Brahmanism

1 the religious and social system of orthodox Hinduism [syn: Brahminism]

2 the religious beliefs of ancient India as prescribed in the sacred Vedas and Brahmanas and Upanishads [syn: Brahminism]

English

Etymology

Built from brahmin, which is an anglicization of Sanskrit (or vernacular variants thereof). Introduced in 1816 as Brahmenism by George S. Faber (OED). Current spelling variants are Brahminism besides Brahmanism.

Proper noun

1. The principles and religious practice of the Brahmins, aspects of Hinduism as practiced by the Brahmin caste of India.
2. Historical Vedic ritualism, contrasted with Shramana traditions
   • 1972, Cromwell Crawford, review of L. M. Joshi, Brahmanism, Buddhism and Hinduism, Philosophy East and West:

     Alongside Brahmanism was the non-Aryan Shramanic culture with its roots going back to prehistoric times.

Brahmanism or Brahminism may refer to:

• historical Vedic Brahmanism, in particular in opposition to Shramana traditions
• current Brahminical Hinduism, the religion of the Hindu Brahmin caste
• current ritualist Shrauta traditions

Notes

See also

• Vedic priesthood
• Vedic schools
• Astika
• Mimamsa
• Kalpa (ritual)
• Anti-Brahmanism