Significance of Brahmin
Synonyms: Priest, Scholar, Sage, Intellectual, Holy man, Religious leader, Noble, Clergy, Priests, Theologians, Learned men, Teachers
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, "Brahmin" signifies varied roles: members of the highest Hindu caste, often priests, scholars, or teachers. They are sometimes portrayed skeptically, or as followers of the Buddha, and are involved in dialogues, quests, and challenges within the narratives. The term also represents those who achieve spiritual realization.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) An old man who met the Blessed One at the gateway of Saketa and claimed him as his son.[1] (2) A person who was targeted by the man-eater due to a strong desire to consume him.[2] (3) Brahmin is a caste mentioned by the king, alongside Khattiya, Vessa, Sudda, and Candala, in the context of respecting one's teacher.[3] (4) The brahmin, residing in the Kasi country, was a father figure to the parrots, Potthapada and Radha, and he entrusted his wife to their care when he was away on business.[4] (5) The Brahmin is the man who experienced misfortune, including losing his oxen, wandering in the forest, and eventually being rescued by the monkey.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A citizen of Savatthi who held wrong views and was clearing a farm land near the river Aciravati.[6] (2) This is the person who visits the Buddha and engages in accusations, questions, and discussions, named Veranja.[7] (3) 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.[8] (4) Priestly class in ancient India who are depicted as being influenced by Dusi Mara to misjudge and insult the bhikkhus.[9] (5) A class of people in ancient India, including Bavari and his followers, who were learned in the Vedas and later became recluses.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) This is the person who made offerings to the Buddha and received rewards from the king, and is the focus of the story.[11] (2) This is a term used to describe a person who is a maternal uncle of Venerable Sariputta, and the subject of a discussion with the Buddha.[12] (3) This term identifies a person who claimed that the Buddha was his son, and the story revolves around their interactions and religious practices.[13] (4) Noted scholars or priests in the story, tasked with finding a maiden who matches the golden image.[14] (5) A member of the priestly class in Hindu tradition, often associated with profound knowledge and rituals.[15]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ 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’s 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) The young individual who married with a branch of patala, impacting the naming of the city as stated in the provided text.[21] (2) A caste associated with wisdom, recognized as one of the family types suitable for the birth of Buddhas.[22] (3) A learned individual who claimed to know a stanza of the Buddha and asked for homage in return for that knowledge.[23] (4) Priests or learned individuals in Hindu society who, influenced by Nagarjuna, decided to take on the precepts after witnessing his demonstration of power.[24] (5) A holy man or priest who requests alms from the hiding king.[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: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) This is the caste of Sumedha, who lived in Amaravati.[32] (2) A member of the highest caste in India, traditionally tasked with spiritual learning and teachings, with connections to the practices of Vedic scriptures.[33]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This is the type of person the future Buddha Maitreya is going to be born as, according to the provided text.[34]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Specifically mentioned figure in the narrative associated with rgwa lo's teachings.[35]
Hindu concept of 'Brahmin'
In Hinduism, Brahmins are primarily the priestly class, revered for their knowledge, spirituality, and role in rituals. They conduct ceremonies, teach scriptures, and are often recipients of offerings, acting as spiritual guides and maintaining tradition within society.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The individual who imposed a curse on Urvashi, leading her to descend to earth and choose King Pururava as her husband, as indicated in the narrative.[36] (2) Priests versed in the Vedas, who are called upon for blessings and rituals during the installation.[37] (3) A varna (class) in Hindu society that represents priestly and scholarly duties; Parashara was identified as among the best of them.[38] (4) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society, whose wife was stolen by Satyavrata.[39] (5) A member of the priestly class in the Hindu varna system, traditionally responsible for religious rituals and teachings.[40]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Brahmins became silent after hearing about the events involving Durvasa and Rama's vow, before Vasishtha spoke.[41] (2) The brahmins are mentioned as being protected by Madhu, and the text states that Madhu was well-disposed to them, indicating a positive relationship between them and the Asura.[42] (3) The priestly class to whom Bharata distributed various precious items and made charitable donations.[43] (4) A member of the priestly caste, referring to Parasurama's status and occupation.[44] (5) Learned individuals revered by Rama for their knowledge and wisdom.[45]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) This character is mentioned in the text as part of a conversation with the Hunter, which is related to the justification of certain professions.[46] (2) The priestly caste in Hindu society, responsible for spiritual leadership and conducting religious rituals.[47] (3) The priestly class in Hindu society, traditionally responsible for religious rituals and the study of sacred texts.[48]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The brahmins are mentioned as the ones who left Gautama's hermitage after the incident with the cow.[49] (2) Priestly individuals within Hindu society to whom gifts, particularly of medicinal herbs, are directed for blessings.[50]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Scholars well-versed in the Vedas whom Lila consulted about overcoming death.[51]
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.[52]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) Members of the priestly class in the Hindu caste system, traditionally responsible for performing rituals and preserving sacred knowledge.[53]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The priestly class who strongly opposed the practice of polyandry, reflecting broader societal views.[54]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The Brahmins are the husbands of the wives, and the ones who will be expecting their wives to return home.[55] (2) A messenger who delivers a message from the Rajas and is allowed to take leave by Shri Krishna Chund.[56] (3) A priestly figure who brings a message from the twenty thousand Rajas, seeking Krishna's help.[57] (4) Priestly figures who received gifts and were central to the story's conflict over the cow.[58] (5) The religious figure who assists Krishna and conveys important messages, such as informing Rookmunee about Krishna's arrival.[59]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) Members of the priestly caste in Hindu society, traditionally tasked with spiritual duties and teaching.[60] (2) The priestly caste responsible for spiritual education and maintaining sacred traditions.[61]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Persons who were born in seminal brahmana families.[62]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) A distinguished class within the context, often referred to for receiving knowledge or teachings.[63] (2) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society, addressed as 'noble one.'[64]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) This describes a specific type of birth, which is a favorable outcome, representing a member of the highest social class in the subsequent life.[65] (2) Brahmins are individuals, that Janashruti suggested to find in specific places like forests, indicating that they prefer solitary environments and quiet places for their activities.[66] (3) A class of scholarly individuals to whom the king addressed his teachings, pertaining to the understanding of the Vaishvanara Self.[67] (4) A priestly class in Hindu society regarded as embodiments of the gods and goddesses.[68] (5) Refers to the learned individual who is being taught by Ushasti, indicating the context of spiritual learning.[69]
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.[70]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A person specially competent to acquire the knowledge of Brahman through wholesale renunciation.[71]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) One who has realized Brahman, corresponding to a state of ultimate knowledge and freedom.[72]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) The highest caste in the varna system, traditionally associated with religious rituals and education.[73]
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.[74]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A member of the priestly caste in Hinduism, whose role is crucial in performing rituals and ceremonies.[75]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A priestly or scholarly class that is mentioned as experiencing specific repercussions during eclipses.[76]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A member of the priestly class who recites verses to influence the outcomes of the rituals.[77]
The concept of Brahmin in local and regional sources
"Brahmin" in this text encompasses multiple facets: an ideal archetype of wisdom and love, a Hindu priestly caste with religious and educational roles, and a social group with varying perceptions. They are associated with scholarship, rituals, and influence, sometimes praised, criticized, or seen as essential to Indian society.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is one of the castes that is mentioned in the text, and the author questions where the other castes are in the country.[78] (2) The Brahmins are the Aryans, and they are considered to be the child of a thousand years' culture, as described in the text.[79] (3) This term refers to a person for whom one does not love for his sake, but because one loves the Self.[80] (4) This is a group that is said to be bringing the country down to the verge of ruin by their awful tyranny, as mentioned in the text.[81] (5) The Brahmin caste have held themselves beyond all law; they claim to be gods, which is a reflection of their beliefs and power.[82]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The people whom the king should keep his forts in the charge of, and they must be well versed, brave in battle, loyal to the king, of virtuous disposition and hereditary officers.[83] (2) 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.[84] (3) A member of the priestly class in Hindu society, to which Venkatarangaiya belonged, showcasing the traditional social hierarchy.[85] (4) A member of the priestly caste in Hindu society, often associated with educational and religious roles.[86] (5) A member of the priestly caste in Hindu society, central to the identity of Rao’s protagonist in his narratives.[87]
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.[88]