Hindu Administrative Institutions c8.s2.21

c8.s2.21

First of all the word ‘priest’ is a misnomer in ancient Indian historical literature. It conveys no meaning at all to the student of Indian Literature. The Brahmana community were never a class of priests as we understand to-day by this term. Every member of this community was accorded reverence and respect not because they were highly trained in sacrificial rites but for their deep and great learning of the whole sacred lore, and also for their शुचि (purity), शील (character) and आचार, which is putting into practice what they had learnt. According to Vasiṣṭha: ‘He alone is a Brahman who controls his mind, practises austerities, conquers the senses, is large-hearted, truthful, pure, versed in sacred lore, compassionate, is full of practical experience, intelligence and the quality of faith.’¹