Significance of Elder Brother
The term "Elder Brother" has diverse interpretations across various cultural and religious contexts. In Jainism, it signifies figures like Kamatha, Meghasena, and Rama, each embodying moral, familial, or societal hierarchies. In South Asia, it reflects dynamics among siblings, often revealing themes of conflict or support. Tibetan Buddhism and Vaishnavism emphasize respect and authority associated with elder siblings, particularly Balarama's relationship with Krishna. Additionally, texts like Purana and Dharmashastra underscore the elder brother's role in family responsibilities and hierarchy, illustrating a common theme of respect and leadership in sibling relationships.
Synonyms: Older brother, Big brother, Brethren.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Elder Brother'
In Buddhism, the Elder Brother embodies various roles: a mentor providing guidance, a familial figure highlighting relationships, and a spiritually focused individual aspiring for enlightenment, representing the significance of guidance and familial bonds in spiritual practice.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Refers to the older sibling of lun ldan, highlighting a familial relationship.[1] (2) Referred to as so chung ba, known for his small stature, he was the elder sibling in the family seeking food.[2] (3) Skal ldan, who took the Dharmasvamin to gtsang rong to learn the alphabet.[3] (4) Indicates a familial relation to a more senior practitioner or teacher from whom the individual learned.[4]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Character who provides counsel to the younger brother and recognizes the impact of the Serpent-King's absence on his brother's wellbeing.[5] (2) Refers to the Brother who was skilled in hitting swans, representing a mentor or more experienced figure in the context.[6]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The sibling who was more focused on spiritual attainment, aspiring for arahatta-phala after hearing about the meritorious deeds of his younger brother.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Elder Brother'
In Hinduism, the term "Elder Brother" signifies various aspects of familial and divine relationships, including Balarama's divine nature, the respect accorded to older siblings, and their significant roles in both marital dynamics and spiritual narratives.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to the senior figure in the relationship, symbolizing authority and respect within the familial and divine context.[8] (2) A familial term used to describe a sibling who is older, associated with displaying respect and etiquette.[9] (3) Refers to Vishvarupa, who is the elder son of Shaci and takes the path of renunciation, adding to his mother's grief.[10] (4) Refers to Vishvarupa, who is depicted as the mature influence over Nimai, showcasing the bond between the two.[11] (5) A familial relationship indicating that Shri Vishvarupa is older than the Lord, highlighting his significance in the divine hierarchy.[12]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to Balarama's relationship with Krishna, indicating familial ties and responsibilities.[13] (2) Refers to Balarama in relation to Krsna, emphasizing their familial bond and hierarchy.[14] (3) The sibling who is older and holds a protective or leadership role, in this context referring to Lord Krishna.[15] (4) Indicates Baladeva's position as the elder sibling of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.[16] (5) Refers to Balarama, Krishna's older sibling who supports the claim made by the friends.[17]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to Shri Balarama, who is depicted as looking out for and caring for Shri Krishna in the provided narrative.[18] (2) Refers to Shri Balarama, who is the elder sibling of Shri Krishna and is to accompany Him.[19] (3) Refers to Shri Baladevaji, who is advised to provide insight into the pitiful condition of the vraja-vasis.[20] (4) Referring to a family relationship, highlighting the position of Lakshmana in relation to Rama.[21] (5) a familial term referring to a male sibling who is older, in this context, related to Indra and Shri Jagadisha[22]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to a familial figure who is older and typically respected; mentioned as one of the recipients of Krishna's respects.[23] (2) A reference to Krishna's brother who accompanied him into the arena, affecting how others perceived Krishna.[24]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The only person, whom He still feared, was His elder brother, Viswarup.[25]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The title given to the brother of Gada who has authority and is seen as virtuous and prudent.[26] (2) Refers to Karna, whom Yudhishthira realizes too late is his uterine brother.[27] (3) Bhima is referred to as the elder brother who is filled with rage and the desire to take immediate action against their foes.[28] (4) Refers to Duryodhana's role in relation to Dussasana, emphasizing family hierarchy.[29] (5) Refers to Arjuna, who is recognized for his valor and is called upon for assistance.[30]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The older sibling of Bharata who arranged everything in detail for the Ashvamedha Sacrifice.[31] (2) The oldest male sibling, often carrying responsibilities and being seen as a guide or protector.[32] (3) Indicates a familial relationship where one sibling is older, often associated with wisdom and responsibility.[33] (4) Refers to Bali, who was the elder sibling of the narrator and played a dominant role in his life.[34] (5) The sibling of Lakshmana who perceives portents and expresses concern for future dangers.[35]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Refers to the sibling relationship between the Asura Hiranyakashipu and his slain brother.[36]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Krishna's reference to his brother who accompanied him, highlighting familial bonds during the celebration.[37]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) The older male sibling in a family, often seen as a figure of respect and responsibility.[38]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Refers to Balarama, who is described as an aspect of the divine serpent Šesha and thus also an aspect of Vishnu.[39]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to Balarama, Krishna's older sibling who accompanies him to their parents.[40]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) In familial structures, the role of the eldest male sibling who serves as a protector and guide to younger siblings.[41]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The elder sibling Prithushravas, who remains detached and chooses not to marry, reflecting on the concept of familial duty and sin.[42]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) References Balarama, who is depicted accompanying Krishna into the arena before him.[43]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The elder sibling of Dhaumya, who is referred to in the context of Krishna's acquisition of divine knowledge.[44]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Refers to Balarama, Krishna's elder brother, with whom Krishna spoke after returning to Dvaraka.[45]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to an older sibling who may play a significant role in family dynamics, being either a source of support or conflict.[46] (2) The sibling who is older, often expected to remain without a wife or fire if his younger brother marries first.[47] (3) The firstborn male sibling who is responsible for the family's wellbeing and property distribution.[48] (4) A male sibling who, along with the father and mother, should not be treated with disrespect.[49] (5) A familial figure that, when superseded by others, indicates a break from traditional values and scripture adherence.[50]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A male sibling who is older than his younger brother, significant in various familial rights and responsibilities in marriage and inheritance.[51]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A male sibling who is older, his marital status significantly influences the duties of the younger brother.[52]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Older male siblings who are to be respected and saluted upon meeting.[53]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A familial term referring to the older sibling, in this context used by Vasunemi, the snake, to describe its relationship with Vasuki.[54] (2) A character in the tale who harbors resentment, leading to conflict and theft.[55]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) Refers to Rama, whom Lakshmana is devoted to and follows without hesitation.[56]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) Referred to as Jyeshta, indicated by the Mayura hand shown forwards.[57]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) this term identifies Krishna's relationship within the context, emphasizing devotion to someone of higher status or authority.[58]
Jain concept of 'Elder Brother'
In Jainism, "Elder Brother" symbolizes authority and respect in familial hierarchies. It references various characters, emphasizing familial bonds and moral dynamics, highlighting the role of older siblings across different narratives and relationships.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Refers to Ravana, with Bibhishana distancing himself from his unethical actions.[59] (2) Refers to Meghasena, who is the older sibling of King Bhagyasena.[60] (3) The sibling of the second Hari, indicating a familial relationship that influences development and behavior.[61] (4) Refers to Kamatha, who, despite being the elder son, chooses a path of moral failure.[62] (5) Translating to 'arya', indicating a familial relationship and respect.[63]
The concept of Elder Brother in local and regional sources
"Elder Brother" encompasses various characters and roles within familial structures, representing authority, guidance, conflict, and neglect across diverse narratives, highlighting the intricacies of sibling dynamics and their impacts on personal and collective destiny.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Elder brothers refer to a group of seven males, one of whom is the protagonist's brother, involved in the story's conflict.[64] (2) The deceptive identity the man adopts to gain favor and access to wealth within the Rakshasa's house.[65] (3) The King’s sibling, who joins the rescue mission for the Princesses.[66] (4) The term used by the younger sister to refer to Nahakota while they were traveling home.[67] (5) The woman's brother who inquires about her thinness and offers her advice on how to deal with the Vaedda's actions.[68]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The older siblings of the monkey boy who engaged in clearing the jungle for cultivation.[69] (2) The older sibling who suspects that his younger brother's wife is involved in an affair.[70] (3) The older of the two sons who eventually lost everything to his younger brother.[71] (4) The older of two brothers who is married and tends to cultivate their lands.[72] (5) The two brothers who scold Kora for his laziness and attempt to encourage him to change.[73]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to K. Balasubramania Aiyer, who is noted as a family member of Mr. K. Chandrasekharan.[74] (2) Spiritual beings or advanced souls regarded as guides in the quest for enlightenment and spiritual progress.[75] (3) Chandrakant's sibling who comes to visit, revealing familial tension and conflict over money and responsibilities.[76] (4) A mentor-like figure in the author's life, embodying wisdom and guidance in personal and professional endeavors.[77] (5) Subramaniam’s brother, who has authority and influence in family matters and financial support.[78]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Refers to Nivritti, as mentioned by Sopan in his introduction of family members.[79]