翻譯名義集 2.116

2.116

[Brāhmaṇa]: The Pumen shu says: "Translated as 'pure conduct.' A clan of the beginning of the kalpa who lived at leisure in the mountains and wilds; hence people called them 'those of pure conduct.'" Sengzhao said: "In Qin it is called 'outer intention' (waiyi). Their clan has distinct scriptures, transmitted from generation to generation, taking the study of the Dao as their occupation. Some are householders, some renunciants; many rely on their own arts and ways, being arrogant toward others." Master Ying says: "This is an abbreviated phonetic error. Fully, it is brāhmaṇa, whose meaning is 'one who inherits and practices the Dharma of Brahmā.' Those of this caste say of themselves that they were born from the mouth of Brahmā; being the most supreme among the four castes, they exclusively take Brahmā's name. They exist only in the Five Indias, not in other countries. The brahmacārins in the various sūtras are this same designation. The correct translation is 'pure descendant', stating that they are the scions of Brahmā."