Category:Becoming a Brahmana
Theme Analysis
A central mission of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is to cure the chaotic condition of modern society by training a class of genuine spiritual leaders. Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly emphasizes that the ancient Vedic civilization has been spoiled by the false, stereotyped idea that one becomes a brāhmaṇa simply by taking birth in a brāhmaṇa family. The Vedic verdict is clear: janmanā jāyate śūdraḥ—everyone is born a śūdra (laborer). To become a brāhmaṇa, one must undergo proper training and accept the purificatory process (saṁskāra) of spiritual initiation. Just as one does not become a high court judge or a medical practitioner merely by birthright, one must acquire the requisite qualities—such as truthfulness, cleanliness, and sense control—to be recognized as a brāhmaṇa.
The process of becoming a brāhmaṇa is open to everyone, regardless of their past background or nationality. Śrīla Prabhupāda compares the process of bona fide initiation to an alchemical transformation: just as bell metal is turned to gold when mixed with mercury, any fallen soul, even one born in a family of dog-eaters, is immediately purified and elevated to the status of a brāhmaṇa when properly initiated by a spiritual master and engaged in chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. This universal accessibility is authorized by great authorities like Sanātana Gosvāmī in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa.
However, becoming a brāhmaṇa is not the ultimate goal; it is merely the preliminary qualification for understanding spiritual science and the door to higher knowledge. The brāhmaṇa platform represents the mode of goodness, which is still within the jurisdiction of material nature. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a true brāhmaṇa must graduate to become a Vaiṣṇava—a pure devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. While a Vaiṣṇava is automatically considered to be more than a brāhmaṇa, a brāhmaṇa who lacks devotional service is fundamentally incomplete. Therefore, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement systematically trains its students to become not just first-class brāhmaṇas, but unalloyed Vaiṣṇavas.
- Qualification, Not Birth: No one is born a brāhmaṇa; one achieves this status exclusively through proper training, acquiring specific qualities, and practical realization of the Absolute Truth.
- The Necessity of Training: Society requires educational centers to teach individuals how to control their senses, study the scriptures, and act as the intelligent brain of the social body.
- The Alchemy of Initiation: By the grace of a bona fide spiritual master and the chanting of the holy names, anyone can be purified and become a genuine brāhmaṇa.
- The Ultimate Goal: Becoming a brāhmaṇa is the intermediate step; the ultimate perfection of human life is to transcend the mode of goodness and become a pure Vaiṣṇava.
- Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: Becoming a Brāhmaṇa - Qualification Over Birthright.
Subcategories
This category has only the following subcategory.
Pages in category "Becoming a Brahmana"
The following 230 pages are in this category, out of 230 total.
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- As bell metal is turned to gold when mixed with mercury in an alchemical process, so one who is properly trained and initiated by a bona fide spiritual master immediately becomes a brahmana
- Satyakama Jabala was born of a maidservant, but wanted to become a brahmana, and so he approached Gautama Muni for initiation
A
- A brahmana does not become a brahmana simply because he is a living entity or is born in a brahmana family; he must possess all the qualities mentioned in the sastras and practice the brahminical principles in his life
- A brahmana who is well versed in Vedic knowledge and fully conversant with transcendental matters becomes a representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and therefore one should worship such a brahmana or Vaisnava
- A living entity is conditioned by a particular type of body. The body is certainly an impediment, but one who associates with a pure devotee & follows his instructions can avoid this impediment & become a regular brahmana by initiation under his guidance
- A person born a sudra is not barred from such spiritual initiation, provided he is approved by the spiritual master, who is duly authorized to award a disciple the right to be a brahmana if he finds him perfectly qualified
- A person who chants the holy name of the Lord, even if born in a family of candalas, dog-eaters, does not need reformation. Simply by chanting Hare Krsna, he immediately becomes purified and becomes as good as the most learned brahmana
- A qualified brahmana is naturally very learned, but when his learning is advanced in understanding the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he becomes a brahmana-vaisnava. Unless one becomes a Vaisnava, one's perfection of brahminical culture is incomplete
- A Vaisnava is supposed to be a brahmana already, but a brahmana may not be a pure Vaisnava. When a person understands his pure identity, brahma janati, he immediately becomes a brahmana
- According to external vision, Haridasa Thakura belonged to a Muslim family. Nevertheless, because he engaged himself in performing the yajna of chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, he became a regularly initiated brahmana
- According to the gosvami process, the Hari-bhakti-vilasa and the Narada-pancaratra, anyone can be a brahmana if he is properly initiated by a bona fide spiritual master
- According to the Vedic civilization, a human being must be trained up to become dvija, or take his birth second time. This is human civilization
- According to the Vedic system it is said, janmana jayate sudrah: one is born of a material father and mother as a sudra. The purpose of life, however, is to become a brahmana, a first-class man
- According to Vedic principle, without becoming a brahmana he cannot be accepted as disciple
- Actually, we are seeing practically how by chanting this holy name of the Lord, Hare Krsna mantra, how nasty people are becoming purified, Vaisnava, brahmana. Actually nasty
- Actually, we should become on the platform of brahmana, qualified brahmana, qualification Vaisnava so that others may not criticize. That is our special request. That chance is there, everyone
- All of you who have come to Krsna consciousness movement, that is our request, that you, all of you, become guru but don't speak nonsense. That is request. Simply speak what Krsna has said. Then you become brahmana, you'll be guru, and everything
- All the sons of Maharaja Rsabhadeva were ksatriyas by birth, but by quality some of them became ksatriyas, and some became brahmanas
- Although born in a brahmana family, one becomes a brahmana only after initiation and the sacred thread ceremony
- Although he (Visvamitra) was a ksatriya by birth, he became a brahmana in the very same body by the power of his spiritual achievements
- An impersonalist can become a qualified brahmana, but he cannot become a spiritual master unless and until he is promoted to the stage of a Vaisnava, or a devotee of the Personality of Godhead
- Anyone can become a fully qualified brahmana under the direction of a spiritual master. Prahlada Maharaja provided a vivid example of how to think of the spiritual master and accept his directions calmly
- Anyone who can teach, he is brahmana. So unless you read thoroughly what you are going to speak to the world, how you can become a brahmana and pandita? You should carefully note this
- Arjuna, although he was fighter, Arjuna did not change his position. He did not become a brahmana. After hearing Bhagavad-gita it is not that he gave up his profession as a ksatriya and went to Himalaya to become a brahmana, meditation
- As a sudra, he can get the perfection. Why he should artificially become a brahmana and sannyasi and fall down? This has to be checked
- As bell metal is turned to gold when mixed with mercury in an alchemical process, so one who is properly trained and initiated by a bona fide spiritual master becomes a brahmana immediately
- As by birth only one does not become a high-court judge, so also one does not become a brahmana simply by birthright but by acquiring the necessary qualifications of a brahmana
- As enjoined in the Hari-bhakti-vilasa by Sanatana Gosvami, tatha diksa-vidhanena dvijatvam jayate nrnam: by the regular process of initiation, any man can become a brahmana
- As soon as in India they took it that by birth one becomes brahmana, the whole Vedic civilization has been spoiled. Brahmana means this quality - Satya, sama, dama
- As stated in the Bhagavad-gita, a person who is actually a brahmana and is very learned must automatically become very gentle also. But although Romaharsana Suta was very learned and had been given the chance to become a brahmana, he had not become gentle
- As there are schools and colleges to train students to become chemical engineers, lawyers or specialists in many other departments of knowledge, there must be schools and colleges to train students to become brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas, sudras
B
- Because one happens to take birth in a brahmana family, without any qualification, he claims to become a brahmana. That is the falldown of Vedic civilization in India. A rascal number one, he's claiming that he's brahmana - without any qualification
- Because spiritual culture has been stopped all over the world, there is now an emergency, and therefore it is now time to train those who are considered lower and condemned, so that they may become brahmanas and take up the work of spiritual progress
- Because there is no institution to teach people how to become brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas and sudras or brahmacaris, grhasthas, vanaprasthas and sannyasis, these demons want a classless society. This is resulting in chaotic conditions
- Becoming a brahmana through the endeavor of a bona fide spiritual master is called samskara
- Bhagavad-gita teaches that. And don't become... Don't remain in the sudra stage and a miser, but just try to become a brahmana by culture. Then your life will be successful
- Bhakti-sastri, Bhakti-vaibhava, Bhaktivedanta, and Bhakti-sarvabhauma. All our brahmanas and anyone wanting to become brahmana, will have to sit for examination once a year at Mayapur
- Brahmana means brahma janati iti brahmanah. One who knows Brahman, the Absolute Truth, he is called Brahmana. Therefore our business is to become a Brahmana. Don't think that Brahmanas are produced only in India. No
- Brahmana means Vaisnava. After one becomes a brahmana, the next stage of development in human society is to become a Vaisnava
- Brahmanas are not meant to be brahmanas alone: they should create other brahmanas also. If a man is found who agrees to become a brahmana’s disciple, he is also given the chance to become a brahmana
- Brahmanism is not a system meant to create a monopoly for a particular class of men. Everyone should be educated so as to become a brahmana. At least there must be an opportunity to allow everyone to attain the destination of life
- Brahmin is not by birth. So anyone who can understand what is God, he becomes brahmin. The same example: anyone who is highly learned scholar and lawyer, he becomes a high court judge
- But the demons, instead of utilizing the good opportunity, misused the brahminical culture due to being puffed up by vanity in becoming brahmanas
- By following the Vedic culture, by performing great sacrifices and by becoming a strict follower of the Vedic instructions, one may become a brahmana, a sannyasi or an Aryan
- By studying all the Vedas very nicely, he actually realizes what is spirit and what is his relationship with God, and then he becomes a brahmana
D
- Don't remain in the ignorant stage of life. That is called sudra. Try to become brahmana. That (Satyam param dhimahi) is the meaning
- Don't think it (Krsna consciousness movement) is any sectarian religion. It is a science. It is a culture. You are trying to educate people how to become Brahmin
- Due to Maharaja Pariksit's good government, even a boy of tender age, who was playing with other inexperienced boys, could become as powerful as a qualified brahmana
E
- Educational centers should be opened for teaching people how to become genuine brahmanas and ksatriyas. Guna-karma-vibhagasah: (BG 4.13) according to their qualities and work, people naturally belong to different social groupings
- Either you become brahmana or you become ksatriya or you become vaisya or sudra, if you are not attached to the service of the supreme whole, then you are useless
- Even a brahmana is also under the control of material nature. But the same brahmana, when he becomes a Vaisnava, a devotee, he becomes the best of the brahmanas
- Even if a devotee comes from a family of dog-eaters, if he surrenders to the Personality of Godhead he immediately becomes a qualified brahmana and is immediately fit to perform yajna, whereas a person born in a family of brahmanas has to wait
- Even if one is born a sudra, if he is actually engaged in the occupation and pure behavior of a brahmana, he becomes a brahmana
- Even if one is born in the family of a candala, if one engages in the devotional service of the Lord, he becomes the best of brahmanas. But even a brahmana who is devoid of devotional service is on the level of the lowest dog-eater
- Even if one is by qualification a sudra, he must try to improve his position and become a brahmana. No one should try to check a person, no matter what his present position is, from coming to the platform of a brahmana or a Vaisnava
- Every Indian was educated how to become a brahmana, for coming to this platform of austerity. And following the examples of brahmana, the ksatriya and the vaisyas and the sudras, they also benefited
- Every one of you can become Brahmin, if you understand what is Brahman, because Brahmin means one who knows the Brahman
- Everyone is sudra. Kalau sudra-sambhavah. Who is going to become brahmana? We are inviting everyone, "Come here, become brahmana." Who is interested?
F
- First of all he must be trained up to become a brahmana, then sannyasi. This is a fact. Without becoming a brahmana, there is no question of sannyasa
- First of all you become brahmana; then you can think properly. Where is your education as brahmana? Where is that brain? Eating all nasty things, and you become a brahmana? Therefore Krsna is go-brahmana-hitaya ca
- Formerly, without becoming a brahmana specially, they were not initiated. So in those days all the families were very pure. Therefore born of a brahmana father is understood that he has got the training of a brahmana. That is a facility
- From the muci platform if you want to become suci, really brahmana, purified, then you have to take to Krsna conscious
H
- He (Isvara Puri) accepted Govinda, although the boy was born in a sudra family. When Govinda was initiated, he became a brahmana and was accepted as Isvara Puri’s personal servant
- How is it, then, that Europeans and Americans will not become brahmanas? In fact, one who comes to Krsna consciousness has already surpassed brahmanism. As stated in Bhagavad-gita - 14.26
I
- I am training these European and American boys, most of them coming from Christian and Jewish families, and they are accepting to become a pure brahmana and then a pure sannyasi
- I do not know why you are so much worried about your son's accepting brahmanahood. Anyway, rest assured that your son will not be initiated in brahmanahood at least for one year henceforward, unless he is so prepared with your sanction
- I have come to this university with a hope that some of you become really brahmana. The Sanskrit department is meant for brahmanas
- Ideal stage of human perfection is to become a brahmana-vaisnava like Sudama Vipra
- If all the unqualified sudras become so-called brahmanas and ksatriyas, social order will be impossible to maintain. Thus there will be discrepancies, human society will turn into a society of animals, and the situation all over the world will be hellish
- If he understands that he's spirit soul, at least, then he becomes brahmana. Etad viditya. And one who does not understand, he is krpana. Krpana means miser. Brahmana means liberal. These are the sastric injunction
- If I become a brahmana and completely depend on Krsna, I do not conduct a business, but nonetheless my maintenance is supplied by Krsna
- If one becomes a Vaisnava through proper initiation, he automatically becomes a brahmana. There is no doubt about it. The Garuda Purana confirms this
- If one is born a sudra, he must continually return to the ocean of Puyoda to eat horrible things. Thus even a born sudra is expected to become a brahmana; that is the meaning of human life. Everyone should improve himself
- If somebody is claiming that "I am brahmana," then government should force him to become actually a brahmana. That is government's duty; that is secular state. Not that "Let people go to hell. We don't care for them." That is not required
- If someone from a non-brahmana family (for example, one born in a family of sudras) tries to become a brahmana by being properly qualified under the instruction of a bona fide spiritual master, these so-called brahmanas will object
- If the son of a brahmana does not become like a brahmana, he may be called a ksatriya, vaisya or sudra, according to his qualifications. The basic principle for dividing society is not a person's birth but his qualities and actions
- If we acquire the qualities of a brahmana and work as a brahmana, we become a brahmana. If we act as a dog and do the work of a dog, we become a dog. Nor should one think that simply because one is born as a brahmana, one is automatically a brahmana
- If we understand what is the meaning of becoming brahmana, what is the meaning of becoming ksatriya, what is the meaning of become a vaisya, and what is the meaning of becoming sudra...
- If you have got money, then you are big man. Never mind what you are. Therefore people are after money. Who is going to be brahmana? If you become a perfect brahmana, who will care for you? Nobody is interested to become a brahmana
- If you take up this Krsna consciousness movement, which is meant for the brahmanas, if you become brahmana by quality, then your, the Western nations will be... Especially in America, they'll be first-class nation
- In India they sometimes come to fight with me that I am making these papa-yoni, namely, the Europeans and Americans... They are considered by the rigid Hindus as a papa-yoni. "They cannot become"
- In our Krsna consciousness movement we are simply teaching our students to become fit brahmanas and Vaisnavas
- In the beginning we do not ask anybody to become initiated or a brahmana. No. We simply invite a person to join the chanting. This is our process. We should strictly follow this
- In the dynasty of Gadhi, the most powerful Visvamitra took birth. By dint of his austerity and penance, he became a brahmana. He had 101 sons, who were celebrated as the Madhucchandas
- In the Hari-bhakti-vilasa, Sri Sanatana Gosvami states that one who is initiated by a bona fide spiritual master immediately becomes a brahmana
- In the human form of life one should become a brahmana, which means that one should understand the constitutional position of the Absolute Truth, Brahman, and then engage in His service as a Vaisnava
- In the International Society for KC, those who are twice initiated so as to become brahmanas must bear in mind their great responsibility to be truthful, control the mind and senses, be tolerant, and so on. Then their life will be successful
- In the Kali-yuga almost everyone is a sudra. So how they can be interested? Therefore training should be given how to become brahmana. Then he'll be interested. Otherwise, nobody is interested
- In the Kali-yuga especially, there is no Vedic system of reformatory processes. It is the pancaratriki-vidhi, that anyone has got a little qualification for becoming brahmin, he is accepted by the spiritual master and is trained up
- In this Hari-bhakti-vilasa Sri Sanatana Gosvami gives definite instructions that by proper initiation by a bona fide spiritual master one can immediately become a brahmana
- In this regard (SB 3.33.6), Srila Jiva Gosvami has stated that to become a brahmana one has to wait for purification and undergo the sacred thread ceremony, but a chanter of the holy name does not have to wait for the sacred thread ceremony
- In this verse (SB 4.12.48) the word dvi janmanam means "of the twice-born." Anyone can join the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and be initiated to become twice-born
- It doesn't matter whether one is born a brahmana or not. No one is born a brahmana; everyone is born a sudra. But by the guidance of a brahmana and by samskara, one can become dvija, twice-born, and then gradually become a brahmana
- It is a mistake to educate every student as a technologist. There must be a group of students who become brahmanas. Without brahmanas who study the Vedic literature, human society will be entirely chaotic
- It is irrefutable that a candala, or any fallen or lowborn person, can become a brahmana simply by the method of bona fide initiation
- It is not a fact that because one is born in a brahmana family he is automatically a brahmana. He has a better chance to become a brahmana, but unless he meets all the brahminical qualifications, he cannot be accepted as such
- It is not possible to become a brahmana, sannyasi or Aryan without being properly qualified. Bhagavata-dharma never allows one to become a cheap brahmana, sannyasi or Aryan
- It is not required that everyone has to become brahmana. Neither it is possible. So if the brahmana and the sudra combine together, work, then both their lives will be perfect
- It is not that every man has to be made a brahmana after a year. Especially if one cannot even get up early and go to mangala arati he cannot become a brahmana. So consider it carefully before you recommend further men to me
- It is said that one should become a brahmana before one can understand the Vedic statements, and this stricture is as important as the stricture that no one shall become a lawyer who has not qualified himself as a graduate
- It is stated in the Vedic literature that by birth everyone is born a sudra, that by accepting the purificatory process one becomes twice-born, that by studying the Vedas one becomes a vipra, which is the preliminary qualification for becoming a brahmana
- It is the actual guidance that matters in the process of becoming a brahmana, even without change of body, or in going back to Godhead without change of body
- It is understood from the Ramayana that when Bibhisana became friends with Lord Ramacandra, he promised that if by chance or will he broke the laws of friendship with Lord Ramacandra, he would become a brahmana or a king in Kali-yuga
- It may be a tiny attempt, humble attempt, but our aim is how these dogs and cats will become brahmana. This is our aim. We do not want to keep them in the position of cats and dogs and pigs
J
- Just as being born the son of a big man affords one a chance to become a big man, so being born the son of a brahmana gives one a chance to become a brahmana
- Just like a boy born in a medical man's family, so he has got a chance, better chance, to become a medical man. Similarly, a boy born in a brahmin family, he has got better chance to become a brahmin
- Just like we are going to open this brahmacari school, or asrama, but I am doubtful whether we'll get many children. Because in this age people are interested to become sudras. Nobody is interested to become brahmana
K
- Kamsya is mixture of copper and tin, bell metal. When it is properly treated with mercury, it becomes gold. Similarly, a human being properly treated by initiation, he becomes a brahmana
- Krsna consciousness movement is giving this great opportunity to the human society. They're training them how to become a brahmin. We are giving them all important Vedic literature, translated into English and other
N
- Nobody is interested to become brahmana. They are interested to become dogs and hogs. That is their interest
- Nobody is prepared to become brahmana, and so far cow protection is concerned, it is in the oblivion. This is the whole world position. Therefore it is in chaotic condition
- Not by birth one becomes brahmana, and working less than a sudra, and he is still brahmana. This is not. . . This is nonsense. One must be guna-karma-vibhagasah (BG 4.13). The society is divided according to the quality he is working, accordingly
- Not that because he is born in that dog-eater's family he cannot become a brahmin. No. This is not the Vedic injunction
- Not to speak of becoming a brahmana, the person who fully engages in bhakti-yoga attains the highest transcendental platform
- Now you cannot again introduce this system of varnasrama. It is not possible. But if one takes to Krsna consciousness, automatically he becomes immediately a brahmana and above the brahmana
O
- One can acquire the respective qualifications by one's own efforts, and thus the son of a Vaisnava can become a mleccha or the son of a candala can become more than a brahmana, all in terms of their association and intimate relation with the Supreme Lord
- One can become a brahmana and see the Lord as He is
- One can become brahmana. If he gets association of a brahmana, if he agrees to be trained up by a brahmana, he can become brahmana. And brahmana means brahma janati iti brahmana, not by birth. Anyone who has full knowledge of the Supreme, he is brahmana
- One famous Marquess told one of my Godbrothers, "Please make me a brahmana." My Godbrother said, - Yes, it is not a very difficult thing. Simply give up these bad habits - intoxication, illicit sex, meat-eating and gambling. Then you can become a brahmana
- One has to approach the spiritual master. He will give direction that "This boy is meant for becoming a brahmana." Everyone has got some tendency. From the tendency it should be designated. Or by work
- One must come to the platform of a Vaisnava. Then he automatically becomes a brahmana. This can be done only if the Krsna consciousness movement is spread, for we are trying to elevate everyone to the platform of Vaisnava
- One needs to be trained to become a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or sudra, just as one is trained to become an engineer, doctor or lawyer
- One should not be satisfied simply by taking birth by the father and mother. One should be anxious to take his twice-born, to become twice-born, brahmana
- One who is properly trained and initiated by a bona fide spiritual master immediately becomes a brahmana. Sometimes those born in brahmana families protest this, but they have no strong arguments against this principle
- One who is situated in the impersonal Brahman and has no information of the Supreme Personality of Godhead may become a brahmana, but he cannot become a spiritual master
- One who is unable to become a brahmin, let him become ksatriya. If he cannot become ksatriya, let him become a vaisya. Otherwise let him remain a sudra. But there should be ideal class, brahmin. So we are trying to create an ideal society of brahmin
- One who seriously comes to us, he has to become a brahmana. So he has to adopt the occupation of a brahmana, and he has to give up the occupation of a ksatriya or a sudra
- One who stops these four principles of sinful activity (meat-eating, intoxication, illicit sex and gambling) and chants the Hare Krsna maha-mantra can certainly become a pure brahmana through the process of bona fide initiation
- Our business is to become a Brahmin. Don't think that Brahmins are produced only in India. No. Brahmin can be produced any part of the world. Simply by knowing Brahma, he can become Brahmin
- Our Krsna consciousness movement is to bring some men on the platform of goodness. The world requires it now. You are being trained up to become qualified brahmins. So be always careful that you may not contact the quality of passion and ignorance
S
- Satyakama was born of a maidservant, but he wanted to become brahmin. So he went to Gautama Muni: "Sir, make me your disciple." In those days, Vaidic brahminical culture, without becoming brahmin, he cannot be initiated
- Simply by understanding Krsna as He is, as described in Bhagavad-gita (janma karma ca me divyam evam yo vetti tattvatah (BG 4.9)), one becomes a perfect brahmana. The brahmana who knows Krsna perfectly well is always in a transcendental position
- Simply studying Vedic literature will not do. Brahma janatiti brahmanah. He must realize what is Brahman. Then he becomes brahmana. Brahmana is a qualification. It is not by birth
- So the Vedic process is that, from the low-grade position, to bring the human society to the highest, topmost position. Generally it is... The first, topmost position is to become a brahmana in the society
- So we are training, especially, our students to become qualified brahmanas. We cannot take up all other department
- Society must be divided in the material stage of this brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra. And gradually, everyone should be educated to become brahmana. Athato brahma jijnasa. Brahma-bhutah. Then he will understand what is bhakti
- Sometimes envious people ask how Europeans and Americans in this Krsna consciousness movement can become brahmanas and perform sacrifices. They do not know that the Europeans and Americans have already been purified by chanting the holy name of the Lord
- Sri Sanatana Gosvami says: As bell metal is turned to gold when mixed with mercury in an alchemical process, so one who is properly trained and initiated by a bona fide spiritual master immediately becomes a brahmana
- Such a stricture (to become a brahmana) is not an impediment in the path of progress for anyone and everyone, but it is necessary for an unqualified understanding of a particular science
T
- That depends on the individual process of chanting, but this remark of Sridhara Svami's is completely applicable if one chants the holy name of the Lord without offense, for he immediately becomes more than a brahmana
- The acarya will pick up that "They are meant for becoming brahmanas. They are meant for ksatriyas." Or for coming from ksatriya family, or the brahmana family... So first of all, these varnas, then asrama
- The beginning mantra is the Gayatri mantra. Therefore, after purification, when one is qualified to become a brahmana (dvija), he is offered the Gayatri mantra
- The demons, instead of utilizing the good opportunity, misused the brahminical culture due to being puffed up by vanity in becoming brahmanas
- The duty of a brahmana is to become learned in the Vedic literature and teach the Vedic knowledge to other brahmanas. In our Krsna consciousness movement we are simply teaching our students to become fit brahmanas and Vaisnavas
- The dvija-bandhu, or the less intelligent, uncultured men born of higher castes, put forward many arguments against the lower-caste men becoming brahmanas in this life
- The fourth grade of man is the laborer class. They have no capacity either to become brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya. They have to take shelter of somebody and must be satisfied with the wages he takes from that
- The idea is that any man may be given the chance to become a brahmana, but if he improperly uses the position of a brahmana without actual realization, then his elevation to the brahminical position is not valid
- The original system is that a brahmana should actually become a brahmana; he should not only take birth in a brahmana family, but must also be qualified
- The seminal brahmanas in India, who say that one can become a brahmana only if born in a brahmana family, charge us with ruining the Hindu system of religion. Of course, the fact is that one becomes a brahmana by qualification
- The smartas, they are thinking like that, "How these mlecchas and yavanas can become a brahmana?" But they do not know that by Krsna consciousness one can jump over. Mayam etam taranti te. Daivi hy esa gunamayi mama maya duratyaya. Maya is very strong
- The society requires to train a certain class of men to become brahmanas. Just like we are training the Krsna conscious. The Krsna consciousness is meant for the brahmanas
- The society requires to train a certain class of men to become brahmin. Just like we are training the Krsna conscious. The Krsna consciousness is meant for the brahmins. They are not meant for fighting
- The son must take advantage of the father's qualification and thus become a brahmana or medical practitioner, and not otherwise
- The son of a brahmana has a good chance to become a brahmana by the direction of his qualified father, as a son of a medical practitioner has a very good chance to become a qualified medical practitioner. So the caste system is quite scientific
- The son of a brahmana is generally expected to become a brahmana, but if such a son becomes fierce like a ksatriya, he is designated according to the description of the four varnas in Bhagavad-gita, catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah BG 4.13
- The stereotyped, crippled idea that only a person born in a brahmana family can become a brahmana has killed Vedic civilization, but now we are reviving the correct understanding that the attainment of perfection is meant for everyone
- The ultimate aim is acyutatmatvam - to think always of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, or Visnu. To make advancement in Krsna consciousness, one has to become a brahmana, with the above-mentioned (in SB 7.11.21) symptoms
- The varnasrama college is required to train people who is able to become a brahmin who is able to become a ksatriya, who is able to become . . . in this way division must be. And according to the quality and work there must be division for cooperation
- The Veda is not so cheap thing. Without becoming a brahmana, nobody can understand a Veda, what is Veda. Therefore, it is restricted. Without becoming brahmana, nobody is allowed to study Vedas
- The verdict of the Vedic scriptures is that no one becomes a brahmana or a mleccha simply by birth; by birth everyone is accepted as a sudra. One has to elevate himself by the purificatory process to the stage of brahminical life
- The words sthane sthitah mean "remaining in the varnasrama-dharma." Even a sudra can understand what is Brahman, and in that case he becomes a brahmana automatically. It is necessary that one hear attentively. That is all
- There are many examples of yogis who practiced austerities but did not emerge completely pure. Visvamitra Muni, for example, was a ksatriya who wanted to become a brahmana and therefore began to practice austerity
- There are many so-called svamis and yogis who tell their disciples that they can do anything and still advance spiritually, but this is not possible. One has to become a pure brahmana, control the mind and senses and discuss the SPG among sadhus
- There is a persistent misunderstanding between caste brahmanas and advanced Vaisnavas, or gosvamis, because caste brahmanas, or smartas, are of the opinion that one cannot become a brahmana unless he changes his body
- There should be a training how to become brahmana, how to become ksatriya, how to become vaisya. And the government should see that everyone, as he is trained up, he is working according to his quality and occupational duty
- There was a quarrel between him (Visvamitra Muni) and a rsi. So he saw the extraordinary power of the rsi, and he wanted to become a brahmin. So he began austerity
- Therein he (Sanatana Gosvami) has clearly stated that any person who is properly initiated into the Vaisnava cult certainly becomes a brahmana, as much as the metal known as kamsa (bell metal) is turned into gold by the mixture of mercury
- These histories (of Parasurama and Visvamitra) confirm the statements in sastra that a brahmana may become a ksatriya, a ksatriya may become a brahmana or vaisya, and a vaisya may become a brahmana, by achieving the required qualities
- They (sudras) have no intelligence to become brahmin, neither to become ksatriya, administrator, or to occupy political powers; neither they have energy to become very rich businessmen or industrialists. Therefore they are called fourth-class men
- They have no brain to become brahmana or to become ksatriya or vaisya, they are called sudras. And sudra's business is to serve the other upper three classes, laborer, worker classes, and satisfied with some service
- This (following the Vedic principles of no intoxication, gambling, meat-eating, or illicit Sex) then is the purificatory process by which one can become a brahmana. This path is open to everyone
- This (schools and colleges to train students to become brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas, sudras, brahmacaris, grhasthas, vanaprasthas and sannyasis) will provide the preliminary condition for good citizenship - varnasrama-gunan-vitah
- This inclination towards Vedic wisdom is also not restricted to any particular caste or community. Anyone from any family and from any part of the world may become inclined to the Vedic wisdom, and that will qualify him as a real brahmana
- This is the success of our movement - that our devotees are becoming brahmanas
- This Krsna consciousness movement is meant for creating some brahmanas, or the most intelligent class of men. There is no hindrance. Anyone can become brahmana. Just like in education anyone can become engineer
- This Krsna consciousness movement is trying to do that, trying everyone to become a bona fide brahmana. Without becoming a brahmana you cannot become Vaisnava. So this reformatory process is recommended in the sastras
- This Krsna consciousness movement is trying to raise the standard of the human society to become brahmana from the position of krpana. This is the attempt. It may be a tiny attempt, humble attempt, but our aim is how these dogs & cats will become brahmana
- This wrong caste system should be abolished, and training centers should be opened how to train a person to become brahmana or to become ksatriya
- Those who are twice initiated so as to become brahmanas must bear in mind their great responsibility to be truthful, control the mind and senses, be tolerant, and so on. It was such brahmanas that Nanda Maharaja invited to chant the Vedic hymns
- Thus a brahmana is not a result of the caste system. He becomes a brahmana only by qualification. Similarly, a Vaisnava does not belong to a particular caste; rather, his designation is determined by the rendering of devotional service
- Thus a Vaisnava automatically becomes a brahmana. This idea is also supported by Sanatana Gosvami in his book Hari-bhakti-vilasa, which is the Vaisnava guide
- To be brahmin means spiritually graduate, and vipra means spiritually intermediate, and initiation means spiritually he is school leaving certificate, and to become a Vaisnava means to pass M.A. examination in spiritual science
- To become a brahmana by a birthright claim is not at all bona fide, although it may be a fulfillment of one of the conditions
- To become a brahmana means to be always clean outside by regular cleanliness and inside by chanting the Hare Krishna maha mantra
- To become a brahmana means to become a first-class prisoner, that's all. Our point of view is not to become a first-class prisoner, but to get out of the prison: that is Vaisnava vision
- To become a brahmin means first of all, he must know what is Brahman and he must be actually situated in the activities of Brahman
- To become brahmana one must be clean outside and inside. Outside by regularly bathing and inside by always chanting Hare Krishna
- To become Vaisnava is not so easy thing. One has to become brahmana, then when he surpasses the stages of becoming brahmana, then he becomes Vaisnava. Suddha-sattva
- To know God means he must become a brahmana, real, qualified brahmana. Therefore brahmana is respected. Because, brahma-janatiti brahmana. But there is no law. Lawless country. Therefore one is passing as a brahmana without any knowledge of Brahman
- To understand Vedic literature one has to become a brahmana or a ksatriya. Even in vaisya stage or sudra stage no possible, not possible. Vaisya stage, little, but in brahmana stage and ksatriya stage people are intelligent
U
- Under certain percentage we have got independence. And that independence we can use properly or misuse it also. When we misuse, then we become krpana, the miser. And when we use it properly, then we become brahmana
- Unless you know God, unless you know Krsna, you cannot engage yourself fully, devoutly, in the service of the Lord. Krsna is unlimited. It is not possible to know Him fully. But if you understand Him slightly then you become a brahmin
V
- Vipra means one who is fully conversant with Vedic knowledge. He is called vipra. For spiritual elevation there are gradual evolutionary stages. So vipra stage is just before becoming a qualified brahmana
- Vipratve sutram eva hi (SB 12.2.3): to become a brahmana means a thread, a two-cent worth, one thread. That's all. This is going on. These are all foretold
- Visvamitra and Vasistha were always inimical. Formerly, Visvamitra was a ksatriya, and by undergoing severe austerities he wanted to become a brahmana, but Vasistha would not agree to accept him. In this way there was always disagreement between the two
- Visvamitra was a ksatriya, and by undergoing severe austerities he wanted to become a brahmana, but Vasistha would not agree to accept him. In this way there was always disagreement between the two
- Visvamitra was defeated by the spiritual strength of Vasistha, and thus the King decided to become a brahmana. Before becoming a brahmana he underwent severe austerity on the bank of the Kausika
W
- We are not introducing caste system, that any rascal born in a brahmana family, he becomes a brahmana. We don't accept that. A man who is first-class trained up to become a brahmana, we accept him. It doesn't matter whether he is India, Europe or America
- We are soliciting, "Please come here in this Hare Krsna Land and just become a brahmana-vaisnava, and we shall try to serve you by giving you good place," but nobody is coming. Therefore it is very difficult to revive the old varnasrama-dharma culture
- We are training our boys to become brahmanas, to refrain from four kinds of sinful activities, to take bath, to take this, take that. And above all, chanting Hare Krsna. Ceto-darpana-marjanam (CC Antya 20.12), cleansing of all sinful activities
- We shall be the brahmana. That should be our... And there is no restriction. Don't think that because you are born in America, you cannot become a brahmana. No, you can become a brahmana. There is no restriction
- We should not think that everyone has to become a brahmana. For example you are developing a farm there; so those who work the farm do not necessarily have to be a brahmana if they are not inclined to the brahminical standards
- What is the aim of varnasrama? Simply by becoming a brahmana he's successful? No. Nobody can become successful unless he satisfies Krsna. That is real success. Just like Arjuna did. By the military art, he satisfied Krsna
- When a ksatriya or brahmana adopts the occupation or duty of a vaisya (krsi-go-raksya-vanijyam (BG 18.44)), he is certainly counted as a vaisya. On the other hand, if one is born a vaisya, by his activities he can become a brahmana
- When a person is initiated, it is assumed that he has become a brahmana; without being initiated by a proper brahmana, one cannot be converted into a brahmana. In other words, unless one is a brahmana, he cannot make another a brahmana
- When one is realized in that way that, "I am eternal servant of Krsna," he does not require to be a brahmin or sudra. He transcends. He is postgraduate. So long he does not realize that, he has to follow varnasrama-dharma. Otherwise, he is not civilized
- Without becoming brahmana nobody can make spiritual progress. That is the door of spiritual knowledge
- Without becoming brahmana, nobody can understand what is Krsna or what is Krsna consciousness
- Without becoming brahmin, nobody can become guru. That is also fact. Because brahmin means brahma janatiti brahmanah, one who knows Brahman, Brahman. So guru must be a brahmin, mean a qualified brahmin, not born-brahmin
- Without being qualified, one cannot become a brahmana or medical practitioner, and that is the verdict of all scriptures and social orders
- Without Vedic knowledge, nobody can become a brahmana. Veda-pathad bhaved vipro brahma janatiti brahmanah. And by Vedic knowledge, when one understands Brahman, the Absolute Truth, he becomes brahmana
Y
- You are all initiated to become brahmin. You have become brahmin. Don't become false brahmin. Real Brahmin. It is not by birth; it is by education, by practice, by knowledge
- You are being trained up to become qualified brahmanas. So be always careful that you may not contact the quality of passion and ignorance. Passion and ignorance will induce you... Kama lobha, lust and greediness
- You are going to be brahmana, qualified brahmana, this sacred thread ceremony; therefore you should follow all these principles, satyam, saucam, cleanliness...
- You have to act like a brahmin, and you have to acquire the qualification of a brahmin. Then you can become a brahmin. There is no impediment. Never mind wherever you were born. That doesn't matter
- You have to be trained up how to become first-class brain. That is brahmana. You have to become truthful, you have to become controller of the senses, you have to become fully aware of things, of God, everything, full knowledge, then you become brain
- You may be sannyasi or may be grhastha or may be brahmacari or a brahmana, a ksatriya, or vaisya, sudra. Never mind. Try to satisfy Krsna. Try to please Krsna. Then your life is successful. Otherwise, you are pramatta, mad