spiralofhope

Hinduism > Caste System >

Priests and teachers in the caste system of Hinduism.

The Universe is a single entity called Brahmin.

• Plural: Brahmins

• Also: Brahmanas

• Samskara – Purifactory cerimony

• The gurukuls, the training schools for the boys, for qualification as a Brahmin.

  • Performed samskaras – purifactory cerimonies. No longer in operation.
• Brahmins attempt to achieve Moksha.
• Came to be equated with a masculine form of God, named Brahma (the creator of the Universe) later joined by Vishnu (the protector), and Shiva (the destroyer) to form The Trinity
• The Vedic Age, which belongs to the period of the Harappan and Mohenjodaro civilizations, has given an entire body of literature to the world.
• The hymns sung then were collectively called the Vedas. The Vedic Age is when Hinduism actually began. The Vedic Gods were led by India. They got their strength from the drink – Soma, a form of ambrosia (fruit of the gods, an empowering drink).
• The Hindu Caste System has unfortunately perpetuated the idea that those born in Brahmin families are Brahmin, even though they may not have the qualities of such a person.

• Dvija-bandhus — Sons of Brahmins who have no brahminical training have to be called dvija-bandhus or “friends of the Brahmins”.

Peacefulness, self-control, austerity ^[ 1 ] Markedly simple and unadorned, or ascetic (practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline). , purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness–these are the natural qualities by which the brahmanas work.

Bhagavad Gita, 18th Chapter