Significance of Clan

In Hinduism, the concept of Clan is linked to the establishment of the chieftaincy, occurring after the preparatory rites of the Soma-sacrifice, emphasizing the connection between leadership and familial groups. In Theravada Buddhism, Clan refers to family lineage, but the Buddha asserts that such lineage does not define true status as a brahmin. Overall, the notion of Clan plays a significant role in both Hindu and Theravada beliefs, yet with different implications regarding identity and status.1
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Synonyms: Tribe, Group, Family, Faction, Lineage, Kin, Brethren, Band, Community, Sect, Network

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Clan'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Clan" signifies a family lineage, emphasizing that true identity or spiritual worth transcends familial ties, highlighting that one's virtues, rather than lineage, define a true brahmin.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A term referring to a group or family lineage, which the Buddha states does not determine whether one is a true brahmin.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Clan'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the concept of Clan is linked to chieftaincy and ritual practices, where clans are established post-chieftaincy, symbolized by hearths, illustrating the interconnectedness of leadership and community formation.

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) That which the Maruts are associated with; Prajapati strengthened himself by it.[2] (2) The needles are identified as clans, which, along with royal power, are supplied to the Sacrificer.[3] (3) The clan is represented by the hearths and is set up after the chieftaincy during the preparatory rites of the Soma-sacrifice. The text suggests that the chieftaincy is established first, and then the clan is set up, highlighting the relationship between the two entities.[4]

The concept of Clan in scientific sources

Science Books

The text defines "clan" as a force that, when strong, can hinder the effectiveness of supervision policies, but mitigating negative effects requires strong clan power.

Significance in Environmental Sciences:
Environmental Sciences Books

From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)

(1) The text indicates that clan power, when coupled with village formal authority, can inhibit the positive effects of supervision policies, and only in areas with strong clan power can these negative effects be mitigated.[5]

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) Israel’s long-established social structure emphasized the tribe, clan, and residential kin group, highlighting the importance of familial and social bonds.[6]