Who is Brahmanan / Brahmin?
A person, after realizing the
Absolute Brahman, continue to live in the path of Brahma Ghyaan (Knowledge of
Brahman or Brahmanyam or Brahmanathwam) until the mortal body perishes. He must
live within that wisdom of Brahman – which is self-illuminate, self-born, ever
pervading, limitless, infinite, exists forever etc.…
This Brahmanathwam is achieved in
two ways, they are known as “Aantharikan”
and “Baahikan”. A male child born in
a Brahmin family through a Vaideeha Brahmanan’s Rethas/Bheejam (Sperm) to a
preferably Brahmin woman, such person is known as Aantharikan or Vaideeka
Brahmanan. This option is also known as Janmasidha Brahmanathwam. Whereas, a
male child born to anybody but due to his sheer penance or spiritual practices,
attaining the knowledge of Brahman will become Baahikan or Dhaiveeka Brahmanan.
In other words, any spiritually accomplished person will be a Brahmin! Brahmins
are Devathas in this Earth.
To sustain and flourish the
Brahmanathwam, one must follow certain strict Vaideeha Samskaraas, so that the
Beejam will sprout and grow like a big tree. Those important Vaideeha Samskaras
are five in numbers and they are known as “Pancha Naimithika Kriyaas” (Five
inherited duties) viz. Sroutham, Smartham, Vihitham, Sadhaachaaram and Nithya
Karmanushtaanam. Unless the referred Brahmin continue to perform these five
Kriyas he can’t be a genuine Brahmin. Although, by birth, there is a
Brahmanathwam exists in this person inherited through his ancestors’ DNA, yet
he must further nurture it, failing to this, in the long run eventually he
will lose his Brahmin-hood to just a namesake Brahmin!
Let me briefly explain those five
Kriyas to be performed:
Sroutham:
A Brahmin must study holy and religious scriptures known as
Sruthi-Smruthi-Puranaas-Ithihaasa-Dharma Sastras etc. He must study under a
competent Guru and complete the studies within the prescribed time under
Guru-Kula system. After learning the scriptures and its instructions, he must
practice those principles in his practical life. He can also teach others and
give counselling to the needy including governments and rulers.
Smartham:
Means the person believes in God and his/her omnipresence. Basically, he will
be a devotee of God and conducts Vaideeha-Dhaiveeha kriyas to his best of
knowledge in the highest amount of faith in the rituals.
Vihitham:
He who acts as per the instructions given by the Vedas. Whatever said in the
Vedas are to be considered as virtues and lead a righteous life. Live with full
satisfaction and show no greed for anything. Vihitham means “allowed”. In other
words, he must know the do’s and don’ts to lead a humble pious life.
Sadhaachaaram:
One who strictly follow the Aachara-Anushtanam (Discipline and Best Practices).
Among the many Aacharaas following Dharma (Righteous) is the supreme most. Sri
Vishnu Sahasranamam says “Aachara Prathamo Dharma” (Aachara is first among all
Dharmaas). Among many Dharmas, Swadharma is very important to know and follow.
Without knowing Swadharma (one’s own hereditary duties practised by ancestors in
the family) accepting or adopting or embracing other’s Dharma is prohibited as
well as denounced. The one who does not follow his own Dharma but embracing
others’ Dharma will be considered as misbehaved, unworthy and get no salvation
to his life (Aathma). God had a reason for a person to be born in that
family…if anyone tries to confuse nature’s will then it is considered as a
big mistake and face the wrath of nature. Here I am taking the example of
religious conversions.
Nithya
Karmanushtaanam: Though there are plenty of Karmas (Actions) in
one’s life. However, all of them will fall under one roof called Pancha Yathnaas. It is also known as
Pancha Rinam (Five inherited subtle debts). They are known as Deva Yagnam,
Pithru Yagnam, Bhootha Yagnam, Rishi Yagnam and Athidhi/Manushya Yagnam.
Besides, these Thrikaala Sandhya Vandanam (Before Sunrise, Mid noon, Before
Sunset) followed by Samidha Dhana Homam for Brahmacharis and Oupasanam Homam
for a married couple during the late evening. Thereafter, Upasana / Ishta Devatha
Pooja to be conducted. A Brahmin also allowed doing Uncha Vruthi (one of the
highest class of activity) which is Biksha Yachanam i.e. requesting
householders to offer him Dhana-Dhanyam (food grains). Those collected items to
be used for self as well as needy’s hunger. Whatever prescribed duties of a
Brahmin must be conducted with full faith and respects. Teach others, conduct
Vaideeha Kriyas for others, accept Dhaanam (offerings given by others). These
are some of the daily best practices for a Brahmin’s life.
Brahmmam means Ghyaan (True
Knowledge). Although the Brahmmam is undefinable yet the great sages have given
some understanding about Brahmman. It is also considered a network of knowledge.
A Brahmin must surrender to this Brahmman and continue his life until the
Aathma exit this mortal body. A Brahmin, Manasa-Vacha-Karmana should not get
involved in doing Ahimsa to any beings at the same time uphold righteousness
and raise voice whenever the righteousness gets a hammering from others.
Just because he was born in the brahmin family does not guarantee his Brahma Thejass would continue to be with
him till his death. Being a blessed person by taking birth in a Brahmin family
one should strive hard to nurture and protect it from every harmful situation so that he can claim his Brahmin hood status. It is not an easy task, but he
must do as many austerities as possible.
Brahmmam has innumerable names
and forms. However, all these derived from two fundamental segments called Naama Cha Roopa (Name and Form). Among all the names, the Pranava Mantra OM represent as head of Naama and Easwara (Bhagavan) as Roopa (Form).
This Easwara swaroopam further classifieds into four parts and named them as
Varna and off late in practical life it is referred to as Jaathi (Caste). The
first portion between head and neck is called Brahmana Thejas, shoulders and hip is called Kshathriya Thejas, waist and legs are called Vaisya Thejas and finally, the feet are called Soodra Thejas – as referred in the Purusha Sooktham. I would like
to stress a point here on account of Soodra Thejas. It is not exactly Soodra,
in fact, the original name is Soothiran means the Planning Engineer. In the
recent past, some crooked people with vested interest made this segment of
people as untouchable and low class. That was a shameful act whoever involved
in it. In Veda, there is a definition for Soothiran as “Sucham Dhraavayandhi Ethi Soodrah”, this means the person who
quenches the sorrows of the needy. This segment of people sacrificed all their
comforts and worked throughout life for the welfare of higher authorities such
as Vaisya to Brahmana. At the same time, those three higher class people took
advantage of the simplicity maintained by the Soodraas. God is not to be blamed
for this act! who do you think God would love most? naturally the Soodraas,
that is why God gave them his feet’s. They are naturally sacrificed and lived
like slaves. We all know whatever type of pooja we do, all offerings are
offered only to the lotus feet of God. The Veda says only through sacrifice
(renounce/give up) one can attain liberation (Moksha). Whereas, without doing
any specific austerities this segment of people eventually merges in God due to
their simplicity and devoted lifestyle! One should not forget that human
beings’ success is completely depending on the foundation segment of people. In
our body, all parts are important likewise all types of people also important
in society. Every person was given an opportunity to cleanse their impurities
and sin through human birth at a different level of segment. This is only an
allotment hence hereafter it is the responsibility of the individual to fix a
mechanism that suits the person to elevate himself/herself!
This same concept can be interpreted
in another way. For the upliftment of human society, we should have four
important resources. They are 1. Knowledge
Skills, 2. Administration Skills,
3. Business Skills, 4. Labor Skills. In this sequence, the
Brahmin is the resources of Knowledge. Therefore, a Brahmin’s primary duty is
to acquire knowledge and practice knowledge-based skills. The learned knowledge
can be used for his own benefit as well as society’s welfare.
Brahmin’s other important Karma
is to accept “offerings” (Dhaan) from the giver. There is no one better than a
Brahmin to accept offerings for remedy purpose. As you know when you accept an
offer given by another person, I am sure, there could be a reason or a purpose
behind it. When you accept things from others you are also accepting their sin.
The giver gets Punya (holy credits/merits) and the receiver gets Paapa
(demerits/sin). There are only two authorities who can accept other’s sin. They
are God and the other one is a Vaideeha Brahmin. Whatever offerings are given to a
competent Brahmin that is as good as the offerings given to God in person.
After accepting the Dhaan, the receiver must bless the giver. The blessings
will have its effects only when the giver has Punya in his account otherwise no
effect will be there, this is just like accounting principles. Therefore, when a
Brahmin does his Sandhya Vandana Nithya Karma and Gayathri Upanasa he can
nullify the sin effects as well as gain more Punya for accepting Dhaan. The receiver must show full satisfaction and
not to crib and pinpoints defects of the received objects. An unworthy Brahmin
is not allowed to accept offerings. The Giver and the receiver will not get the desired results. Identifying the right genuine Brahmin and seek his blessings
are a must for the welfare of society.
A Brahmin should never ever get
involved in Himsa Karma by Manasa-Vacha-Karmana nor he should have any type of
relationship/friendship with such people (Himsaloo). In Kali Yuga (Black Era)
it is very difficult to practice and be a perfect Brahmin! However, one must
try his level best to accommodate as much as possible. Being Kali Yuga there
are exceptions and discounts in their rituals which I don’t need to elaborate
here because the purpose of this article will be defeated. In this Universe, there is no knowledge bigger
than acquiring Brahma Vidhya. Therefore, a Brahmin must try his best to gather
such Vedic knowledge and practice it to enrich the benefits.
Once upon a time, there were some
group of people who dedicated their life exclusively to gain this precious knowledge.
They isolated themselves from the crowd as a shield from getting spoiled by another
way of life, such people are called “Brahmins”. They don’t hate anyone, they
secluded from the other communities for self-guarding so that there will be no
interruption on their austerities. Everyone cannot live like a Brahmin, there
are strict guidelines to be followed. Brahmins never hate anyone but fond of
wisemen from the beginning of the human era. There is say “Brahmana Bho-Jana Priya”, means Brahmins highly respect the
wisemen. The modern crooks narrated this noble idea to capitalize on their selfish
motives as Brahmins divided touchable and untouchable category of people in the
society. Of-course, some ill-fated Brahmins might have behaved in such a
low-class manner. Now, they are undergoing the punishment given by nature
and God. Those genuine Brahmins may be called upon in case of any difficult
situation to be handled by others. They would come and perform the right ritual
to remove the misgivings and bless the needy. Whereas in today’s life anyone
who attained Brahma Ghyanam (True Knowledge which is Brahma Sathyam Jagath Mithya!)
can become a Brahmin. The only difference in gaining this knowledge is that a
person who was born to a hereditary Brahmin family through a pious would easily
acquire Brahma Vidhya as compare to others. The environment is also suitable for
him to do so because the family follows austerities.
In future, this Brahmanyam will
be only on the historical record because we will not find many people following
these strict guidelines of a Brahmin. Moreover, by doing so, they won’t be able
to sustain their family. Ideally, the rulers or government should take care of
them so that they can concentrate on the welfare of the public. Today’s situation
is different due to democratic and secularistic government policies in place.
Never mind, no one can snatch your Brahmin DNA as long as you live perfectly
within your limits. If a Brahmin follows his Vedic lifestyle nothing to worry
especially the society. God is the master and ruler of all, that God has
entrusted the responsibilities on Brahmin’s shoulders. So, Brahmins are directly
answerable God. If a Brahmin suffers, there is no doubt neither the society nor
the countries will prosper. All demons and wrongdoers are afraid of Brahmin’s
power.
A Brahmin’s biggest enemy is his
uncontrollable sexual urge and anger. His biggest weapon is curse and satisfaction should be his biggest close friend.
In today’s life, a Brahmin is
unable to conduct his duties and lose faith in his ancestor’s activities are
mainly due to his Aathma’s previous life bad karma. Knowing this, one should
try to evaluate the situation and swim against all types of odds by doing good
as an order of Vedic Sages and God. Since Brahmins are the head among human
beings they should not wait for other’s appreciations or certificates. Simply
perform your duty without any expectations, don’t forget, you are the reservoir
of all true knowledge, the direct representative of God and spokesperson of God!
The only issue here is that you must keep up the standard of Brahmin-hood.
Brahmins had an Aseervaada
Mantram referring to Vasudaiva Kutumba Mangala Vaakhyam known as “Loka
Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu”. In ancient times this Vakhyam was
exclusively narrated by Brahmins only. Whereas, nowadays in all spiritual
functions every Hindu/Bharateeya started saying it as part of worship. In fact,
only a true Brahmin will be able to say this Aseervadham wholeheartedly because
of his Gayathri Upasana during Thri-Kaala Sandhya Vandhanam. Every true
Brahmins can absorb the sins committed by others and burn it off through their
Upasana. That is why he could be the most eligible person to bless the world.
One needs a big heart to say this Vakhyam. People commit so many types of sins
and part of that sin is given to Brahmins as parihara dhaanam (Offerings for
remedy). Brahmins are knowingly accepting that sin with their both hands. Who
will accept other’s sin except for God and Brahmins? That is why Brahmins are known
as Devathas of earth. Don’t you think, it is everyone’s responsibility to
sustain Brahmin’s life and his Bheejam?
At present, some of the Brahmins
who still follow whatever said in the Sanathana Dharma Sastra, due to which we
could retain our Veda-Vendantha-Mantra rituals. However, time and environment
are mocking them often. Whoever can do whatever they want! but a true Brahmin
cannot disobey his ancestors and God’s instructions. Even if he tries to avoid,
his mano dharmam (inner consciousness) will not allow for a longer period
because his DNA is still belonging to his ritualistic ancestors! We all know
that the DNA can get depleted over a period, therefore be careful, it may not stay
forever due to unacceptable way of living style. If a true Brahmin exists, then
all Vedic rituals will be alive otherwise everything will disappear from this
earth. The remedy is very important to solve an eternal problem and Brahmins are
the custodians of that knowledge.
After knowing so much about
Brahmins, one will conclude that Brahmins are the elder brothers of all human
beings, their female born are elder sisters too. Whenever youngsters face with
problems they have the right to approach elders and find suitable solutions as a remedy. At the same time, if elders are having a problem then they must directly
deal with God. Now, this system is also getting changed because everyone knows
many things that only Brahmins use to know. I would say hereditary knowledge is
still safe and superior to acquired knowledge from open sources.
The Universal Supreme Power lives
through various Gods and Goddesses, the Gods are living in Vedas and the Vedas
lives in the tongues of Brahmins. It is hard to deny this truth.
Who or what should be the close friend
of a Brahmin?
Brahma Ghyanam (True Knowledge),
Kshama (Patience), Sam-thrupthi (Satisfaction), Suseelam (Good Conducts),
Dhaanam (Accepting offerings), Sadh-Upadesam (Wise-advises), Aachara Anushtanam
(Vedic duties), Saucham (Maintain purity), Ahimsa (non-violence), Dhushta Jana
Visargam (Staying away from bad people in all respects), Theerthadan (Pilgrimage),
Gayathri Upasana (Worship Gayathri Devi), Pasu Samrakshanam (taking care of
domestic animals), Paithruka Samskaras (Respect and maintain ancestral rituals),
Dharma Samrakshanam (Uphold righteousness), Bagawat Chhinna Dhaaranam (Wearing
symbols or ticks of personal God), Upaveetham (Sacred Thread), Sikhi (Hair
Tilt), Arghya Jala Pathram / Pancha Pathram (Sacred pot), Veda Grandhas (Vedic
Scriptures), Eka Baava (Simplicity), Japa Maala (Rosery), Dhaya (Compassion),
Easwara Viswas (Faith in God), Ahaara Sudhi (Pure freshly made vegetarian food)
and Thrikaala Sandhya Vandanam (Worshiping Sandhya Devi at cusps).
In this Earth, it is rare to get a
human birth, that too becoming a male child (due to X Chromosome, in Sanathana
Dharma females are part of males hence no special mention!). Even that birth happens
to be in an auspicious Brahmin family is much more adorable. One becoming Brahma
Ghyaani and attain liberation (Moksha) is anytime worthy. No Brahmin should
waste this great opportunity.
May be some critics may raise an inappropriate
concern on this article pinpointing that I am trying to divide humans and
seeing them as high and low class. I am sure you are wrong, not me! kindly note
that is not my intention. I just thought of picking up this subject and elaborate
it so that everyone can becoming a true good Brahmin! One truth to be accepted
that in this Earth from time immemorial to date there is always three-level classes
existed viz high-middle-lower. This unborn classification is not made by me, it
is there from the beginning of our life and it will be there irrespective of the
civilizations! I would like to stress a few examples to justify my approach to
the high to the low concept so that one can stay away from misunderstanding me. Everywhere
there is a rich and poor, up-countries and poor countries, trees, vegetables,
animals, rivers, seas whatnot… everything in this world has a higher and lower
class. Therefore, need not hesitate or shy away from mentioning that Brahmin-hood
is somewhat a better class than non-brahmin-hood. Everyone must try their best
to become a Brahmin as Savarni and ignore the confusing concept of Jathi Vyavastha
(caste system). The Sastra says “Janmana Jaayathe Soodrah Karma Dwija
Uchyathe” every human by birth is a Soodran but he/she can become a Brahmin
by doing wise things in life (i.e. grow from bottom to top ladder). If a person
took birth in a Brahmin family and he is not performing austerities prescribed
by the Sastras, then automatically his Brahmin-hood will be disappeared and
become a non-Brahmin in the society as well as in Brahmana Samooham. There are
so many cases where Brahmana Samooham has denounced the Brahmin-hood of some
people born in the Brahmin family due to their misconduct.
If a Brahmin happens to read this
article and he feels that he has committed mistakes, then the only and
immediate solution or remedy (Prayaschitham) is to do the next Sandhya
Vandanam. When a Brahmin lives within his prescribed manners, naturally the other
communities will change their understanding of Brahmins. When a Brahmin
conducts silly mistakes due to unavoidable circumstances, such sins can be
washed out when he performs next Sandhya Vandanam. This Sandhya Vandanam has so
much of power that even the greatest Rishis and Mahapurushaas including God’s
incarnations have conducted without fail knowing to its benefits.
Whatever I have described here is
in the case of a Vaideeha (Aanthareeka) Brahmanan’s lifestyle. Whereas, whoever-wherever
born does not matter, but perform a devoted Ahimsa life and live like a Vaideeha
Brahmanan to become a Dhaiveega (Baahika) Brahmanan.
Brahmin-hood is a class of purity
(Savarni) among human beings than a mere Jaathi (Caste). Every Avarni
(Non-Brahmin) should try to become a Savarni that is what the expectation of
Mahathmaas and God! So, let’s try!
***Subham***
R V Venkiteswaran
(Venky)
Dated 3rd
June 2020
