Brahmanism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- This article deals with the etymology of the term and the history of Brahmanism. For the religious beliefs and history of the Hindu caste, see Brahmin. For the religion, see Hinduism.
Brahmanism, also Brahminism, is the name given to Hinduism by some authors in the 19th century CE.[1] The term is considered derogatory by many Hindus.[2] Today's practice in most scholarly works is to use the term Hinduism. Some anti-Hindu groups use the term to denigrate Hinduism by making it refer to a rigid adherence to caste and untouchability.
Contents |
[edit] History
In India and Nepal, Brahmins, being members of the highest caste, historically enjoyed high social status as being traditionally learned and many for their religious knowledge.
The Vaishya were artisans and craftsmen and later connected with trade, the cultivation of the land and the breeding of cattle; while those of a Kshatriya consist in ruling and defending the people, administering justice, and the duties, of the military profession generally. Both share with the Brahman the privilege of reading the Veda, but only so far as it is taught and explained to them by their spiritual preceptor. To the Brahman belongs the right of teaching and expounding the sacred texts, and also that of interpreting and determining the law and the rules of caste. Shudras were farmers and agricultural workers, and performed traditionally the agriculture related work.
At the top of the social pyramid, Brahmans (Brahmins) vied for the ancient Indian society's spiritual conscience with two other groups of 'wise men' - the Shramanas or ascetics, mostly of the Buddhist, Jain and similar denominations (see Sramanism) - and the mystics or saints like Namdev, Kabir & Narayana Guru.
On a philosophical level, Brahmans and Brahmanism, in its original, essential form, one of the best examples of the 'instrumentalist' school - which believes the universe (Macrocosm) can be manipulated by suitably altering a smaller model (Microcosm) of it. The Brahmans, as such, specialized in providing such services, consisting of elaborate ceremonies meant to mimic the world called 'Havana' or 'Yagnja', to those who could afford to pay for such (usually expensive) services - mainly the ruling sections and the traders.
Kings of lore, for example, hired Brahmans to carry out what are essentially magical works to cause damage to their enemies before setting out on wars, or to make sure they did not get killed or to have children. Other Brahman ceremonies included those to bring down rain, ensure a healthy harvest etc..
The philosophical/theoretical aspects of true Brahmanism is well reflected in the Indian school of thought known as 'Mimamsa'.
At the time of the Vedic period, and even during the common Indo-Persian period, the sacrificial ceremonial had already become sufficiently complex to call for the creation of a certain number of distinct priestly functions with special duties attached to them. While this shows clearly that the position and occupation of the priest were those of a profession, the fact that the terms brahmatza and brahmaputra, both denoting the son of a Brahmin, are used in certain hymns as synonyms of Brahmin, seems to justify the assumption that the profession was hereditary at the time when these hymns were composed.
[edit] Etymology
The word Brahmanism is derived from the word Brāhmaṇ (anglicized as Brahmin). The religion practised by the members of the Brahmin caste was called as Brahmanism by some authors. Some extended this term to the whole of Hinduism. However this is questioned by some as Hinduism consists of many more aspects and denominations other than Brahmanism.[3]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Brahmanism and Hinduism, (an anti-Hindu article)
- ^ Decolonizing the Hindu Mind. Dr Koenraad Elst. Rupa &Co. 2005. ISBN 81-291-0746-5. Page 90
- ^ Hindu Sects
[edit] References
- H. H. Wilson, Essays on the Religion of the Hindus
- J. Miur, Original Sanskrit Texts
- M. Muller, History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature
- C. Lassen, Indische Alterthumskunde
- Elphinstone, History of India, ed. by E. B. Cowell.
