brahmana
Noun: 1. A category of ancient Hindu sacred texts: Specifically, the Brahmanas are prose works that form part of the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. Their primary purpose is to explain the meaning and proper performance of the rituals and sacrifices found in the earlier Vedic hymns (the Samhitas).
The word "Brahmana" is a proper noun used to refer to this specific collection of texts. It is typically used in scholarly, historical, or religious contexts when discussing Hindu scripture, Vedic rituals, or the development of early Indian philosophy. * The Brahmanas provide detailed instructions for priests. * Scholars study the Brahmana texts to understand the evolution of Vedic ritual. * This ritual procedure is described in the Brahmana.
- The term is often used in the plural form "Brahmanas" to refer to the entire body of these texts associated with the different Vedas (e.g., the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda).
- In a highly specialized context within these texts, "brahmana" (sometimes with a lowercase 'b') can refer to a specific type of explanatory passage or a statement on ritual doctrine.
- Brahmanic (adj): Pertaining to the Brahmanas or the Brahmins (the priestly class).
- Brahmanic rituals are elaborate.
- Brahmin (n): A member of the priestly class in Hinduism, traditionally responsible for studying and teaching the Vedas, which include the Brahmanas.
- The ceremony was conducted by a Brahmin.
- Vedic prose: Descriptive term highlighting the literary form and period.
- Ritual treatise: Descriptive term highlighting the primary content and purpose.
It is crucial to distinguish "Brahmana" (the texts) from the similar-sounding words: * Brahman (n): In Hindu philosophy, the ultimate, unchanging reality or cosmic principle. * Brahmin (n): The priestly social class (varna) in traditional Hindu society.
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prose works attached to the Samhitas instructing the bahmins to perform the very elaborate sacrificial rituals
