A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.302

c5.302

BRĀHMAN. The first of the four castes; the sacerdotal class, the members of which may be, but are not necessarily, priests. A Brāhman is the chief of all created beings; his person is inviolate; he is entitled to all honour, and enjoys many rights and privileges. The Satapatha Brāhmana declares that “there are two kinds of gods; first the gods, then those who are Brāhmans, and have learnt the Veda and repeat it : they are human gods.” The chief duty of a Brāhman is the study and teaching of the Vedas, and the performance of sacrifices and other religious ceremonies; but in modern times many Brāhmans entirely neglect these duties, and they engage in most of the occupations of secular life. Under the law of Manu, the life of a Brāhman was divided into four āsramas or stages :—