Significance of Twice-born
Twice-born is a term used across various Indian religious traditions, signifying individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth or initiation. In particularly Hindu contexts, it refers to members of the higher castes, such as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, who experience this second birth through rituals like the sacred thread ceremony. This status elevates their societal role, granting them eligibility to perform specific spiritual rites and responsibilities, marking their transition from once-born to spiritually enlightened individuals within their communities.
Synonyms: Reborn, Resurrected, Reincarnated, Born again
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Twice-born'
In Buddhism, "Twice-born" signifies those who experience spiritual rebirth, encompassing beings born from an egg and individuals like initiates who have achieved spiritual awakening, often leading to profound insights and deeper truths.
From: Buddhacarita
(1) A term referring to someone who has undergone a spiritual rebirth.[1] (2) A term referring to individuals who have undergone spiritual awakening or initiation, often speaking on deeper truths.[2]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A term often used to describe individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth or initiation, particularly in Hinduism.[3]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A description of beings born from an egg, linking their experiences to spiritual rebirth.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Twice-born'
In Hinduism, "Twice-born" signifies individuals, mainly from higher castes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas), who undergo spiritual rebirth through rituals like the sacred thread ceremony, enabling them to pursue Vedic studies and spiritual duties.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Refers to those who are spiritually reborn, symbolized in the context of breath control and meditation.[5] (2) A term used to refer to the Brahmins in the context of their spiritual rebirth and significance in societal structure.[6] (3) Brahmins, who are regarded with spiritual significance and were involved in religious rituals.[7] (4) A term referring to individuals from the priestly class, symbolizing their spiritual rebirth.[8] (5) A term used to refer to those who have undergone spiritual rebirth, emphasizing their sacred status in rituals.[9]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The foremost among the blessed who possess knowledge of Brahman.[10] (2) Refers to the Brahmins and others who are spiritually enlightened and are recognized for their knowledge and status.[11] (3) Refers to the enlightened beings, often associated with Brahmins or spiritually advanced individuals in Hindu texts.[12] (4) Refers to individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, often used in the context of the Vedic tradition.[13] (5) A term referring to individuals of the Brahmin class who are considered spiritually reborn through the initiation and study of sacred texts.[14]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A term referring to individuals of higher castes, emphasizing the social structure of Divodasa's kingdom.[15] (2) A term referring to individuals who have undergone a ritual rebirth or initiation, encompassing various social classes in the narrative.[16] (3) Referring to individuals who have undergone a second birth through education, spiritual initiation, or ritual.[17] (4) Individuals who have undergone the sacred thread ceremony (Upanayana) and are thus eligible to hear the scriptures.[18] (5) A reference often used for Brahmins or those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth.[19]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A term that signifies individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth or initiation, often used for the brahmin class.[20] (2) Refers to individuals of higher social status in Hindu society, often priests or Brahmins.[21] (3) A term used to describe spiritually evolved individuals, specifically within the context of these meditative practices.[22] (4) A reference to Kalki, indicating a being who is spiritually reborn or holds a sacred status.[23] (5) A reference to a respected group that includes Brahma, who addressed Rudra.[24]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A term typically referring to members of the priestly and scholarly classes in Hindu society, symbolizing spiritual rebirth and purity.[25] (2) A term referring to individuals who have undergone a second birth through initiation, signifying a higher spiritual status within the Vedic framework.[26] (3) A term referring to individuals like brahmanas, who are considered to have undergone a second birth through initiation, emphasizing their supposed purity.[27] (4) Individuals of higher castes who have undergone a sacred thread ceremony, symbolizing their rebirth and spiritual commitment.[28] (5) A twice-born individual, in this context, refers to a member of the higher social classes in Hindu society, specifically the brahmanas, kshatriyas, and vaishyas, who are expected to adhere to strict dietary restrictions.[29]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A term used to describe individuals who have undergone initiation and bear spiritual responsibilities.[30] (2) A term used to describe those who have undergone the sacred thread ceremony, denoting spiritual rebirth.[31] (3) The Brahmans, Kshattriyas, and Vaishyas are referred to as the twice born (Dvijas), who are entitled to perform certain rituals.[32] (4) A term referring to those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, often used in the context of Brahmins.[33] (5) Refers to individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, typically associated with the higher caste of Brahmanas as per Hindu traditions.[34]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A term referring to individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth through sacred rites, primarily Brahmanas, Kshatryas, and Vaishyas.[35] (2) A term used in Hinduism referring to Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas who undergo a sacred initiation.[36] (3) Refers to individuals, including Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, who have undergone a second spiritual birth through rituals and education, specifically in learning the Vedas.[37] (4) A term referring to individuals who are considered to have reached a higher spiritual or social status, often facing consequences for wrongdoings.[38] (5) Individuals who undergo a second birth or initiation, typically referring to the higher caste of Brahmanas.[39]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A term used to describe the higher castes—Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaisyas—who undergo a spiritual rebirth.[40] (2) A term describing the Brahmin and the regenerate classes in society, indicating their spiritual status and duties.[41] (3) A term used to refer to Brahmanas, indicating Kripa's higher social status and his birthright.[42] (4) A term used for individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, considered superior among men.[43] (5) Refers to individuals from the three higher castes—Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaisyas—who undergo a spiritual rebirth through initiation.[44]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A term referring to individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, signifying a higher state of awareness and understanding.[45] (2) Refers to those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, significant in certain traditions.[46] (3) A term used to refer to individuals who have undergone spiritual rebirth or initiation, often associated with deep knowledge and learning.[47] (4) Individuals who have undergone spiritual rebirth or initiation, possessing deeper understanding and wisdom.[48] (5) A term referring to those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, highlighting their elevated status and moral responsibilities.[49]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The term describing the brahmins, kshatriyas, and vaishyas who undergo special consecratory rites, symbolizing their spiritual rebirth.[50] (2) Refers to members of the higher castes in Hindu tradition, particularly Brahmins, who are authorized to worship the deities.[51] (3) Refers to the Brahmins and other individuals recognized in Hindu traditions as having a second birth, particularly through initiation.[52] (4) Spiritual beings who have undergone a rebirth in understanding and practice, distinguished by their knowledge.[53] (5) Referring to individuals who have undergone a second birth through initiation, typically including brahmins, kshatriyas, and vaishyas.[54]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Individuals who have undergone the sacred thread ceremony, symbolizing spiritual rebirth.[55] (2) A term referring to individuals who have been spiritually reborn through knowledge or enlightenment, distinguishing them from those still caught in ignorance.[56] (3) Those who have undergone the sacred thread ceremony, signifying a second birth, typically referring to Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas.[57] (4) A term referring to members of the higher castes in Indian society, particularly the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas.[58] (5) A term used to describe the twice-born individuals, often relating to the Brahmins who undergo a spiritual rebirth.[59]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Refers to individuals belonging to the Brahmin caste, recognized for their spiritual knowledge and practices.[60] (2) A term referring to individuals who have been initiated into higher spiritual practices, typically within certain Hindu contexts.[61] (3) A term referring to the higher caste, typically Brahmins, who are considered spiritually and ritually reborn.[62] (4) A term used to refer to certain privileged castes in the context of Hindu scriptures, particularly Brahmanas.[63] (5) Those who are spiritually reborn or initiated into a particular religious tradition, often referring to Brahmins in Hindu context.[64]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individuals within Hindu society who have undergone a specific initiation ceremony, gaining a higher status.[65] (2) A term used to describe a person who has undergone a spiritual rebirth, particularly in the context of initiating study of the Vedas.[66] (3) Individuals who have undergone a second birth through sacred rites, qualifying them for further spiritual education and responsibilities.[67]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A term referring to a person who has undergone a spiritual or religious initiation such as a brahmin.[68] (2) Refers to individuals belonging to the higher castes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas) who are entitled to use Shrauta and Smarta ashes.[69] (3) Individuals who have the right to perform Vedic rituals, as opposed to those who do not.[70]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A term referring to the higher caste individuals, particularly those connected with spiritual authority.[71] (2) A term used for those who are born into a higher social class, which illustrates the societal structure in the narrative.[72] (3) A term referring to those who are spiritually advanced or enlightened, often associated with the brahman class.[73]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) Refers to those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth; often used to describe Brahmins.[74]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A reference to the higher social classes in Hindu society, whose service is considered the chief duty of the Shudras.[75]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A reference to the higher caste individuals who traditionally engaged in rigorous spiritual practices.[76]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Refers to individuals belonging to the higher caste, considered equal to a Shudra until they study the Vedas.[77]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Refers to individuals belonging to the higher castes in ancient Indian society, specifically Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas.[78]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Individuals of the Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya varnas in Hindu society, considered to have undergone a second birth through initiation.[79]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term used to describe individuals of higher social and spiritual status, often associated with the priestly and educated classes.[80] (2) A term that emphasizes respect and honor that the king must bestow upon certain privileged classes in society.[81] (3) A term denoting individuals from certain castes who are eligible for sacred rites, distinguishing them from the Shudras.[82] (4) A term used to describe individuals who have undergone a second birth, often associated with spiritual initiation, typically referring to the Brahmanas.[83] (5) A term referring to certain social classes in the text, particularly those for whom the consumption of wine is forbidden.[84]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) Individuals classified within higher varnas, who are exempt from the conditions of forced slavery as per traditional texts.[85] (2) Referring to the higher caste individuals in Hindu society, for whom niyoga is expressly prohibited.[86] (3) Refers to individuals from the higher castes (Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya) who were traditionally allowed to marry individuals from lower castes, as noted by Yajnavalkya.[87] (4) A designation for the first three varnas—Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas—indicating their spiritual rebirth and higher social status compared to the Shudras.[88]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A term referring to individuals, particularly in certain spiritual traditions, who have undergone a second birth through initiation or enlightenment.[89] (2) Refers to the three castes, Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, who undergo a second birth through the investiture with the sacred girdle.[90]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, typically associated with the upper castes in Hindu society, who are responsible for performing certain religious duties.[91]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A term referring to a category of individuals in Hindu culture, typically associated with those who have undergone a spiritual rebirth or initiation.[92] (2) A term referring to an individual who has been spiritually reborn or initiated, often related to sacred texts or beliefs.[93] (3) A term referring to those who are spiritually initiated, often used in the context of Brahmins or higher castes in Hindu society.[94] (4) A term that refers to those who undergo a name-giving purificatory rite, which Garga performed for both Balarama and Krishna.[95] (5) Refers to individuals who have undergone samskaras or purificatory processes, distinguishing them from once-born shudras.[96]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A term of respect referring to a class of devotees, indicating their spiritual status.[97]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) Refers to those who have received spiritual initiation or are initiated into higher knowledge.[98] (2) A term referring to those who are spiritually enlightened, often used to describe the Brahmins.[99] (3) A term used to describe those who have been spiritually reborn, typically referring to the Brahmins or learned individuals in Vedic traditions.[100] (4) A term used to denote those who have undergone a second birth, often referring to Brahmins and other spiritually evolved individuals.[101] (5) A term used for individuals who have undergone a second birth through spiritual initiation or knowledge.[102]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) A term used for individuals belonging to higher castes in many Indian traditions, often signifying those who have undergone certain rites of passage.[103] (2) A reference to the higher castes in Hindu society, for whom certain architectural standards are specified.[104] (3) Refers to individuals of higher castes in Vedic society, specifically Brahmins and higher classes.[105] (4) Refers to a higher class of individuals in society for whom specific house guidelines are described in Chapter XXXVI.[106] (5) A term referring to higher castes, particularly Brahmins and Kshatriyas, within the context of site selection.[107]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) A term referring to individuals initiated into knowledge and wisdom, particularly in the context of the medical profession.[108] (2) A term for a person who has undergone initiation into a spiritual or academic life, symbolizing a new beginning in their journey.[109] (3) A term likely referring to individuals of higher spiritual standing in ancient texts, associated with specific rituals and the consumption of Soma.[110] (4) A term referring to physicians who have completed their studies and are initiated into their professional responsibilities and duties.[111] (5) A term referring to individuals of higher caste in the Hindu tradition, who were prioritized in the medical care rendered.[112]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Refers to individuals of higher spiritual or social status in Vedic society, often including priests and scholars.[113]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) A term used in Hindu texts to describe individuals who have undergone sacred rebirth; relevant in the curse of king Mitrasaha.[114] (2) A class of individuals in the Hindu tradition who have undergone a second birth through initiation, often referred to in the context of Brahmins.[115] (3) A term referring to individuals who have undergone spiritual and social rebirths, often used in a Hindu context.[116]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A reference to higher castes in ancient India, particularly those who undergo a spiritual rebirth.[117]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Twice-born refers to individuals who have undergone the upanayana ceremony, enabling them to partake in sacred rituals and marry.[118]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) Refers to the Brahmins, representing their spiritual authority in rituals and sacrifices.[119]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A term referring to individuals who have undergone a spiritual rebirth, often associated with higher social standing in spiritual practices.[120] (2) Individuals who have undergone a second birth, typically in the context of spiritual awakening or initiation.[121] (3) Twice born refers to individuals, such as Brahmins, who have undergone a formal initiation or rebirth, often associated with spiritual practices including the sprinkling of ashes.[122] (4) A term used to describe individuals who are spiritually reborn, often associated with the higher social classes in Hindu society.[123] (5) A term referring to a person who has undergone a ceremonial rebirth, typically associated with a higher initiation in certain Hindu traditions.[124]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Refers to individuals who have undergone certain rituals, marking their spiritual rebirth and eligibility for Vedic study.[125]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Individuals who are considered qualified or have undergone a second birth, often referencing those who are spiritually refined or initiated.[126]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The Brahmanas are described as the twice-born, indicating their enhanced spiritual status through knowledge of Gayatri.[127]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) A term used to describe someone who has undergone a spiritual rebirth, particularly in the context of Brahmin status in Hindu society.[128]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) Refers to Dvijanma, the status of individuals typically associated with higher societal roles, emphasizing the responsibilities of learning, sacrifice, and charity.[129]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) A term referring to the social classes in Hindu culture (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas) that are believed to have spiritual rebirth.[130]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) Individuals, typically Brahmins, who are eligible to perform sacred rituals and practices like purashcarana.[131]
Jain concept of 'Twice-born'
In Jainism, "Twice-born" denotes individuals who have experienced two human births, highlighting their spiritual evolution and progress within the religion's belief system, emphasizing the significance of rebirth in personal and spiritual development.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Refers to those who have taken two births as humans within the spiritual context.[132]
The concept of Twice-born in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Twice-born" signifies individuals of higher castes in Hindu society, particularly Brahmins, who experience spiritual rebirth through ceremonies like Upanayana, indicating elevated status, discipline, and concern for broader social issues.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A term used in the text likely referential to a spiritual or high status in society, indicative of the Brahman’s status.[133] (2) Refers to those of higher caste, specifically Brahmins, who undergo a spiritual rebirth, denoting respect towards them.[134] (3) A term used to describe a man of a higher caste who expresses his concern for his wife and children starving in Pandhari.[135] (4) Refers to the higher caste individuals who are astonished by the leper's account of Eknath.[136] (5) A reference to the Brahmans, indicating their spiritual rebirth and higher consciousness beyond physical existence.[137]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to Gopalakrishnayya's spiritual rebirth under the initiation of Ananda Coomaraswamy.[138] (2) Twice born denotes the concept of receiving a spiritual initiation, leading to a second birth into a life aimed at attaining the Brahman.[139] (3) The higher social classes in Hindu society consisting of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaisyas, who engaged in greater disciplinary practices aimed at desirelessness.[140]
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) A term used to describe a newly initiated student (Dvija) who undergoes spiritual rebirth during Upanayana.[141]