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

Deshastha Dhima Gaur Gouda

Saraswat Havyaka

Hoysala

Karnataka

Iyers

Iyengers Kandavara Karade Karhada

Kashmiri

Saraswat Kayastha Khandelwal Konkanasta Kota

Koteshwara Nagar Namboothii Padia Rajapur

Saraswat

Saraswat Chitrapur

Saraswat

Kashmiri

Saraswat Saraswat

Haryana

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 तुमहहिं सरबर कस नाथा, कहहु तो कहॉ चरण कह माथा

नाथ एक गुण धनुष हमारे , नव गुण ऩरम ऩुनीत तुम्हारे ।

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, दयाऱुःच , ब्राह्मणस्य नवभ ः गुण ः 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.