referring to Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas who undergo a sacred initiation.[19] (3) Refers to individuals, including Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, who have undergone a second spiritual birth through rituals and education, specifically in learning the Vedas.[20] (4) A term referring to individuals who are considered to have reached a higher spiritual or social status, often facing consequences for wrongdoings.[21] (5) Individuals who undergo a second birth or initiation, typically referring to the higher caste of Brahmanas.[22]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A term used to describe the higher castes—Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaisyas—who undergo a spiritual rebirth.[23] (2) A term describing the Brahmin and the regenerate classes in society, indicating their spiritual status and duties.[24] (3) A term typically referring to the Brahmins who have undergone a second birth through the sacred thread ceremony.[25] (4) A term used to refer to Brahmanas, indicating Kripa's higher social status and his birthright.[26] (5) A term used for individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, considered superior among men.[27]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A term referring to individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, signifying a higher state of awareness and understanding.[28] (2) Refers to those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, significant in certain traditions.[29] (3) A term used to refer to individuals who have undergone spiritual rebirth or initiation, often associated with deep knowledge and learning.[30] (4) Individuals who have undergone spiritual rebirth or initiation, possessing deeper understanding and wisdom.[31] (5) A term referring to those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, highlighting their elevated status and moral responsibilities.[32]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The phrase 'twice-born' refers to the chiefs, indicating a respected group within the society, and the gifts they receive.[33] (2) Twice-born refers to people who have the duty to follow laws, implying that they are of a certain social standing, and have a moral code.[34] (3) Twice-born is a term used to describe the Brahmans, who are old and are part of the throng that Rama could not pass on his journey.[35] (4) A term often used in ancient texts to refer to individuals who are learned and worthy, indicating a group of esteemed people present.[36]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A term referring to the higher caste individuals, particularly those connected with spiritual authority.[37] (2) A term used for those who are born into a higher social class, which illustrates the societal structure in the narrative.[38] (3) A term referring to those who are spiritually advanced or enlightened, often associated with the brahman class.[39]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Refers to individuals belonging to the Brahmin caste, recognized for their spiritual knowledge and practices.[40] (2) A term used to refer to certain privileged castes in the context of Hindu scriptures, particularly Brahmanas.[41] (3) Those who are spiritually reborn or initiated into a particular religious tradition, often referring to Brahmins in Hindu context.[42]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) Refers to those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth; often used to describe Brahmins.[43]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A reference to the higher caste individuals who traditionally engaged in rigorous spiritual practices.[44]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Refers to individuals belonging to the higher caste, considered equal to a Shudra until they study the Vedas.[45]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term used to describe individuals of higher social and spiritual status, often associated with the priestly and educated classes.[46] (2) A term that emphasizes respect and honor that the king must bestow upon certain privileged classes in society.[47] (3) A term referring to the higher castes in Hindu society (Brahmana and Kshatriya) who undergo sacred rituals that mark their status.[48] (4) A term denoting individuals from certain castes who are eligible for sacred rites, distinguishing them from the Shudras.[49] (5) A term used to describe individuals who have undergone a second birth, often associated with spiritual initiation, typically referring to the Brahmanas.[50]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A term referring to individuals, particularly in certain spiritual traditions, who have undergone a second birth through initiation or enlightenment.[51] (2) Refers to the three castes, Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, who undergo a second birth through the investiture with the sacred girdle.[52]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, typically associated with the upper castes in Hindu society, who are responsible for performing certain religious duties.[53]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A term referring to a category of individuals in Hindu culture, typically associated with those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth or initiation.[54] (2) A term referring to an individual who has been spiritually reborn or initiated, often related to sacred texts or beliefs.[55] (3) A term referring to those who are spiritually initiated, often used in the context of Brahmins or higher castes in Hindu society.[56] (4) A term that refers to those who undergo a name-giving purificatory rite, which Garga performed for both Balarama and Krishna.[57] (5) Refers to individuals who have undergone samskaras or purificatory processes, distinguishing them from once-born shudras.[58]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A term of respect referring to a class of devotees, indicating their spiritual status.[59]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) A term used for individuals belonging to higher castes in many Indian traditions, often signifying those who have undergone certain rites of passage.[60] (2) A reference to the higher castes in Hindu society, for whom certain architectural standards are specified.[61] (3) Refers to individuals of higher castes in Vedic society, specifically Brahmins and higher classes.[62] (4) Refers to a higher class of individuals in society for whom specific house guidelines are described in Chapter XXXVI.[63] (5) A term referring to higher castes, particularly Brahmins and Kshatriyas, within the context of site selection.[64]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This refers to the best of the twice-born, which is a term that represents a relationship of unity, where different words describe the same individual, such as a Brahmana.[65] (2) The term used to refer to those who are traditionally qualified to study and practice Vedic knowledge, excluding Shudras.[66]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Refers to individuals who have undergone certain rituals, marking their spiritual rebirth and eligibility for Vedic study.[67]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Individuals who are considered qualified or have undergone a second birth, often referencing those who are spiritually refined or initiated.[68]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The Brahmanas are described as the twice-born, indicating their enhanced spiritual status through knowledge of Gayatri.[69]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) A term used to describe someone who has undergone a spiritual rebirth, particularly in the context of Brahmin status in Hindu society.[70]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) A term likely referring to individuals of higher spiritual standing in ancient texts, associated with specific rituals and the consumption of Soma.[71] (2) A term referring to physicians who have completed their studies and are initiated into their professional responsibilities and duties.[72] (3) A term referring to individuals of higher caste in the Hindu tradition, who were prioritized in the medical care rendered.[73]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Refers to individuals of higher spiritual or social status in Vedic society, often including priests and scholars.[74]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A reference to higher castes in ancient India, particularly those who undergo a spiritual rebirth.[75]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Twice-born refers to individuals who have undergone the upanayana ceremony, enabling them to partake in sacred rituals and marry.[76]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) Refers to Dvijanma, the status of individuals typically associated with higher societal roles, emphasizing the responsibilities of learning, sacrifice, and charity.[77]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This term refers to a group of people for whom the study of Yavana books on astral science is not considered a fault, as the science is well-established.[78]
Jain concept of 'Twice-born'
In Jainism, the term "Twice-born" denotes individuals who have undergone two human incarnations, emphasizing their spiritual journey and evolution towards enlightenment through multiple life experiences.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Refers to those who have taken two births as humans within the spiritual context.[79]
The concept of Twice-born in local and regional sources
"Twice-born" refers to individuals who have undergone spiritual rebirth, particularly among higher castes like Brahmins. This term denotes their elevated spiritual status achieved through initiation and sacred practices aimed at realizing Brahman.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A term referring to the Brahmans, indicating their spiritual rebirth through sacred knowledge.[80] (2) A term used in the text likely referential to a spiritual or high status in society, indicative of the Brahman’s status.[81] (3) Refers to those of higher caste, specifically Brahmins, who undergo a spiritual rebirth, denoting respect towards them.[82] (4) A term used to describe a man of a higher caste who expresses his concern for his wife and children starving in Pandhari.[83] (5) Refers to the higher caste individuals who are astonished by the leper's account of Eknath.[84]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The 'twice-born' were disciplined in desirelessness with symbolic rituals, enabled to persist in discipline through the efforts of the 'once-born,' who provided goods and services.[85] (2) A term used to refer to individuals of the Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya castes in Hinduism, indicating a special status associated with learning and spirituality.[86] (3) A term often used to refer to Brahmins and others who undergo a spiritual rebirth through rituals and learning.[87] (4) Refers to Gopalakrishnayya's spiritual rebirth under the initiation of Ananda Coomaraswamy.[88] (5) Twice born denotes the concept of receiving a spiritual initiation, leading to a second birth into a life aimed at attaining the Brahman.[89]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Twice-born is how the Brahmin caste feel themselves to be, as they are sons of God, and are taught from birth that they are above law and punishment.[90]