Brahmin: Difference between revisions
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'''Brahmin''' (also called Brahman) is an anglicised form of the [[Sanskrit]] ''brāhmana'' ब्राह्मण). The Brahmins are regarded as the highest of the four castes (varnas) in the traditional Hindu societies of Nepal and India, and it is composed by the priestly class. | '''Brahmin''' (also called Brahman) is an anglicised form of the [[Sanskrit]] ''brāhmana'' ब्राह्मण). The Brahmins are regarded as the highest of the four castes (varnas) in the traditional Hindu societies of Nepal and India, and it is composed by the priestly class. | ||
In the past, however, Brahmin was the name given to people who were dedicated to the difficult path of discipline of body, mind, and intellect and had attained the highest spiritual knowledge, irrespective of their birth or class. An example of this is the story of the sage Vishwamitra, who belonged to the caste of the warriors ([[Kshatriya]]), but became a Brahmin after attaining [[brahmavidya]]. | |||
[[Category:Hindu concepts]] | [[Category:Hindu concepts]] | ||
Revision as of 16:52, 19 July 2012
Brahmin (also called Brahman) is an anglicised form of the Sanskrit brāhmana ब्राह्मण). The Brahmins are regarded as the highest of the four castes (varnas) in the traditional Hindu societies of Nepal and India, and it is composed by the priestly class.
In the past, however, Brahmin was the name given to people who were dedicated to the difficult path of discipline of body, mind, and intellect and had attained the highest spiritual knowledge, irrespective of their birth or class. An example of this is the story of the sage Vishwamitra, who belonged to the caste of the warriors (Kshatriya), but became a Brahmin after attaining brahmavidya.