Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism

Brahma Puräæa 42

Vi•æu and received prophecies about

the end of the world, which was to be

followed by an earthly paradise.

Brahma Puräæa

The first in the list of the 18 Mahä-purä-

nas, also called Ädi-puräna, describing

the origin of the universe. It has major

parts devoted to a description of the

holy places of Orissa.

Brahmä saƒpradäya

One of the four sections of VAIÆŒAVISM,

also called Madhva saƒpradäya, follow-

ing the teachings of DVAITAVEDÄNTA.

Its centre is in U¥IPÏ(Karæätaka).

brahmacäri

One who leads the brahman life, i.e.

lives in strict celibacy.

brahmacarya

(‘way of life of brahman’)

The first stage in the life of a brahmin,

‘studenthood’, where strict sexual conti-

nence and service to one’s GURUis oblig-

atory. Some opt for lifelong brahma-

caryaand become SAMNYÄSISwithout

going through the gøhastya (householder)

stage.

Brahma-loka

Also Sarvaloka (‘all places’) and

Satyaloka (‘sphere of truth’), the abode

of BRAHMÄ, the highest point in the tra-

ditional Hindu universe, from which

there is no return.

brahman

The supreme being, universal conscious-

ness, the highest reality. Derived from

the Sanskrit root bøh (to grow, to

become large), it denotes greatness per

se. It is a key concept in the Upani•ads

and in the Vedänta systems. Brahmanis

SACCIDÄNANDA, i.e. it is characterized by

consciousness, infinity, omnipotence,

eternity, immanence in all things, bliss-

fulness and unfathomableness. It is

unborn and uncreated, and the source

and ultimate destiny of everything.

Brähmaæa (1)

The second part of the VEDA, a class of

voluminous writings that was intended

to guide the BRÄHMAŒAS(2) in their rit-

uals. They also contain short versions of

myths which are found expanded in the

Puräæas. The oldest Sanskrit prose

texts, they are divided into four groups,

according to the division of the Veda.

Øgveda: Aitareya and Kauÿïtakï Bräh-

maæas; Black Yajurveda: Kathaand

Taittirïya Brähmaæas; White Yajur-

veda: Ÿatapatha Brähmaæa; Sämaveda:

Pañcaviƒÿa, Æadviƒÿaand Jaiminïya

Brähmaæas; Atharvaveda: Gopatha

Brähmaæa.

Brähmaæa(s) (2), also brahmin(s)

The first and highest VARŒA, created

to recite the Veda, to perform rituals

and to teach the rest of the people by

word and deed the true nature of

DHARMA. Due to their descent, their

education and their influence they

enjoyed high status throughout Indian

history.

brahmända

SeeWORLD EGG.

Brahmända Puräæa

Puräæa containing a detailed account of

the development of the brahmäæõa

(WORLD EGG) as well as prophecies

about the future.

Brahmäæï

The female form or the daughter of

BRAHMÄ, also known as ŸATARÜPÄ

(hundred forms).

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