Significance of Brahmacarin
Brahmacarin is a term that broadly signifies an individual dedicated to a life of celibacy, study, and spiritual practice across various traditions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Puranic texts. It typically refers to a student or practitioner committed to learning sacred texts while adhering to strict moral codes and self-discipline. This concept emphasizes a lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual advancement, often involving living under the guidance of a preceptor and practicing austerities throughout the process. Brahmacarin embodies the ideals of spiritual seekers who live a life aligned with Brahmanical teachings.
Synonyms: Celibate, Ascetic, Student, Monk, Religious student, Seeker, Disciple, Apprentice, Novice, Initiate, Neophyte
In Dutch: Brahmacarin; In Finnish: Brahmacarin; In Spanish: Brahmacarin
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Brahmacarin'
Brahmacarin in Buddhism denotes a pure, disciplined individual, often a celibate student or ascetic, committed to spiritual practice and abstaining from worldly pleasures, embodying virtues aligned with the path of brahmacariya.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A term broadly related to one who follows the path of brahmacariya, emphasizing a life of spiritual discipline.[1] (2) Refers to a person who practices brahmacariya, typically a student or disciple committed to following a spiritual path.[2]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A term meaning one who is pure in conduct; it is associated with a follower of Brahma.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A spiritual seeker or ascetic who practices self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, particularly food in this context.[4] (2) A term referring to a student or practitioner on the spiritual path, often associated with ascetic or disciplined lifestyle.[5]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A term used to describe a celibate student or practitioner, indicating that zur po che had no progeny.[6]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A practitioner of Brahmanic or ascetic tradition, characterized by virtuous qualities and a pure life according to moral rules.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Brahmacarin'
Brahmacarin in Hinduism denotes a celibate student dedicated to spiritual discipline, self-control, and the study of sacred texts, embodying a disciplined lifestyle for spiritual growth and adherence to Brahmanical principles.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Students or seekers of knowledge who live under the guidance of a preceptor and are encouraged to control their passions, serve their teachers diligently, and focus on studies.[8] (2) The lifestyle of celibacy and study that Drona lived while acquiring knowledge.[9] (3) A title referring to a religious student or celibate who engages in spiritual practice, as part of the rule established by the Pandavas.[10] (4) A celibate individual who practices self-control and spiritual discipline in accordance with Brahmanical teachings.[11] (5) An individual who is dedicated to a life of celibacy for spiritual advancement.[12]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) An individual practicing celibacy and committed to the study of sacred texts, who is perceived by the Asuras as a deceitful figure when Vishnu is disguised.[13] (2) A student who dwells in the house of his preceptor, engages in the study of the Vedas, and follows a disciplined lifestyle focused on self-control and reverence towards the teacher.[14] (3) A term used to describe a student or a celibate individual committed to a life of learning and spirituality.[15] (4) A student or practitioner of the Brahmanical discipline, whom Bali is prepared to give to.[16] (5) Those committed to the study of the Vedas.[17]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A student or disciple who engages in learning for the purpose of knowledge and spiritual advancement.[18] (2) A celibate student or practitioner of spiritual disciplines, often undergoing austerities in pursuit of knowledge.[19] (3) A religious student dedicated to learning and practicing spiritual knowledge as part of their duties.[20] (4) A term used to describe the celibate life dedicated to spiritual pursuits, often adopted by young ascetics.[21]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) Individuals in the monastic stage of life who focus on spiritual studies and practices, often celibate.[22] (2) One who is devoted to his own duties and learned, characterized by restraining all senses and living according to sacred teachings.[23] (3) An individual who identifies with the Brahman and lives a life of spiritual dedication and purity.[24]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Those in the student stage of life focused on study and celibacy.[25] (2) A student or celibate practitioner who applies ash and repeats specific mantras.[26]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) A student engaged in the pursuit of knowledge and truth, typically under the guidance of a preceptor.[27] (2) Individuals who practice celibacy and live a life dedicated to study and spiritual pursuits; mentioned in relation to the gods in the Sanatsujatiya.[28]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) Refers to individuals who adhere to the principles of the Brahmanical code, suggesting discipline and a commitment to spiritual practices.[29]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A term used to denote a person in the Brahmacarya stage, typically a student or seeker of knowledge.[30]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Individuals who are committed to the Brahmacharya, or celibacy, in the context of spiritual discipline.[31]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Religious students who follow a life of celibacy and study aimed towards spiritual growth.[32]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The first stage in a brahman’s life, focused on study and adherence to guru’s teachings.[33]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A person who has taken vows of celibacy and serves their guru, focusing on spiritual learning.[34]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) This term refers to a student or seeker in Vedic tradition, often associated with someone who is engaged in spiritual practices and guidance.[35] (2) A student or practitioner who observes strict austerities and vows of celibacy.[36] (3) A spiritual seeker or student who is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and devotion.[37] (4) Refers to the speaker in the text who inquires about the nature of the god and expresses the relationship between humanity and divinity.[38] (5) A brahmacarin is a celibate student who lives a life of discipline and dedicates himself to the study of scriptures, as advised by Aruni to his son Shvetaketu.[39]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A student or ascetic living a life dedicated to study, rituals, and adherence to Vedic duties.[40] (2) A student observing celibacy dedicated to the study of sacred texts under a teacher.[41]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A student committed to spiritual practice, often seen as a devotee engaged in learning and self-discipline.[42]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A term referring to a student or ascetic in the Brahminical tradition who is engaged in the pursuit of knowledge, often mentioned alongside those connected with the Samvarga-vidya.[43]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A celibate seeker dedicated to the pursuit of Brahman, controlled in desires and devoted to a guru.[44]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A student or a person within the Brahmin community, often present during rituals.[45] (2) A student in Hindu tradition who undergoes a period of study and spiritual training, marking a significant phase in their life.[46]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A student or practitioner of Brahmanical traditions who is involved in the performance of rituals.[47] (2) Brahmacarin designates a student or disciple dedicated to learning the Vedas and practicing self-control, marking the early phase of an individual's spiritual journey.[48]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Individuals who follow specific regulations during their spiritual studies post-Samavartana.[49] (2) A student dedicated to a life of learning and spiritual practice.[50]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term referring to a student or seeker of knowledge who follows a chaste and disciplined lifestyle.[51]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A Brahmacarin is an individual who approaches a woman for sexual intercourse and is required to perform specific offerings as part of a ritual.[52]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) An individual who is in the stage of student life, preparing for initiation and spiritual knowledge.[53]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) A religious student or practitioner of Brahmacarya, who follows strict moral codes and often engages in rituals.[54]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A class of individuals dedicated to the pursuit of Brahman, typically following a student life.[55]
The concept of Brahmacarin in local and regional sources
Brahmacarin signifies a dedicated student embracing Brahmacarya, focusing on spiritual learning and discipline. Typically residing in Gurukulas, these individuals commit to their studies and uphold principles like celibacy for personal growth.
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) A student or seeker who follows the path of Brahmacarya, dedicated to spiritual learning and discipline.[56] (2) Students living in Gurukulas who are dedicated to their studies and adhere to strict principles, including celibacy.[57]