一切經音義 29.57

29.57

Brāhmaṇa (婆羅門): A corrupted, incorrect Sanskrit transcription. Or written 婆羅賀摩, which is also corrupt. The correct Sanskrit sound is *brāhmaṇa* (沒囉憾摩), translated into the Tang language as "pure conduct" (淨行) or "Brahma-conduct" (梵行), which is the name of the Brahmā gods of the First Dhyāna in the form realm. The people of that country are divided into four classes, of which the brāhmaṇas are one. They transmit among themselves the tradition: 'We were born from the mouth of Brahmā,' taking the name of Brahmā alone as their designation. Handing down their hereditary profession through the generations, they study the four Vedas (*catvāro vedāḥ*). Generally, they are broadly learned and knowledgeable, upholding an upright and pure resolve, possessing refined literary culture and lofty moral principles, and do not serve in official posts. Those among them who are clever, outstanding, and discerning frequently become preceptors to kings, receiving fiefs to reside in, and are held to be of the supreme class.