Brahmin: 4 definitions

Introduction

Introduction
Image gallery
In Buddhism
1. Theravada
In Jainism
1. General definition
Languages
1. Sanskrit
See also

Introduction:

Brahmin means something in Buddhism, Pali, Jainism, Prakrit, Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

Images (photo gallery)

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Access to Insight: A Glossary of Pali and Buddhist Terms

The brahman (brahmin) caste of India has long maintained that its members, by their birth, are worthy of the highest respect. Buddhism borrowed the term brahman to apply to those who have attained the goal, to show that respect is earned not by birth, race, or caste, but by spiritual attainment. Used in the Buddhist sense, this term is synonymous with arahant.

context information

Theravāda 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).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: HereNow4u: Tīrthaṅkara (ford maker) and Kevalīs (omniscient)

A Brahmin is a practitioner of celibacy, truth, contentment and abiding alms seeker whereas a Kṣatriya is brave, expert of war tactics, brilliant, and effective. In preserving and maintaining religious order along with practice of celibacy, truth, character, etc. along with vigour is essential. A person born in a Brahmin caste is peaceful, of a good character and soft nature, also needs vigour and imposing personality. Propagation of non-violence (ahiṃsā) by a person like a Brahmin is not effective as he lacks bravery. But when a brilliant person from the Kṣatriyas courageously gives up weapons and warfare and royal grandeur and talks of ahiṃsā, certainly it has an impact.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Languages of India and abroad

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Brahmin (ब्रह्मिन्).—a. Relating to Brahma. -m. An epithet of Viṣṇu.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Brahmin (ब्रह्मिन्):—[from brahman] mfn. belonging or relating to Brahmă or Brahmā, [Taittirīya-āraṇyaka]

2) [v.s. ...] ‘possessing sacred knowledge’ Name of Viṣṇu, [Mahābhārata]

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

Relevant text

Search found 110 books and stories containing Brahmin; (plurals include: Brahmins). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Chapter 5 - Vināyaka and Gautama

Chapter 48 - Aśvattha and other Tīrthas

Chapter 97 - Vipratīrtha also known as Nārāyaṇa-tīrtha

+ 64 more chapters / show preview

Part V - Brahmapa Vagga < [(b) Majjihma Pannasa Pali]

(a) Sagatha Vagga Samyutta Pali < [Chapter VI - Samyutta Nikaya]

Part IV - Raja Vagga < [(b) Majjihma Pannasa Pali]

+ 8 more chapters / show preview

Chapter 115 - Characteristics of mixed castes

Chapter 114 - Assignment of duties to different castes and stages of life

Chapter 53 - Mārkaṇḍeya’s Vision of the Holy Lord

+ 117 more chapters / show preview