[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.302 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.302 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.302 - **Language:** English ### [c5.302](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.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 :— - [Previous: c5.301](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.301) - [Next: c5.303](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.303) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) ## Linked texts (2) - [Mānava Dharmaśāstra](https://indike.org/pramana/in.niti.dharma.manu) — Manu & Bhṛgu, Sanskrit - [Śatapathabrāhmaṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.veda.brahmana.satapatha) — Yājñavalkya & Śāṇḍilya (Vedic teacher), Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.302](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.302) · Pramāṇa