Pranam
*Qualities of a Brahmin*
*The views of Hindu scriptures (Vedas and Gita) on the qualities of a
Brahmin*
*“Brahmin”* is just a code word for a “Sattvic person” or if you so wish,
“a good person”.. So, don’t be hung up on caste identities and merely
ennoble yourself by imbibing the below qualities: Bhagavad-gītā (18.42):
śamo damas tapaḥ śaucaṁ kṣāntir ārjavam eva ca
jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ brahma-karma svabhāva-jam
"Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty,
knowledge, wisdom and religiousness—these are the natural qualities by
which the brāhmaṇas work." .
According to Gautama Dharma Sastras, every Brahmin should
possess eight
virtues like truthfulness, teaching the virtuous, following the rules of
rituals, studying the Vedas, gentleness and nonviolence, self control and
kindness and others. Baudhayana Dharma Sutras require a Brahmin to refrain
from anger. He should never be arrogant. Vasishta Dharma Sutras insist on
austerity, self control, purity, compassion, erudition, intelligence and
religious faith. According to Manu Smriti, “ A well disciplined Brahmin
although he knows just the Savitri verse is far better than an
undisciplined one who eats all types of food and deals in all types of
merchandise though he may know all three Vedas” ( Manu Smriti 2.118) A
Brahmin can engage himself in agriculture, trade, lend money on interest,
become a warrior in times of adversity and take up any occupation to
sustain himself according to Gautama Dharma Sutras!
Manu Smriti forbids Brahmins from producing or trading in poison,
weapons, meat, trapping birds and others, *Six duties are prescribed for
the Brahmin. He has to study the Vedas which is called ‘ adhyayana’. He
should teach and instruct the students in the Vedas called as‘
adhyapana’.He should perform yagna or sacrifices for the welfare of
society. This is called ‘ yajana’. He should get the sacrifices performed
by others which is termed ‘ yaajana’. He should offer alms to others and
this is called ‘ dana’. He should also receive alms from others which is
termed ‘ prarigraha’.* How many of us, today, follow at least a few of the
principles prescribed by these Dharma Sutras? We don’t know even the names
of these Sastras and Sutras! We are ignorant of the lineage of our
ancestors --gotras and the hoary past to which we belong
*What is the duty of a Brahmin?*
*There are eleven qualities of Brahmin as defined in the Vedas:*
1. Ability to forgive (shama)
2. Kindness to everyone with equality
3. Pursuit internal/external Holiness
4. Follows Truth
5. Control over Maya or moham
6. Avoids sinful activities
7. Seeker of knowledge
8. Educating others
9. knowledge of Vedas
10. Meditation
11. Knowledge of Brahman
Bhagwad Gita 18.42 states that Brahmin should work by following these prime
qualities:
1. Tranquility
2. Restraint
3. Austerity
4. Patience
5. Integrity
6. Knowledge
7. Belief in a hereafter
8. Peacefulness
9. Purity
10. Tolerance
11. Honesty
12. Wisdom
13. Religiousness
The above are the intrinsic qualities of work for Brahmins.
*Brahmins are to learn and teach some of the following Vedic concepts in
detail:*
1. Spirituality
2. Philosophy
3. Dance and music
4. Religion
5. Rituals
6. Yoga
7. Temples, arts and culture
8. Grammar and pronunciation
9. Astrology and astronomy
10. Logic and mathematics
11. Law, military strategy, and martial arts
12. Surgery, medicine, and technology
KR IRS 5/12/21
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