According to Hinduism, Brahma means absolute truth. The Brahmins were named because their single most important goal was to strive toward understanding absolute truth, writes Dr. A. V. Srinivasan. It entailed a certain level of intellect and objectivity. Brahmins were known as people who were brilliant and compassionate. They had an intimate connection with society, which helped them to reform society and to play the role of leaders, notes Srinivasan.
Description
The Brahmins were the "high caste"' persons who ate foods to promote the purity of the body, mind and spirit, says Sylvia Escott-Stump, author of "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care." She points out that Brahmins feasting days would follow the lunar calendar and they would avoid foods that stimulate their senses, such as garlic or onions. Staying on a complete vegetarian diet helped in fasting and refraining from certain foods.
Vegetarianism
Brahmins believe that killing an innocent animal for the purpose of filling up your stomach develops bad karma, with harmful consequences states Jayaram V in "Hinduism and Food." If you eat sattvic food, or pure food, you will become a sattvic being. "If we eat heat rajastic food (hot and spicy) we become rajastic (ambitious, temperamental, egoistic, etc)," notes Jayaram V. The Brahmins also they believed that if you eat animal or unhealthy foods, you will develop animalistic and a lazy nature. However, some Brahmins may eat certain types of meat, but mainly stick to roots or plant foods; fruits, vegetables and rice.
A Gift
Brahmins believe that food is a present from God and should be treated with immense respect. Food was considered an element of earth and must be worshipped or blessed, especially before eating. If it is eaten for survival and strength of the body, and with a religious attitude, it leads you to self-control and help in the liberation of your soul, says Jayaram V. Brahmins always thanked God for their food and think that food eaten mainly for pleasure leads your soul into bondage and suffering.
Rituals With Food
Brahmins hold rituals for food, such as a celebration for a child's first feeding and offering food at a funeral so departed souls would have food for their journeys. They believed it was important to eat food in a clean place and sprinkle water around it. It was meant to purify the food and make it worthy to the gods, claims Jayaram V. The Hindu people had rituals for the Brahmins as well, offering food in five vital breaths, otherwise known as pranas, with the Brahman seated in the middle. Food was also served to guests and poor people during festive occasions, notes Jayaram V.
Fasting
Fasting took a role in the Brahmins' diet and was meant to cleanse the body of impurities. It also was believed to clean out the mind and spirit and develop pure qualities. It is regarded as a ritual and done on special occasions to honor and show respect to the gods and earn penance. It was completed through a vegetarian diet or by abstaining from certain foods.
References
- Dr. A.V. Srinivasan: Who is a Brahmin
- Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care; Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2007
- Hinduism, Food and Fasting
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