Changes

According to the Bhagavata Purana, the one whose samkaras (16 purifying rites) accompanied by mantras have been performed without any break, in succession, and to whom Brahma has designated as such, he is called as a dvija (twice-born).<ref name=":03">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n95 P.no.964-965].</ref><blockquote>संस्कारा यदविच्छिन्नाः स द्विजोऽजो जगाद यम् । saṁskārā yadavicchinnāḥ sa dvijo'jo jagāda yam । (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.13)<ref name=":13">Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 11].</ref></blockquote>

According to the Bhagavata Purana, the one whose samkaras (16 purifying rites) accompanied by mantras have been performed without any break, in succession, and to whom Brahma has designated as such, he is called as a dvija (twice-born).<ref name=":03">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n95 P.no.964-965].</ref><blockquote>संस्कारा यदविच्छिन्नाः स द्विजोऽजो जगाद यम् । saṁskārā yadavicchinnāḥ sa dvijo'jo jagāda yam । (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.13)<ref name=":13">Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 11].</ref></blockquote>

===ब्राह्मणः ॥ Brahmana===

===ब्राह्मणः ॥ Brahmana===

According to the Bhagavata Purana, scriptural study and others (such as teaching, performance of yajnas, dana and acceptance of gifts) six (in all) are prescribed for the Brahmanas. Non-acceptance of gifts is laid down for the other (Kshatriyas).<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>विप्रस्याध्ययनादीनि षडन्यस्याप्रतिग्रहः । viprasyādhyayanādīni ṣaḍanyasyāpratigrahaḥ । (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.14).<ref name=":13" /></blockquote>According to Manusmrti, the duties prescribed for a brahmana include<blockquote>अध्यापनं अध्ययनं यजनं याजनं तथा । दानं प्रतिग्रहं चैव ब्राह्मणानां अकल्पयत् ॥ १.८८ ॥<ref name=":02">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>adhyāpanaṁ adhyayanaṁ yajanaṁ yājanaṁ tathā ।dānaṁ pratigrahaṁ caiva brāhmaṇānāṁ akalpayat ॥ 1.88 ॥</blockquote>Meaning: For the Brāhmaṇas he ordained teaching, studying, sacrificing and officiating at sacrifices, as also the giving and accepting of gifts (1.88).<ref name=":12">Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti ([https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.8241/page/n5 Vol.3]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref>

According to the '''Bhagavata Purana''', scriptural study and others (such as teaching, performance of yajnas, dana and acceptance of gifts) six (in all) are prescribed for the Brahmanas. Non-acceptance of gifts is laid down for the other (Kshatriyas).<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>विप्रस्याध्ययनादीनि षडन्यस्याप्रतिग्रहः । viprasyādhyayanādīni ṣaḍanyasyāpratigrahaḥ । (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.14).<ref name=":13" /></blockquote>One who has the following activities as '''one's occupation''' are Brahmanas according to Mahabharata's Anushasana parva<blockquote>वृत्त्यर्थं ब्राह्मणानां वै शृणु धर्मान्सनातनान्॥ 13-141-66 (Maha. Anush. 13.141.66)</blockquote><blockquote>यजनं याजनं चैव तथा दानप्रतिग्रहौ। अध्यापनं चाध्ययनं षट्कर्मा धर्मभाग्द्विजः॥ 13-141-67 (Maha. Anush. 13.141.67)</blockquote>The Mahabharata clearly emphasizes the six primary occupational dharmas (वृत्त्यर्थं ब्राह्मणानां..) of a Brahmana as given in Manusmrti.

One who has the following activities as '''one's occupation''' are Brahmanas according to Mahabharata's Anushasana parva<blockquote>वृत्त्यर्थं ब्राह्मणानां वै शृणु धर्मान्सनातनान्॥ 13-141-66 (Maha. Anush. 13.141.66)</blockquote><blockquote>यजनं याजनं चैव तथा दानप्रतिग्रहौ। अध्यापनं चाध्ययनं षट्कर्मा धर्मभाग्द्विजः॥ 13-141-67 (Maha. Anush. 13.141.67)</blockquote>The Mahabharata clearly emphasizes the six primary occupational dharmas (वृत्त्यर्थं ब्राह्मणानां..) of a Brahmana as given in Manusmrti.

Shabdakalpadruma<ref>Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4% See ब्राह्मणः]''')'''</ref> references '''Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva)''', when Yudhisthira is asked who is a brahmana, he replies as follows.<blockquote>सत्यं दानं क्षमा शीलमानृशंस्यं तपो घृणा । दृश्यन्ते यत्रनागेन्द्रस ब्राह्मण इति स्मृतः ॥१८०.२१॥ (Maha. Anush. 13.180.21)</blockquote><blockquote>satyaṁ dānaṁ kṣamā śīlamānr̥śaṁsyaṁ tapo ghr̥ṇā । dr̥śyante yatranāgendrasa brāhmaṇa iti smr̥taḥ ॥180.21॥</blockquote>Meaning: Oh Nagaraja, those who have the good qualities of truthfulness, charity, forgiveness, virtuous character devoid of violence, penance and compassion are considered as brahmanas.<ref>Ramanarayanadatta Shastri Pandeya, Mahabharata ([https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata%2002_%20Sanskrit-Hindi_Pandit%20Ramnarayan_Gita%20Press#page/n569/mode/2up Vol.2]),  Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref>

According to the '''Bhagavata Purana''', control over mind and senses, asceticism, purity, contentment, forbearance and forgiveness, straightforwardness, knowledge, compassion, fervent devotion to Lord Vishnu and truthfulness are the characteristics of a brahmana.<ref name=":03" /><blockquote>शमो दमस्तपः शौचं सन्तोषः क्षान्तिरार्जवम् । ज्ञानं दयाच्युतात्मत्वं सत्यं च ब्रह्मलक्षणम् ॥ २१॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.21)<ref name=":13" /></blockquote><blockquote>śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṁ santoṣaḥ kṣāntirārjavam । jñānaṁ dayācyutātmatvaṁ satyaṁ ca brahmalakṣaṇam ॥ 21॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.21)</blockquote>In '''Mahabharata, Vana Parva''', Adhyaya 206 in the Kaushika Pativrata Upakhyana, we come across the beautiful shlokas summarizing Bramana Lakshanas<blockquote>यः क्रोधमोहौ त्यजति तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । यो वदेदिह सत्यानि गुरुं संतोषयेत च ।। </blockquote><blockquote>हिंसितश्च त हिंसेत तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । जितेन्द्रियो धर्मपरः स्वाध्यायनिरतः शुचिः।। </blockquote><blockquote>कामक्रोधौ वशौ यस्य तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । यस्य चात्मसमो लोको धर्मज्ञस्य मनस्विनः ।।</blockquote><blockquote>सर्वधर्मेषु चरतस्तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः । योऽध्यापयेदधीयीत यजेद्वा याजयीत वा।</blockquote><blockquote>दद्याद्वाऽपि यथाशक्ति तं देवा ब्राह्मणं विदुः ।। (Maha. Vana. 206.33-37)<ref name=":04">Shastri. Pt Ramnarayan. (1955). ''Mahabharata : Vana Parva Vol.2.'' Gorakhpur:Gita Press. (Pages 1547)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>धर्मे तु ब्राह्मणस्याहुः स्वाध्यायं दममार्जवम्। इन्द्रियाणां निग्रहं च शाश्वतं द्विजसत्तम ।।</blockquote>

Shabdakalpadruma<ref>Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4% See ब्राह्मणः]''')'''</ref> references Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva), when Yudhisthira is asked who is a brahmana, he replies as follows.<blockquote>सत्यं दानं क्षमा शीलमानृशंस्यं तपो घृणा । दृश्यन्ते यत्रनागेन्द्रस ब्राह्मण इति स्मृतः ॥१८०.२१॥ (Maha. Anush. 13.180.21)</blockquote><blockquote>satyaṁ dānaṁ kṣamā śīlamānr̥śaṁsyaṁ tapo ghr̥ṇā । dr̥śyante yatranāgendrasa brāhmaṇa iti smr̥taḥ ॥180.21॥</blockquote>Meaning: Oh Nagaraja, those who have the good qualities of truthfulness, charity, forgiveness, virtuous character devoid of violence, penance and compassion are considered as brahmanas.<ref>Ramanarayanadatta Shastri Pandeya, Mahabharata ([https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata%2002_%20Sanskrit-Hindi_Pandit%20Ramnarayan_Gita%20Press#page/n569/mode/2up Vol.2]),  Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref>

 

According to the Bhagavata Purana, control over mind and senses, asceticism, purity, contentment, forbearance and forgiveness, straightforwardness, knowledge, compassion, fervent devotion to Lord Vishnu and truthfulness are the characteristics of a brahmana.<ref name=":03" /><blockquote>शमो दमस्तपः शौचं सन्तोषः क्षान्तिरार्जवम् । ज्ञानं दयाच्युतात्मत्वं सत्यं च ब्रह्मलक्षणम् ॥ २१॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.21)<ref name=":13" /></blockquote><blockquote>śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṁ santoṣaḥ kṣāntirārjavam । jñānaṁ dayācyutātmatvaṁ satyaṁ ca brahmalakṣaṇam ॥ 21॥ (Bhag. Pura. 7.11.21)</blockquote>Talking of the importance of adhering to the Brahmana Varna Dharma, Manusmrti says,<blockquote>आचारः परमो धर्मः श्रुत्युक्तः स्मार्त एव च । तस्मादस्मिन्सदा युक्तो नित्यं स्यादात्मवान्द्विजः ॥ १.१०८ ॥<ref name=":02" /></blockquote><blockquote>ācāraḥ paramo dharmaḥ śrutyuktaḥ smārta eva ca । tasmādasminsadā yukto nityaṁ syādātmavāndvijaḥ ॥ 1.108 ॥</blockquote>Meaning: Morality (Right Behaviour) is highest Dharma; that which is prescribed in the shruti and laid down in the Smrti. Hence the twice-born person, desiring the welfare of his soul, should be always intent upon Right Behaviour (1.108).

It says, the Brahmana studying these institutes, and (thence) discharging all prescribed duties, is never defiled by dosha (accusation) of commission (or omission), proceeding from mind, speech or body (1.104). The Brahmana who departs from Right Behaviour, does not obtain the fruit of the Veda; he however who is equipped with Right Behaviour obtains the full reward (1.109).<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>इदं शास्त्रं अधीयानो ब्राह्मणः शंसितव्रतः । मनोवाग्गेहजैर्नित्यं कर्मदोषैर्न लिप्यते ॥ १.१०४ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>आचाराद्विच्युतो विप्रो न वेदफलं अश्नुते । आचारेण तु संयुक्तः सम्पूर्णफलभाज्भवेत् ॥ १.१०९ ॥<ref name=":02" /></blockquote><blockquote>idaṁ śāstraṁ adhīyāno brāhmaṇaḥ śaṁsitavrataḥ । manovāggehajairnityaṁ karmadoṣairna lipyate ॥ 1.104 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>ācārādvicyuto vipro na vedaphalaṁ aśnute । ācāreṇa tu saṁyuktaḥ sampūrṇaphalabhājbhavet ॥ 1.109 ॥</blockquote>

===Modes of Subsistence===

===Modes of Subsistence===

The Manusmrti elaborates on the modes of subsistence prescribed for a brahmana stepping into the second phase of life - the Grhasthashrama as follows: <blockquote>अध्यापनम् अध्ययनं यजनं याजनं तथा । दानं प्रतिग्रहं चैव ब्राह्मणानाम् अकल्पयत् ॥ १.८८ ॥<ref name=":0">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>adhyāpanam adhyayanaṁ yajanaṁ yājanaṁ tathā । dānaṁ pratigrahaṁ caiva brāhmaṇānām akalpayat ॥ 1.88 ॥</blockquote>Meaning: Studying, teaching, performing a sacrifice (either for oneself or for others), giving and accepting charity; these six are the responsibilities assigned to brahmanas (Manu Smrt. 1.88)<ref name=":12" />

The Manusmrti elaborates on the modes of subsistence prescribed for a brahmana stepping into the second phase of life - the Grhasthashrama as follows: <blockquote>अध्यापनम् अध्ययनं यजनं याजनं तथा । दानं प्रतिग्रहं चैव ब्राह्मणानाम् अकल्पयत् ॥ १.८८ ॥<ref name=":0">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>adhyāpanam adhyayanaṁ yajanaṁ yājanaṁ tathā । dānaṁ pratigrahaṁ caiva brāhmaṇānām akalpayat ॥ 1.88 ॥</blockquote>Meaning: Studying, teaching, performing a sacrifice (either for oneself or for others), giving and accepting charity; these six are the responsibilities assigned to brahmanas (Manu Smrt. 1.88)<ref name=":12">Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti ([https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.8241/page/n5 Vol.3]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref>

Talking of the importance of adhering to the Brahmana varna dharma, Manusmrti says,<blockquote>आचारः परमो धर्मः श्रुत्युक्तः स्मार्त एव च । तस्मादस्मिन्सदा युक्तो नित्यं स्यादात्मवान्द्विजः ॥ १.१०८ ॥<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>ācāraḥ paramo dharmaḥ śrutyuktaḥ smārta eva ca । tasmādasminsadā yukto nityaṁ syādātmavāndvijaḥ ॥ 1.108 ॥</blockquote>Meaning: The Shrutis and Smrtis say that code of conduct is the highest duty; hence brahmanas must always be ready in adhering to it (Manu Smrt. 1.108)<ref name=":12" />

Talking of the importance of adhering to the Brahmana varna dharma, Manusmrti says,<blockquote>आचारः परमो धर्मः श्रुत्युक्तः स्मार्त एव च । तस्मादस्मिन्सदा युक्तो नित्यं स्यादात्मवान्द्विजः ॥ १.१०८ ॥<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>ācāraḥ paramo dharmaḥ śrutyuktaḥ smārta eva ca । tasmādasminsadā yukto nityaṁ syādātmavāndvijaḥ ॥ 1.108 ॥</blockquote>Meaning: The Shrutis and Smrtis say that code of conduct is the highest duty; hence brahmanas must always be ready in adhering to it (Manu Smrt. 1.108)<ref name=":12" />

It says, a Brahmana who studies the shastras faithfully, according to the rules, is never tainted by sins arising from thoughts, words or deeds (Manu Smrt. 1.104). While, the one who deflects from his prescribed duties, doesn't obtain the fruit prescribed in the vedas; one who adheres to the code of conduct partakes in the fruit (Manu Smrt. 1.109)<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>इदं शास्त्रम् अधीयानो ब्राह्मणः शंसितव्रतः । मनोवाग्गेहजैर्नित्यं कर्मदोषैर्न लिप्यते ॥ १.१०४ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>आचाराद्विच्युतो विप्रो न वेदफलम् अश्नुते । आचारेण तु संयुक्तः सम्पूर्णफलभाग्भवेत् ॥ १.१०९ ॥<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>idaṁ śāstram adhīyāno brāhmaṇaḥ śaṁsitavrataḥ । manovāggehajairnityaṁ karmadoṣairna lipyate ॥ 1.104 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>ācārādvicyuto vipro na vedaphalam aśnute । ācāreṇa tu saṁyuktaḥ sampūrṇaphalabhāgbhavet ॥ 1.109 ।</blockquote>According to the Bhagavata Purana, means of livelihood for brahmanas is of four types:

It says, a Brahmana who studies the shastras faithfully, according to the rules, is never tainted by sins arising from thoughts, words or deeds (Manu Smrt. 1.104). While, the one who deflects from his prescribed duties, doesn't obtain the fruit prescribed in the vedas; one who adheres to the code of conduct partakes in the fruit (Manu Smrt. 1.109)<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>इदं शास्त्रम् अधीयानो ब्राह्मणः शंसितव्रतः । मनोवाग्गेहजैर्नित्यं कर्मदोषैर्न लिप्यते ॥ १.१०४ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>आचाराद्विच्युतो विप्रो न वेदफलम् अश्नुते । आचारेण तु संयुक्तः सम्पूर्णफलभाग्भवेत् ॥ १.१०९ ॥<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>idaṁ śāstram adhīyāno brāhmaṇaḥ śaṁsitavrataḥ । manovāggehajairnityaṁ karmadoṣairna lipyate ॥ 1.104 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>ācārādvicyuto vipro na vedaphalam aśnute । ācāreṇa tu saṁyuktaḥ sampūrṇaphalabhāgbhavet ॥ 1.109 ।</blockquote>According to the Bhagavata Purana, means of livelihood for brahmanas is of four types:

#Various occupations (eg. agriculture, cattle breeding)

#Various occupations (eg. agriculture, cattle breeding)

#Acceptance of articles modestly (without asking any  one for anything)

#Acceptance of articles modestly (without asking anyone for anything)

#Begging for grain from door to door like Yayavaras (vagrant mendicants)

#Begging for grain from door to door like Yayavaras (vagrant mendicants)

#Gleaning grains of corn from leftover of the threshing floor in the field (sila) or of the market place (uncha) - and these types are in the ascending order of preference.<ref name=":1" />  

#Gleaning grains of corn from leftover of the threshing floor in the field (sila) or of the market place (uncha) - and these types are in the ascending order of preference.<ref name=":1" />