Significance of Brahmin family
The term Brahmin family refers to a lineage associated with the highest caste in Hindu society, traditionally linked to priestly duties and scholarly pursuits. In various contexts, this family background signifies a status marked by wealth, education, and spiritual learning. Notable figures, such as the Bodhisatta and notable historical personalities, were often reborn into such families, highlighting their cultural and religious importance in ancient Indian society. The Brahmin family serves as a reference point for societal influence, knowledge, and moral responsibility throughout various texts.
Synonyms: Brahmin community, Brahmin clan, Brahmin household
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 family'
The term "Brahmin family" in Buddhism signifies a lineage associated with the priestly caste, emphasizing knowledge, spirituality, and high social status, linking individuals like the Bodhisatta and various notable disciples to scholarly and religious traditions in ancient Indian society.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A prestigious lineage in ancient Indian society, from which the Bodhisatta was born.[1] (2) Indicates a family belonging to the priestly caste in ancient India, highlighting background and education.[2] (3) A family belonging to the highest caste in Hindu society, traditionally associated with priesthood and learning.[3] (4) A family belonging to the Brahmin caste, which is traditionally associated with priesthood and scholarly pursuits in ancient Indian society.[4] (5) A social class in ancient Indian society representing scholars and priests, from which young Senaka hails.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A high caste family in Indian society, associated with priestly duties and religious scholarship, in which Sariputta was born.[6] (2) The affluent family in which Candabha was reborn after his death in the deva-world.[7] (3) The family lineage into which the Kassapa brothers were reborn, reflecting their cultural and educational background.[8] (4) The social class into which Sakula Theri was reborn during the time of Buddha Kassapa, indicating her noble lineage.[9] (5) The family into which Venerable Kotthita was reborn during the time of Buddha Gotama.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Another type of family referenced as a source for invitations to meals.[11] (2) One of the four classifications of families, significant in the context of religious and social standing.[12]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) The household to which the nuns approached for accommodation.[13]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The lineage from which the lion (in its next life) is reborn into, indicating a family of status and resources.[14] (2) Refers to the lineage or family of the Brahmin caste, known for their spiritual and scholarly pursuits.[15] (3) A family of the priestly caste in ancient Indian society, where Mogharaja was reborn, indicating a connection to knowledge and learning.[16] (4) A social class in ancient India known for their scholarly pursuits and holding religious authority.[17] (5) The family into which Sagata was reborn during the time of the Glorious One Padumuttara.[18]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The social and religious background of Teacher Somanatha, emphasizing his roots in the scholarly tradition.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Brahmin family'
The term "Brahmin family" in Hinduism signifies a traditional heritage linked to scholarly pursuits, social status, cultural identity, and spiritual knowledge, impacting the roles and contributions of notable figures in literature and societal contexts.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A family lineage traditionally associated with spiritual knowledge and practices within the Vedic culture.[20]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the social and caste background of Phalavati and Jabali, emphasizing the significance of their actions within this context.[21]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) A family from which the selected females are appointed to help care for the king's son, indicating their expertise and social status.[22]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) The family background of Shri Damodara Mishra, indicating his cultural and social identity within the context of Indian literature.[23]
From: Shishupala-vadha (Study)
(1) The social class that traditionally included poets and intellectuals, within which some believe Magha was born.[24]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) Refers to Rajashekhara's heritage, indicating a traditional background that informs his scholarly pursuits and contributions to literature.[25]
Jain concept of 'Brahmin family'
In Jainism, a Brahmin family represents a culturally and historically significant lineage, exemplified by Acarya Pujyapada, highlighting the interconnectedness of Jainism with the broader Indian social framework.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The family background of Acarya Pujyapada, placing him in a culturally and historically significant community within Indian society.[26]
The concept of Brahmin family in local and regional sources
The Brahmin family represents a high-status social class in Hindu society, known for scholarly pursuits and deep ties to tradition, influencing individuals like M. Venkatarangaiya and the Tagores' perspectives on modernity and tradition.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The family background of Tondaradippodi, noted for their scholarly pursuits and traditions.[27] (2) Kshetrayya's background, which added complexity to his life as he was also associated with a maid of low caste.[28] (3) M. Venkatarangaiya was born in an orthodox Brahmin family, indicating a traditional Hindu social class known for its scholarly pursuits.[29] (4) A noble family of high social and religious standing in Hindu society, known for their expertise in sacred texts.[30] (5) The traditional and socially respected lineage from which Sastry hails, influencing his perspectives on modernity.[31]
From: Folk Tradition of Bengal (and Rabindranath Tagore)
(1) Referring to Tagore's upbringing in a traditional society with strict rituals, against which he measured the freedom found in Baul philosophy.[32]