Hinduism, known as Sanātana Dharma,

(सनातन धर्म) and Vaidik-Dharma

 A worldwide religious tradition rooted in Indian
culture and based on teachings of the Vedas
 Origin can be traced back further than 3103 B.C.
 Third largest religion in the world
 Following of approximately one billion people
 Ninety-eight percent of Hinduism's practitioners
can be found on the Indian subcontinent
 Hinduism
 Helped billions of people over the world to make
sense of life and to live orderly lives centered on belief
in the existence of universal moral principles for
thousands of years.

 Many non-Hindus have adopted Hinduism.

 Lipner (1998) points out:

 for “well over 3,000 years” Hinduism, or the “plural reality
named as such,” has “regularly produced men and
women down the ages who have made
outstanding contributions across the range of the
civilized human endeavor.”
 Vedas
 Among the oldest sacred texts
 Believed to be the first literary documents
in the history of humankind
 The oral tradition of Sruti (Vedic chanting)
has been declared an intangible heritage
of humanity by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) in 2003 as an
outstanding form of cultural expressions.
 Rig Veda
 The oldest among the four Vedas
 SAM VEDA ,YAJUR VEDA ,ATHARVEDA
 Fountain source of the so-called Hindu
culture in all its manifestations that spread
beyond the Indian subcontinent to large
parts of South and South East Asia, as well
as parts of Central Asia.
 Manuscripts have been selected for
inscription in UNESCO's "Memory of the
World" Register 2007
 Definition of “Brahman”
 “Brahmam Janati Sah Brahmanh”
 a person who is knowledgeable in supreme
universal spirit is called Brahman
 One who knows God and has the knowledge of
God

 One who has the knowledge of Vedas, an

intellectual, a priest, a teacher, a professor, a
person belonging to Brahman caste.
 Brahmanism Defined By Sanskrit Text

 Rigveda (7.103.8) describes a Brahman as:

 “Brahmanasaha Somino Vaacham Akrata Brahma Krinvantaha”
 Brahmans are fully nonviolent, engaged in good deeds and deep
meditation, propagate pure knowledge through lectures etc.,
recognize merit in others. They do not hide anything.

 Rigveda also says:

 A Brahman should bring even an enemy to the good path. (5.34.6)
 A Brahman should move with the light of knowledge. (2.22.2)
 A Brahman should try to increase inner power (atmabala). (6.63.5)
 A Brahman should be efficient in work, and try to raise the standards
of others. (6.63.5)
 Brahmanism Defined By Sanskrit Text

 Vasishtasmriti states:
 A Brahman’s body is not for enjoyment. It is
meant for difficult sadhana and ultimately to
attain Moksha.

 Paatanjali Mahaabhaashya says:

 A Brahman should learn Vedas without
expecting any returns.
 Brahmanism Defined By Sanskrit Text

 It can be concluded that a person does

not become a Brahman by birth alone.
 Brahmanism has to be earned with
constant efforts.
Brahmanism Defined By Sanskrit Text

 There was enough freedom in Hinduism

to choose one’s Varna.
 Examples:
 Vishvaamitra, who was Kshatriya king,
became a Brahmarshi through the practice of
Brahmanic virtues
 Likewise, Parashurama and Dronaachaarya,
who were Brahmans, took to arms and
fighting as they adopted the Kshatriya
profession.
 Background on Brahmans
 During the sutra period (1000 BC to 200 BC),
Brahmans became divided into various Sakhas
(branches) based on their adoption of the
different Vedas.
 The teachings of these rishis are called “sutras.”
 Every Veda has its own sutras.
 Sutras are generally written in prose or in mixed
prose and verse.
 Background on Brahmans
 The inter and intra differences in Smriti has led to the rigid
stratification of subcastes among Brahmans
 Some examples of sutras are:
 Dharma sutra (sutras that deal with social, moral and legal
precepts)
 Srauta sutras (sutras that deal with ceremonials)
 Gruhya sutras (sutras that deal with domestic rituals)
 The oldest among these Dharma Sutras are:
 Apasthambha
 Baudhayana
 Gautama
 Vasishta Sutras
 Background on Brahmans
 Brahmans in the Indian Continent are divided by Narmada River into
two major groups: Panch Gaur and Panch Dravida

 Panch Gaur group constitutes the five Northern India classes:

 Saraswata
 Kanyakubja
 Gauda
 Utkala
 Maithila.

 Panch Dravida group constitutes the five Southern India classes:

 Andhra
 Dravida
 Karnataka
 Maharashtra
 Gujarat
 Background on Brahmans
 According to Sherring, one legend states that all the chief
Brahman gotras are descended from the Saptarishis (seven sages).
 The sages and their corresponding gotras are the following:
 Sage Bhrigu: Vatsa, Bida, Arshtikhena, Yaska, Mitryu, Shaunak and
Bainya
 Sage Angirah: Gautam, Bharadwaj and Kewal-Angiras
 Sage Atri: Atre, Badbhutak, Garishtira and Mudhgala
 Sage Viswamitra: Kaushika, Lohit, Raukshak, Kamkayana, Aja, Katab,
Dhananjya, Agamarkhan, Puran and Indrakaushika
 Sage Kasyap: Nidruba, Kasyap, Sandila, Rebha and Langakshi
 Sage Vashisht: Vashisht, Kundin, Upamanyu, Parashara and
Jatukaraniya
 Sage Agastya: Idhamabahar, Somabahar, Sambhabahar and
Yagyabhar
 Other gotras have been derived from the gotras above.
 Background on Brahmans
 Sherring has also listed some chief gotras according to the
Veda each one observes.
 The Bhargavs, Sankritas, Gargs (Chandras), Bhrigus and
Saunaks follow the Rig Veda.
 The Kasyaps, Vatsas, Sandilas and Dhananjays follow the Sama
Veda.
 The Bharadwajs, Angirahs, Gautams and Upamanyus observe
the Yajur Veda.
 The Kaushikas, Gritakaushikas, Mudhgalas, Galawas and
Vashishts follow the Atharva Veda.
 All others follow the Yajur Veda.
 Background on Brahmans
 Various Brahman Communities
 Note: The following list does not represent all the Brahman castes of the
Indian Continent

Andhra Niyogi Vaidiki Chitpavana Daivajna

Gouda
Deshastha Dhima Gaur Havyaka
Saraswat
Hoysala Iyers
Kandavara Karade Karhada
Karnataka Iyengers
Kashmiri
Kayastha Khandelwal Konkanasta Kota
Saraswat
Rajapur
Koteshwara Nagar Namboothii Padia
Saraswat
Chitrapur Kashmiri Haryana
Saraswat Saraswat
Saraswat Saraswat Saraswat
Shivalli Smarta Sthanika Tuluva Vaishnava
 Origins of Brahmans
 Brahman community all over the world considers Bhagwan
Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu to be
their “Isht Dev”.
 He belongs to the treta yuga. He was born to father Jamdagni
and mother Renuka on the Tritia of Shukla Paksh of the month
of Baisakha (Akshaya Tritia) in the first quarter of night.
 He is considered all omni potent, omni present and
omniscient. He is not confined to one community or one sect,
or one religion or region.
 He had led the struggle of “The Oppressed” against “The
Oppressor”. He stood like a rock with “The Meek and The
Weak”. He is considered one of the seven immortal
(Chiranjeevi) human.
 Virtues of Brahmans
 According to the translation of the above shlokas (Gita
Chapter 18-42), the natural duties appropriate for the
Brahmans are:
 Samah: Serenity
 Damah: Self-control
 Tapas: Austerity
 Saucam: Purity
 Shantih: Peace
 Arjavam: Honesty
 Jnanam: Knowledge of Vesas
 Vijnanam: Wisdom
 Astikam: Firm faith
 Virtues of Brahmans
 The Mahabharatha states:
 “Satyam Daanam Kshamaa Sheelam
aanrishamsyam Tapoghrinaa. Drishyanthe
Yatra Naagendra Sa Brahman Iti Smritam.”
 Satyam: Truth
 Daanam: Giving
 Kshamaa: Forgiveness
 Sheelam: Good-natured
 Aanrishamsyam: Without laziness
 Tapoghrinaa: Austerity
Virtues of Brahmans in Ramayan
 In Janakpuri, after the breaking of Lord Shiva's bow by Lord
Ram, Parasuram was extremely mad at Lord Ram. Lord Ram
told him politely, "Oh Brahman Maharaj,
 Ramcharit Manas Tulasi Das Ji has narrated:
 हमहहिं तम
ु हहिं सरबर कस नाथा, कहहु तो कहॉ चरण कह माथा
नाथ एक गण ु धनष ु हमारे , नव गण
ु ऩरम ऩन
ु ीत तम्
ु हारे ।
 Goswami Tulasidas ji has only indicated the nine qualities of
Brahmans. These qualities are quoted in Brahmpuran as
follows:
 ऋिजू, तऩस्वी , सिंतोषी , ऺमा , ववद्या , ऋजतेऋरियः ।
ऻाता , दाता, दयाऱःु च , ब्राह्मणस्य नवभ ः गण ु ः
 Simplicity, austerity, fulfilled, forgiveness, knowledge, control on
senses, well-versed, charity, kindness are the nine qualities of
Brahmans.
 Genetics of Brahmans
 In 2001, 18 member researchers from the
United States, the United Kingdom, and India
lead by Dr. Michael Bamshad, University of
Utah's Eccles Institute of Human Genetics in
Salt Lake City, USA
 Conducted research by drawing blood samples
from eight different populations in the lower,
middle and upper castes of Andhra Pradesh
 Compared the affinities of the castes of
different ranks to about 750 Africans, Asians
and Europeans
 Genetics of Brahmans
 The research indicated:
 The origin of the members of the upper castes
(Brahmans) are genetically more similar to
Europeans (more specifically Western Eurasians).
 The origin of the members of the lower castes are
more similar to Asians.

 This is an indication that the ethnic genetic origin

of Indian Brahman might not be a superficial one,
as thought so far, but a separate genetic entity,
either pure or admixture, distinct from rest of
the castes.
 Genetics of Brahmans
 Brahmans throughout the ages have been accustomed to
various Vedic rituals. Their diets, clothing, and lifestyles give
emphasis to learning.
 Therefore, brain development and Brahmans are highly
interlinked. It is established that physical brain size- the
number of brain cells, size of neurons, weights etc. are based
on heredity.
 In 2001, researchers of the University of California detected a
genetic continuum in which brain structure was increasingly
similar with increasing genetic affinity.
 Many cognitive skills are surprisingly heritable, with strong
genetic influences on IQ, verbal and spatial abilities,
perceptual speed, and even some personality qualities,
behavior, including emotional reactions to stress.
 Genetics of Brahmans
 It is postulated that Brahmans who have been using their brain
cells, particularly frontal lobe for memory and cognition,
maybe be endowed with more intellectual skills.
 A strong relationship was observed between genes and brain
structure, particularly in frontal regions; those who use their
brain less might have a higher risk of developing
neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and
frontotemporal dementia.
 Until caste and generation-based brain mapping results are
available, we cannot state the validity of our speculations.
 Further brain studies (FMRIs and DTIs) should be done in
collaboration with universities like UCLA and USC to better
understand:
 Similarities of the Brahman brain structures
 Vulnerability of the Indian population to neurological diseases.
 Accomplishments of Brahmans
 Out of the six Indian Noble Prize recipients, four are
Brahman. Ravindra Nath Tagore, Sir CV Raman, Dr.
Subramaniam Chandrasekhar and Dr. Venkataraman
Ramakrishnan
 In the U.S.A, five percent of the physicians are of
Indian origin. From the five percent, about one third
are Brahmans.
 Many Brahmans hold administrative positions in
educational institutions across the globe.
 Brahmans have had great success in the business
world.
Current State of Brahmans
 While many individuals follow the
Brahman teachings, a larger number are
choosing to withdraw from the Brahman
communal life.
 Reasons for withdrawal
 Advent of western culture
 Disintegration of societal values
 Material prosperity
 Lack of unity between Brahman subgroups
 Impact of Withdrawal
 Societal chaos
 Degradation of moral values
 A rise of corruption in public and private life
 Younger generations are being disarrayed
in an absence of a dicta
 Continuous disintegration of Brahmanism
at home and in the public life
 Remedy
 Brahmanism is in dire need of resuscitation and
revitalization

 The solution for this problem is not very simple.

 Multiple steps need to be taken.

 We need:
 Immediate Comprehensive Resuscitation Plan
 Short Terms Goals
 Long Term Goals
 Dedicated Individuals
 Funding Sources
 Immediate Resuscitation
• Take responsibility for what is happening today

 Unite all the Brahman organizations to form a

universal mission statement with clear goals

 Set personal interests aside for the better of the

community

 Educate ourselves with Brahman teachings

 Follow the Brahman teachings on a daily basis

 Promote the Brahman values in your own household

 Short Term Remedy
 Form a digital database with Brahmanic literature
and teachings under the leadership of GBC

 Hold education seminars at the Hindu temples

 Hold Vedic and Sanskrit literacy missions at temples

 Arrange for inspirational speakers to speak to the

community

 Organize social Brahmanic events for the children

 Invite all Brahman families to communal events

 Long Term Remedy
 Translate all the Brahmanic literature to other languages
(English, Hindi…etc.)
 Form community centers for Brahmans and non-Brahmans
 Open up public health clinics and educational institutions for
Brahmans and non-Brahmans
 Provide support for disadvantaged Brahman and no-
Brahman students through Brahman scholarship programs
 Use modern technology to form a social network between all
the Brahmans across the globe
 Establish leadership programs for the youth at every
age
 Dedicated Individuals
 In order to make all this happen we need:
 Full dedication from community leaders and
academic Brahman leaders
 Individuals that will carry out the propositions
 Ex: Individuals that will be responsible for running
and managing the Sanskrit database online,
community center workers, organizers for
community events collaborate with Universities
Public and private in India and other parts of the
world
 Volunteers that can assist the main individuals with
all the propositions and at community events
 Adult and youth participants
 Funding
 In order carry out proposed remedy, we need
financial support.
 All financial records will be made public on the
upcoming GBC website.
 Each one you will be able to see where and how
your donations are being used.
 Without your assistance, it is difficult protect
preserve and promote Brahmanism.
 Summary
 We need to preserve, promote, and protect
Brahmanism.
 One is not considered a Brahman solely by
birth. It has to be earn with effort.
 A Brahman should poses serenity, self-
control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty,
knowledge of the Vedas, wisdom, and firm
faith.
 Summary
 Problem: A larger number of individuals are choosing
to withdraw from the Brahman communal life.

 Impact: There is societal chaos, degradation of moral

values, a rise of corruption in public and private life,
an absence of a dicta for the youth and a need for
immediate resuscitation of Brahmanism.

 Solution: The solutions call for immediate

comprehensive resuscitation, short terms goals,
long term goals, dedicated individuals and funding
sources.