"What should be the character of Brahmins?" "ब्राह्मणों का चरित्र कैसा होना चाहिए?"
In the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, a true Brahmin is described as one who possesses knowledge of Brahman, the Supreme Soul or ultimate reality. Central to being a true Brahmin is humility, or the absence of ego (ahamkara), which is viewed as an essential virtue. This humility naturally emerges when one perceives the divine presence in all things and understands the impermanence of material existence and the ego. The Bhagavad Gita (18.42) highlights the key traits of a Brahmin, which include peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom, and devotion to the divine.
According to Vasistha Dharmasutra in verse 6.23 and various religious texts and scriptures in Hinduism, the Brahmins are expected to possess a set of virtuous characteristics. These characteristics typically include:
1.Purity (Shaucha): Brahmins are expected to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual purity through cleanliness and righteous living.
2.Austerity (Tapas): They should practice self-discipline and asceticism to cultivate inner strength and resilience.
3.Truth and Truthfulness (Satya):
Truth: Brahmins must grasp the reality of the supreme soul, understanding that the soul is eternal while the body is merely temporary. The body eventually succumbs to death, but the immortal soul departs and continues to exist. This understanding embodies the ultimate truth.
Truthfulness (Satya): The principles of honesty and the commitment to speak truthfully are vital virtues for Brahmins. The Shrimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana), Canto 8, Chapter 20, states, "The earth cannot bear the burden of a liar." This powerful assertion underscores the profound teachings surrounding truth and righteousness in our lives.
4.Non-violence (Ahimsa): Avoiding harm to all living beings and practicing compassion is essential.
5.Vedic Knowledge (Veda Adhyayana): Proficiency in the Vedas and other sacred texts is a hallmark of a Brahmin's learning. Brahmins are expected to understand the principles of spiritual realization (self-realization) and the concept of liberation (Moksha or Nirvana), and the creation of the universe (Brahmāṇḍa or ब्रह्माण्ड) and its lokas (worlds or realms).[Please read 3rd canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and other concerned/related canto & chapter of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam].
6.Generosity (Dana): Brahmins are encouraged to be generous and support others through charity and acts of kindness.
7.Self-Control (Dama): They should possess strong self-control over their desires and emotions.
8.Compassion (Daya): Showing compassion and empathy towards all living beings is highly valued.
9.Intelligence (Buddhi): Brahmins are expected to cultivate wisdom and intellect.
10.Religious Faith (Shraddha): A strong, unwavering faith in the divine, combined with a dedicated commitment to religious practices, is essential. This includes belief in the core principles of Sanatana Dharma, such as the Vedas, Brahman, reverence for Gomata (the sacred cow), the practice of Tapasya (austerity), and the importance of Yajna (sacrificial rituals).
11.Offering to God:- Offering to God generally refers to the act of dedicating or giving something to a deity as an expression of devotion and reverence for the divine. Brahmins are expected to offer everything to God first—whether it is their good deeds, food, clothing, or any other activity.
This practice resonates with Lord Krishna's teaching in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 9, Verse 27, which emphasizes the essence of offering everything to the divine:
Chapter 9, Verse 27 conveys this sense of devotion as follows::
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत्।
यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम्॥
हिंदी अनुवाद: हे कुन्ती पुत्र! तुम जो भी करते हो, जो भी खाते हो, पवित्र यज्ञाग्नि में जो आहुति डालते हो, जो भी दान देते हो, जो भी तपस्या करते हो, यह सब मुझे अर्पित करते हुए करो।
Translation: Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever offerings you make to the sacred fire, whatever you give as a gift, and whatever austerities you perform, O son of Kunti, do them as an offering to Me.
In addition to the above-mentioned characteristics, all Brahmins should embody the following qualities, which lie at the heart of every religion:
Modest view: Maintaining a modest view of one's importance, recognizing the value in others, and being open to learning and growth.
Patience(Sanskrit: तितिक्षा 'forbearance'): Exhibiting endurance and calmness in the face of difficulties and delays, maintaining composure and understanding. As per Uddhava Gita it is "patient endurance of suffering."
Tolerance: Accepting and respecting the beliefs, practices, and differences of others, fostering harmony and understanding.
Wisdom: Seeking knowledge and understanding, applying insight and good judgment in all aspects of life.
These virtues, combined with sacrifice, morality, honesty, and conscientiousness, form a comprehensive ethical framework that guides Brahmins and aligns with the core principles of every religion.
Sacrifice: The act of giving up something valuable or important for the sake of others or for a greater cause.
Morality: Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.
Honesty: The quality of being truthful and transparent. Honesty involves being straightforward and sincere, which fosters trust and integrity in relationships and society.
Conscientiousness: The trait of being diligent, pure conscience, careful, and thorough in one's actions and duties.
"Avoid condemnation" or "Avoid criticism." It implies refraining from speaking negatively or criticizing others.
All devout Brahmins are expected to integrate Trikal Sandhya into their religious routines as it is a basic foundational practices for the preservation of the entire system of duties and knowledge.
The renowned scriptures emphasize repeatedly. "विप्रो वृक्षस्तस्य मूलं च सन्ध्या वेदः शाखा धर्म कर्माणि पत्रम् । तस्मात्मूलं यत्नतो रक्षणीयं छिन्ने मूले नैव शाखा न पत्रम् ।।"
The verse can be translated into English as follows:
"The Brahmin is like a tree; its root is the Sandhya (ritual), the Vedas are its branches, and duties (karmas) are its leaves. Therefore, the root must be diligently protected, for if the root is severed, neither the branches nor the leaves survive." This verse emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the foundational practices represented by the root (Sandhya) for the preservation of the entire system of duties and knowledge symbolized by the branches (Vedas) and leaves (karmas).
Considering the information provided, it is suggested that devout Brahmins may choose to incorporate Trikal Sandhya into their religious routines. I would like to conclude this article by extending my warm regards, best wishes, love, and gratitude to everyone. Thank you, and please take a moment to read this poem at the end.
The Brahmin:-
With peaceful heart and mind serene,
A Brahmin walks, unseen, unseen.
In self-control, he finds his way,
And darkness fades before the day.
Austere in life, content in soul,
In purity, he finds his role.
No wealth of gold or pride of name—
Just virtue’s light, a steady flame.
With tolerance he greets the world,
Where anger's storms may yet be hurled.
Honesty his shining guide,
A beacon clear, he cannot hide.
In knowledge deep, in wisdom's grace,
He journeys on, a sacred space.
Devotion pure, a light divine,
To realms unseen his heart aligns.
So walks he forth, the noble one,
A path aglow, till day is done.
In gentle ways, he shows us all,
How high the spirit yet can call.
Prabir Kumar Mahanti is an Indian author who was born into a Utkal Brahmin family in the Indian state of West Bengal. He is known for his books, which are sold through Amazon.com, Flipkart.com, and Abebooks.com. Prabir is known for his genre/style of writing and has gained a dedicated following of readers who appreciate his unique perspective/engaging storytelling/etc. Prabir Kumar Mahanty has a passion for writing and has dedicated his career to creating engaging and thought-provoking works for his readers. His books and articles cover a wide range of genres and topics, and he is highly popular within the intellectual community for his contributions.
प्रबीर कुमार महंती एक भारतीय लेखक हैं। उनका जन्म भारतीय राज्य पश्चिम बंगाल में एक उत्कल ब्राह्मण परिवार में हुआ था। उनकी किताबें Amazon.com,flipkart.com और abebooks.com के जरिए बेची जाती हैं। 12 लाख से अधिक लोगों ने उनकी किताबें और लेख पढ़े हैं।
