Category:A Brahmana's Begging
Theme Analysis
In Vedic culture, the act of begging is not a sign of destitution but a highly elevated practice of voluntary poverty and spiritual dependence. This category examines how a brāhmaṇa embraces begging to remain completely reliant on the mercy of the Supreme Lord and utterly free from the materialistic disease of hoarding wealth. The quotes reveal that begging was considered an honorable and highly respected practice that benefited both the ascetic and the householder who gave in charity. Furthermore, it highlights unique historical instances where the Supreme Lord Himself, or His exalted devotees, adopted the disguise of a begging brāhmaṇa to accomplish specific divine purposes.
- The Spiritual Dignity of Voluntary Poverty: In a spiritually mature society, begging is neither illegal nor shameful for those who have dedicated their lives entirely to self-realization.
- Eradicating the Desire to Hoard Wealth: Even if a qualified priest receives massive amounts of wealth, he spends it immediately in the Lord's service, remaining a beggar the very next day.
- Bestowing Blessings Upon the Householders: When householders give charity to qualified intellectuals who arrive at their door, they receive immense spiritual benefit and the mercy of saintly persons.
- The Supreme Lord Begging in Disguise: To fulfill specific cosmic pastimes, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in forms such as Lord Vāmanadeva, appeared as a beggar to playfully take everything from His devotees.
- Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: A Brāhmaṇa's Begging is Authorized for Total Dependence on Kṛṣṇa.
Pages in category "A Brahmana's Begging"
The following 24 pages are in this category, out of 24 total.
2
A
- A better process (for a brahmana to act in the same way as a vaisya), however, is to pick up grains from a field or from a dealer's shop without begging
- A ksatriya's business is not to beg. A brahmin can beg. A brahmin can accept charity, but ksatriya cannot accept any charity from anyone else, neither he can come down to do business like the vaisyas. That is not
- Although brahmanas would go door to door just like beggars, they were honored as very respectable guests. This was the system in Hindu society five hundred years ago, during the time of Caitanya Mahaprabhu
- Although the brahmana appeared at Lord Caitanya’s house as a beggar, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu received him with great respect because he was a qualified brahmana who knew the astrological science perfectly
- Although the profession of begging is allowed for a brahmana or sannyasi, one does better if he can avoid such a profession and completely depend on the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead for maintenance
- As an alternative, a brahmana may also take to the vaisya's occupational duty of agriculture, cow protection, or trade. He may depend on that which he has received without begging, he may beg in the paddy field every day
T
- The brahmana begged Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, "My dear Lord, kindly show me favor and let me go with You. I can no longer tolerate the waves of misery caused by materialistic life"
- The brahmana will not be required to fight. A brahmana will not be required to work like sudra. A brahmana will not be required to work like vaisya. Therefore brahmana can beg
- The brahmanas who went door to door as if beggars had perfect command of such vast knowledge - of astrology
- There is a proverb that a brahmana remains a beggar even if he receives $100,000
- To enjoy a little humor between Himself and His devotee, the Lord covered Himself as a brahmana-brahmacari and thus came to Bali Maharaja to beg for only three feet of land
U
- Uddhava said, "Bhimasena should approach Jarasandha in the dress of a brahmana, beg charity from him and then personally engage in fighting him. And in order to assure Bhimasena's victory, I think that Your Lordship should accompany him"
- Unless one becomes a brahmana, one cannot take sannyasa. Sannyasis and brahmacaris may beg alms door to door, but a grhastha cannot